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Current process for obtaining a Khmer driving license

Posted: Sat Sep 18, 2021 8:58 pm
by Chad Sexington
Is anybody up to speed with the current process / documentation requirements etc. for obtaining a Cambodian driving license for a car?
I’m contemplating purchasing a car and want to keep everything legal and above board regarding registration and insurance.
My current driving license and my passport were not issued by the same country (UK passport Norwegian license)
Thanks in advance for any helpful advice.

Re: Current process for obtaining a Khmer driving license

Posted: Sat Sep 18, 2021 9:22 pm
by paul2d
Instructions for obtaining Driver License from Cambodian Ministry of Public Works and Transport: https://www.mpwt.gov.kh/en/public-servi ... -s-license

Best of luck.

Re: Current process for obtaining a Khmer driving license

Posted: Sat Sep 18, 2021 9:37 pm
by PSD-Kiwi
As your passport and DL are not issued by the same country, you cannot convert to a Cambodian DL, you will have to sit the test. The bright side of sitting the test is that you get a 10 year license.

Re: Current process for obtaining a Khmer driving license

Posted: Sat Sep 18, 2021 9:43 pm
by Ryan754326
Is it true that you don’t need a license for 125cc or less?

Re: Current process for obtaining a Khmer driving license

Posted: Sat Sep 18, 2021 9:44 pm
by Chad Sexington
PSD-Kiwi wrote: Sat Sep 18, 2021 9:37 pm As your passport and DL are not issued by the same country, you cannot convert to a Cambodian DL, you will have to sit the test. The bright side of sitting the test is that you get a 10 year license.
Does that have to happen in PP? Or is it possible to take the test in Sihanoukville or Kampot?

Re: Current process for obtaining a Khmer driving license

Posted: Sat Sep 18, 2021 11:13 pm
by PSD-Kiwi
Testing only in PP, unless there has been recent changes. See the step-by-step guides below courtesy of CNM Motors...




Re: Current process for obtaining a Khmer driving license

Posted: Sun Sep 19, 2021 8:28 am
by phuketrichard
PSD-Kiwi wrote: Sat Sep 18, 2021 9:37 pm As your passport and DL are not issued by the same country, you cannot convert to a Cambodian DL, you will have to sit the test. The bright side of sitting the test is that you get a 10 year license.
unless you over something like 50 or 60 than its one year
hence reason i dont give a fuck to posses a Cambodia DL, My thai license is accepted for ASEAN countries an it good for 6 years and only cost me $16

As to it being accepted by the cops,
over the past 15 years driving here i'd say if i get stopped by an English speaking cop, its accepted, Khmer speaking $5-20 fine which i can live with

Re: Current process for obtaining a Khmer driving license

Posted: Sun Sep 19, 2021 8:47 am
by armchairlawyer
I know someone who just got his 10 year. He's in his late 50s.
He had to get his residency certificate from the sangkat.
He had to pass the theory test.
He passed his practical at the fourth attempt. There are some difficult manoevures. Seats and mirrors cannot be adjusted.
You can pay to do an hour of practice before the test. You need to figure out (or be told) the tips for getting the manoevures right.
Btw, if anyone says they did it and it's easy. Yes it was but it's different now. They have a special test centre only for foreigners.
My friend took a Khmer-speaking helper.
All-in cost about $300.

Re: Current process for obtaining a Khmer driving license

Posted: Sun Sep 19, 2021 10:04 am
by PSD-Kiwi
phuketrichard wrote: Sun Sep 19, 2021 8:28 am unless you over something like 50 or 60 than its one year
I believe 10 year licenses aren't issued to those aged 60+...don't quote me in that though.

Re: Current process for obtaining a Khmer driving license

Posted: Sun Sep 19, 2021 10:36 am
by AndyKK
Ryan754326 wrote: Sat Sep 18, 2021 9:43 pm Is it true that you don’t need a license for 125cc or less?
Under 125cc the license was abolished some years back, the reason being it was difficult for people living in rural areas to travel too Phnom Penh to take their tests too obtain a license, but that is obviously a law aimed at Khmers. You can ride a moto under 125cc but for foreigners it will always be a gray area.