How to Get a Vietnamese Driving License
Updated 1743740546
Getting a Vietnamese driving license is a very important step and very much worth the effort. It will mean that you can drive legally on the roads and also that you will be covered by your health insurance. Not only this but you will not be instantly blamed for 3rd party damages in the event of a collision. Here’s all you need to know.
Contents
The Driving Test for Foreigners Living in Vietnam.
For those from overseas residing within Vietnam, obtaining a local driving permit is a relatively straightforward process. You need to be 18 years or over and have been living, working, or pursuing education in Vietnam for 3 months or more. This means you need a Temporary Residency Permit (TRC).
Documentation Required
The required documentation for the Vietnamese driving test includes:
– A photocopy of your passport and visa, confirming a stay of at least three months.
– A completed application form for driver’s license study and testing, available at the Department of Transportation.
– A health certificate issued by an authorized medical facility, as per regulatory guidelines (conducted on-site at the registration location).
– Four passport-sized photographs (3×4) with a blue backdrop.
While the Vietnamese driving test is not overly complex, proficiency in the Vietnamese language is essential, as all national theory exams are conducted in Vietnamese. Foreign applicants undergo the same testing regimen as Vietnamese citizens.
The theoretical component involves a computer-based exam consisting of 25 questions, with a passing score of 21 correct answers.
The practical component involves operating a vehicle with manual transmission for the B1 (car) license, a semi automatic transmission for the A1(motorbike) license and a manual transmission for the A2 Motorbike over 150cc) license.
Fees Payable
You can apply for enrollment and testing at any driver training center operated by the Department of Transportation. The fees for issuing a license to a foreign national are equivalent to those for domestic applicants:
Theory exam:
Two-wheeled motorcycle license: 60,000 VND per attempt.
Automobile license: 90,000 VND per attempt.
Practical exam:
Two-wheeled motorcycle license: 70,000 VND per attempt.
Automobile license: 300,000 VND per attempt.
Recognition of Existing Foreign Driving Licenses
Should you have a valid driving license from your home country along with a 1968 convention International Driving Permit, you are permitted to drive in Vietnam. However, this is technically only for the first 3 months of your stay. Therefore, you need to convert this to a Vietnamese equivalent.
Criteria and Procedures
The criteria and procedures are as follows:
– The applicant must have been a resident, worker, or student in Vietnam for a minimum of three months.
– The foreign license must retain all essential information, including validity period and vehicle class, and exhibit no signs of alteration or damage.
– Temporary foreign licenses and international driving permits alone are not eligible for conversion.
The validity of a Vietnamese driving license issued through conversion is determined by:
– The duration stipulated on the entry visa or temporary residence card.
– The expiration date of the foreign driving license, not exceeding the maximum term for a Vietnamese license.
The Conversion Process
The conversion process requires:
– A completed driver’s license conversion application form (specifically for foreign nationals).
– A Vietnamese translation of the foreign driving license, certified by a notary public or the respective embassy/consulate in Vietnam.
– A photocopy of the applicant’s passport (including personal details and visa).
– A copy of one of the following documents: residence card, temporary residence card, permanent residence card, document certifying permanent residence in Vietnam.
Where to Apply
Applications can be submitted in person at the following Department of Transportation offices:
– Hanoi – No. 2 Duong Phung Hung, Van Quan, Ha Dong, Ha Noi or No. 16 Cao Ba Quat Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
– Hue – No. 10 Phan Boi Chau, Vinh Ninh, Hue
– Da Nang – No. 24 Duong Tran Phu, Thach Thang, Hai Chau
– Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – No. 63 Ly Tu Trong, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
FAQ
I have an international driving permit (IDP). Can I use it in Vietnam?
While an IDP (1968 convention) can be useful for short-term visits, Vietnam requires you to either convert your existing license or take the Vietnamese driving test for longer stays.
Do I need to speak Vietnamese to take the driving test?
Yes, the theory test is conducted in Vietnamese, so a basic understanding is essential.
Can I use my motorcycle license from my home country to ride a motorcycle in Vietnam?
Not directly. You’ll need to either use it in conjunction with an IDP 1968, for short term, convert it to a Vietnamese license or take the Vietnamese motorcycle driving test.
What documents do I need to bring to convert my foreign driving license?
You’ll need your passport, visa, foreign driving license (with a certified Vietnamese translation), a residence document, and an application form.
How long is a Vietnamese driving license valid for if I convert my foreign license?
The validity will depend on your visa or temporary residence card’s duration, or the expiration date of your foreign license, whichever is shorter, and it won’t exceed the normal Vietnamese license validity.
Get your Vietnamese Driving License
Getting your driving license in Vietnam is an essential thing to do if you’re living here long-term. Whether you need to take the test or swap your old license, there’s a system in place. Gather your papers, brush up on your Vietnamese (especially for the test!), and you’ll be good to go. Just remember, drive safe and follow the rules, and you’ll be exploring Vietnam like a local before you know it.
