Driving in Thailand- 4
Most countries have driving schools, both for novice learners and advanced performance drivers.
In the UK, for example, you have to take an on-the-road test with a government-appointed examiner and pass a simple written exam. Prior to that, you can learn the craft of driving either by being accompanied by a qualified driver or attending a driving school. Most, but not all, schools are registered and are required to have high standards.
The average cost of lessons is between £25 and £60 per hour. Learners will typically pay between £1,125 and £2,700 for a complete course to prepare for the test.
In Thailand, tests are not carried out on ordinary roads. You need to watch a video on safe driving and to pass colour blindness and eyesight tests.
You’re not tested on your understanding of the video. You just wait a few minutes, pay a small fee, and walk away with your licence.
Thais actually learn to ride or drive by watching their parents. Seated behind the handlebars of Mum or Dad’s bike, that’s how they learn how to drive in Thailand.
Advanced Driving Techniques that would Help Improve Safety on Thai Roads and Reduce the Appalling Daily Death Toll.
I had intended adding some observations to this article illustrating the dangerous, and often fatal, incidents that happen on Thai roads.
But, I then stumbled on an excellent video by Ally Taylor on what he called “Death by Design”. So, I will discuss those advanced driving techniques, and the cultural reasons why Thais have a different approach to driving than Westerners in a separate article, Driving in Thailand 5
That article will give a running commentary of Ally’s 23-minute video. Take a look now.
