Gilmore wrote: ↑Sun Oct 15, 2017 8:16 am As I have been through the entire process, my experiences may be useful.
In 2009, I decided to apply for a Cambodian driver's licence, after a couple of nasty experiences with the vultures that patrol Norodom Bvd. As my Australian licence had expired, I had no choice, except to go through their system.
At that time, licences were only issued for 5 years, though conditions may have changed since. All applicants were required to show proof that they had completed a driver training course at an approved Cambodian driving school. I paid a course fee of $160 to a Phnom Penh company, but didn't take any lessons, as I was already a very experienced driver. They arranged an appointment at the testing centre on the northern outskirts and sent a guy from the company to accompany me and assist.
On arriving, I was told I had to first take a written test, along with 6 other foreigners, all Asian, who were there for the same purpose.
The test was in English and consisted of about 30 multiple choice questions, based on Cambodian road rules. I had no knowledge of any Cambodian road rules, but was assured by the guy from the driving school it wouldn't be a problem, as I had already paid a "processing fee"of about $35. Sure enough, we were told shortly after the test that we had all passed.
We were then taken to the testing circuit. The test consisted of making a reverse right angled turn, followed by a short trip around a block, which included a left hand turn at a traffic light. It concluded with a reverse park into a marked space.
We were told to watch a demonstration by one of the testers and follow his example. The demonstrator managed to fuck up almost every task, mounting the gutter twice while reversing and failing to indicate at the lights. We all followed his example by making errors. I stuffed up my first reverse park attempt, as I was unused to the testing vehicle. We were then told we had all passed. I asked a Chinese applicant if they used a similar system there. He just shook his head and laughed.
After a short wait of about 30 minutes, I received my 5 year licence, which cost about $25. I made a 5 year renewal in 2014, with no further tests required, but was told that when the licence expires in 2019, I will have to renew annually.
Conditions may have changed since then, but it gives you some idea of what to expect.