First, even though the Dept of Land Transport (DLT) offices have opened again and are issuing and renewing Thai driving licenses, it seems one needs to use a smart phone App to book an appointment -
The app can be downloaded from the App Store (iPhones) or the Google Play Store (Android phones) by searching for DLT Smart Queue.
Second, the person with the Pattaya City Expats Club that provides driving license assistance tells me that without evidence of a booking at the DLT, Jomtien Immigration will not issue the Certificate of Residence (the DLT will also accept a certification from a person's Embassy in Bangkok may or Work Permit, provided the Permit is one that lists a person's address). However, based on the news article, the DLT is limiting the number of applicants they will accept each day - so without pre-booking, even if they have the Embassy letter or acceptable Work Permit to show their address, without a booking, they may not be able to get in to apply.
Third, a close friend of mine who will soon need to renew his 5 year license tells me he downloaded the App (android version), but when he opens the App, selects Log In by Passport ID, nothing happens - no screen appears to enter information. I mentioned to him that maybe - just a hunch on my part - the DLT wants to give priority to the many Thais out there that need to renew their license and may have not activated the ability to book if one is using their passport to log in - would they do that
My bf needs to renew his driving license, so he downloaded the App this morning to his iPhone, selected Thai language, and then logged in with his Thai ID, a screen did appear to enter information to get a booking (he has not decided yet on when he wants to go, so he did not proceed with making a booking).