Grab has stepped up its efforts to encourage drivers providing ride-hailing services on its platform to obtain a Public Driver’s License (PDL) and register their cars or motorcycles as “ride-hailing service vehicles via an electronic system” (Ror Yor 18), in compliance with Department of Land Transport (DLT) regulations. Key initiatives include offering incentives and benefits to motivate drivers, coordinating with the DLT to allow license and registration processing outside of official working hours, and deploying dedicated teams to assist drivers with documentation and procedures at DLT offices across five key provinces. Currently, tens of thousands of Grab drivers already hold a PDL.

App-based drivers, however, are calling on authorities to revise regulations and simplify procedures, particularly the requirement that only vehicle owners are eligible to register since this restriction limits opportunities for drivers to earn income. Many have proposed a fully digitalized registration system, similar to those implemented in other countries, as well as greater process flexibility to encourage more drivers to register — enabling more Thais to generate income from providing transportation services during the current economic slowdown.

Chantsuda Thananitayaudom, Country Head of Grab Thailand, commented: “Since 2022, Grab has launched this programme to encourage drivers on our platform — whether GrabCar or GrabBike — to apply for a Public Driver’s License and register their vehicles for Ror Yor 18. This ensures that our drivers comply with DLT regulations and guidelines from the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA).

“Over the past few years, we have implemented continuous initiatives to motivate and support drivers in obtaining a PDL, which is a prerequisite for registering a ride-hailing vehicle electronically. These include arranging special registration slots where drivers can submit documents, complete background checks, attend training, and take the written exam. We also provide staff to guide drivers through documentation and facilitate every step of the process at DLT offices — particularly in key provinces such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Chonburi, and Khon Kaen — as well as at Grab Mini Centres in other provinces. In addition, we offer incentives and benefits worth up to THB 7,000 to encourage participation. As a result, tens of thousands of drivers nationwide now hold a PDL.”

Despite this progress, vehicle registration under Ror Yor 18 remains a significant challenge across the industry. Feedback from drivers indicates that certain requirements make the process unnecessarily complicated. The most critical barrier is the vehicle ownership requirement: only vehicle owners are allowed to register. This creates obstacles for drivers whose vehicles are still under financing (and registered under the finance company’s name), as well as those renting electric taxis or motorcycles from fleet operators (where the company is listed as the owner). These restrictions deter many drivers from registering. Relaxing these requirements could encourage more drivers to join the system, creating sustainable income opportunities for Thais.

An app-based ride-hailing driver, Worawut Wansoongnern, shared his perspective: “Most drivers genuinely want to register and operate legally so they can serve passengers with peace of mind. However, the limited time frames and complexity of the process prevent many from registering. On behalf of drivers, I would like to request that authorities extend registration deadlines and review certain requirements to make participation easier. This is especially crucial during the current economic downturn, as living costs continue to rise. Supporting drivers in this way would also help stimulate the national economy.”

“One solution that could benefit drivers and support government efforts is the adoption of digital technology to streamline processes. Malaysia provides a good example, with a similar context to Thailand. The Malaysian Ministry of Transport has implemented a fully digital vehicle registration process via a mobile application, making it easier and more flexible for drivers to register. For example, vehicle type codes are stored digitally in the government system rather than printed in the physical registration book, and the transfer of second-hand vehicles is based on a roadworthiness certificate rather than printed details. These measures have successfully encouraged more drivers to register,” Chantsuda added.

“If Thailand were to implement a similar system, it would benefit the entire industry and open opportunities for many drivers. Grab stands ready to collaborate with relevant authorities to co-develop a registration process that is convenient and tailored to the nature of ride-hailing platforms — ultimately enabling more Thais to legally provide passenger transport services and earn a living.”