1. Introduction
Having a driver’s license in Vietnam is an important requirement for foreigners living or working in the country. This license facilitates easy transportation and ensures compliance with traffic regulations, allowing for the exploration of the country and participation in social activities without relying on public transportation.
However, driving in Vietnam may present certain challenges, such as the distinct traffic environment, congestion, and the fact that traffic rules are not always strictly followed. Foreigners may find it difficult to grasp local regulations and handle traffic-related emergencies.
According to the Road Traffic Law and the latest guiding documents, Vietnam has introduced several significant changes regarding the issuance, renewal, and management of driver’s licenses. Specifically, from 2024, driver’s licenses will be integrated with electronic information and connected to the national population database, making information verification and inspection more convenient. Additionally, regulations on driver training have been tightened to improve driving skills. License applicants must now undergo additional tests simulating real-life traffic situations, and the required practical training hours have also increased. These updates aim to enhance traffic safety and align with the digitalization trend in public administration management.
Nevertheless, with thorough preparation and adherence to regulations, driving in Vietnam can become convenient and safe, helping foreigners integrate and experience the country more fully.
2. Eligibility Criteria
Necessary Conditions for Foreigners to Register for a Driver’s License in Vietnam
Requirements for Learner Drivers (Article 14 of Circular 35/2024/TT-BGTVT)
Residence and Work: Foreigners residing, working, or studying in Vietnam are eligible to register for driver training.
Requirements for Upgrading a Driver’s License: Must meet the safe driving time requirements under Article 60 of the Road Traffic Order and Safety Law:
- Categories B to C1, B to C, B to D1, B to BE, C1 to C, C1 to D1, C1 to D2, C1 to C1E, C to D1, C to D2, D1 to D2, D1 to D, D1 to D1E, D2 to D, D2 to D2E, D to DE: at least 2 years.
- Categories B to D2, C to CE, C to D: at least 3 years.
License Conversions: Holders of an automatic transmission category B license may apply for a manual transmission category B license or a category C1 license as per regulations.
Expired Driver’s Licenses:
- Expired for less than 1 year: must pass a theory test.
- Expired for 1 year or more: must pass both theory and practical driving tests.
- Lost and expired licenses:
- Expired for less than 1 year: must pass a theory test.
- Expired for 1 year or more: must pass both theory and practical driving tests.
Age Requirements (Article 59 of the Road Traffic Order and Safety Law)
- 16 years or older: Allowed to operate motorbikes.
- 18 years or older: Eligible for category A1, A, B1, B, and C1 driver’s licenses and road traffic law training certificates for operating specialized vehicles.
- 21 years or older: Eligible for category C, BE driver’s licenses.
- 24 years or older: Eligible for category D1, D2, C1E, CE driver’s licenses.
- 27 years or older: Eligible for category D, D1E, D2E, DE driver’s licenses.
- Maximum Age Limit:
- For drivers of passenger vehicles with more than 29 seats (excluding the driver) and sleeper buses:
- Male: 57 years old
- Female: 55 years old
- For drivers of passenger vehicles with more than 29 seats (excluding the driver) and sleeper buses:
Health Requirements
- Drivers must meet health conditions appropriate to the type of vehicle they are permitted to operate.
- According to Circular 36/2024/TT-BYT, health standards for drivers are divided into three groups:
- Group 1: Applies to health checks for category A1, B1 driver’s licenses and specialized vehicle operators.
- Group 2: Applies to health checks for category A and B driver’s licenses.
- Group 3: Applies to health checks for category C1, C, D1, D2, D, BE, C1E, D1E, D2E, and DE driver’s licenses.
- Health Check for License Conversion:
- Drivers with licenses issued before January 1, 2025, must undergo a Group 1 health check to convert from category A1 to category A.
- Disabled individuals applying for category A1 or B licenses must undergo a medical examination according to Appendix I but are exempt from musculoskeletal examinations.
Educational Requirements
- No specific educational requirements.
- However, applicants upgrading their license to categories D, D1, or D2 must submit a copy of a junior high school diploma or an equivalent qualification.
3. Types of Driver’s Licenses in Vietnam
According to Clauses 1 and 5, Article 57 of the 2024 Road Traffic Order and Safety Law, driver’s licenses include the following categories and validity periods:
Driver’s License Categories:
- A1: Two-wheeled motorcycles with an engine displacement of up to 125 cm³ or an electric motor power of up to 11 kW.
- A: Two-wheeled motorcycles with an engine displacement of more than 125 cm³ or an electric motor power of more than 11 kW.
- B1: Three-wheeled motorcycles and vehicles specified for category A1.
- B: Passenger cars with up to 8 seats, trucks, and specialized vehicles with a total weight of up to 3,500 kg.
- C1: Trucks and specialized vehicles weighing from 3,500 kg to 7,500 kg, and category B trucks.
- C: Trucks and specialized vehicles over 7,500 kg, and category C1 trucks.
- D1: Passenger cars with 9 to 16 seats, and category B, C1, C passenger vehicles.
- D2: Passenger cars with 17 to 29 seats, and category B, C1, C, D1 passenger vehicles.
- D: Passenger cars with more than 29 seats, sleeper buses, and category B, C1, C, D1, D2 vehicles.
- BE: Category B vehicles towing a trailer over 750 kg.
- C1E: Category C1 vehicles towing a trailer over 750 kg.
- CE: Category C vehicles towing a trailer over 750 kg.
- D1E: Category D1 vehicles towing a trailer over 750 kg.
- D2E: Category D2 vehicles towing a trailer over 750 kg.
- DE: Category D vehicles towing a trailer over 750 kg.
Driver’s License Validity Period:
- A1, A, B1: No expiration.
- B, C1: 10 years.
- C, D1, D2, D, BE, C1E, CE, D1E, D2E, DE: 5 years.
4. Driving Test Application Documents
According to Article 15 of Circular 35/2024/TT-BGTVT, the required documents for a driving test application are as follows:
1. First-time driving learners submit their application at the training center, including:
- Application form for learning, examination, and issuance of a driver’s license (as per Appendix XI).
- A certified copy or electronic certified copy of documents such as a temporary residence card, permanent residence card, diplomatic ID, or official ID (for foreigners).
2. Upgrading license learners submit their application at the training center, including:
- The same documents as above.
- A copy of a lower secondary school diploma or an equivalent certificate (for upgrading to categories D1, D2, D).
- A declaration of safe driving experience (as per Appendix XII).
Tips for Document Preparation:
- Carefully review requirements: Visit the licensing authority’s website to identify the necessary requirements and forms.
- Prepare copies: Always have multiple copies of important documents to avoid delays if additional documentation is needed.
- Schedule a health check early: Book your health check in advance to ensure sufficient time.
- Seek legal advice: Consulting with a legal expert can help you avoid unnecessary mistakes and save time during the driver’s license application process.
5. Application Process
S1: Prepare the documents: Prepare a complete set of documents as required in section 4.
S2: Register for the test
- Apply and required documents to the Driving Training and Testing Center.
- Pay the fees as prescribed by the Driving Training and Testing Center.
S3: Resolution
- Based on the decision recognizing the successful candidates of the examination, the Department of Transport will issue a driver’s license to the successful candidates. The date of success recorded on the license is the date of signing the decision.
- The license will be issued no later than 10 days after the examination is completed and the fee is paid.
- Those who pass the examination will receive the license for the category they passed. If upgrading or reissuing due to expiration, the original license must be presented.
6. Driving Test
6.1 Overview of the Driving Test Process
Theory learning:
- Learners will be trained on road traffic laws, driving techniques, and basic vehicle structure and repair.
Practical driving:
- Candidates will be guided on how to operate a vehicle, from basic to advanced levels, including exercises in a controlled environment and on public roads.
- Practical training helps learners become familiar with driving maneuvers, handle situations, and comply with traffic regulations.
Driving test:
- Theory test: Candidates answer questions related to traffic laws, driving techniques, and other content depending on the type of license.
- Practical test in a controlled environment: Candidates drive through exercises such as figure-eight driving, obstacle crossing, winding roads, parking, etc.
- Practical test on public roads: Candidates drive on real roads, handle traffic situations, and follow instructions from the examiner.
6.2 Tips for Passing the Driving Test
- Thoroughly study theory: Master traffic laws and signs. Use study apps and participate in review sessions.
- Practice regularly: Consistently practice the practical test exercises, especially those in the testing grounds and trial runs on public roads.
- Prepare carefully: Check documents and vehicle, and stay relaxed before the test day. Adjust the seat and mirrors before starting the test.
- Driving skills during the test: Drive slowly, stay calm, and observe carefully. Follow the examiner’s instructions and trust in your abilities.
7. Costs and Processing Time Related to Driver’s License
7.1 Costs Related to Obtaining a Driver’s License
Fee Schedule for Registration, License Issuance, and Driving Test
(Circular No. 37/2023/TT-BTC)
| No. | Fee Type | Description | Fee Amount (VND) |
| 1 | Registration fee, issuance of license plate for specialized motorcycles (construction vehicles) | First-time issuance, issuance with validity period, reissuance, and change of registration certificate with license plate | 200,000 |
| 2 | Fee for issuing licenses, certificates for operating vehicles | New issuance, reissuance, and change of driver’s license (national and international) | 135,000 |
| 3 | Driving test fee | Driving test for vehicle categories A1, A2, A3, A4 | |
| – Theory test | 60,000 | ||
| – Practical test | 70,000 | ||
| Driving test for cars (categories B1, B2, C, D, E, F) | |||
| – Theory test | 100,000 | ||
| – Practical test in the driving range | 350,000 | ||
| – Practical test on public roads | 80,000 | ||
| – Driving test using traffic simulation software | 100,000 |
Additionally, there are other costs such as:
- Study material costs: Costs for purchasing books and materials for theory test preparation.
- Health check costs: Costs for medical exams at designated healthcare facilities.
7.2 Estimated Time to Receive the License
After passing the test, the time for the licensing authority to process and issue the driver’s license is typically 7 to 10 working days.
8. Renewal and Conversion of Foreign Driver’s License
8.1 How to renew a Vietnamese driver’s license
Method 1: Online
- Step 1: Access the National Public Service Portal at https://dichvucong.gov.vn/p/home/dvc-trang-chu.html.
- Step 2: Select “Online Public Services. “Type in the search box “driver’s license renewal.”
- Step 3: Review the detailed procedure to know what documents are required.
- Step 4: Choose the executing authority. Select the Province/City, choose the Department, and click “Agree.”
- Step 5: The interface will redirect to the selected driver’s license renewal service portal, then click “Submit directly.”
- Step 6: Complete the required information on the page and click register.
- Step 7: After your application is confirmed, follow the scheduled appointment time, bring your ID card or passport (for foreigners) for verification, and bring all necessary documents to complete the license renewal process.
Method 2: Via Post Office
According to Article 36 of Circular 35/2024/TT-BGTVT, the procedure for renewing a driver’s license via postal service is as follows:
- Step 1: Prepare the required documents as stipulated.
- Step 2: Submit the documents to the nearest post office.
- Step 3: The Department of Transport receives and processes the application.
Document Verification
- The Department of Transport checks the documents and looks up traffic violations through the system.
- If the documents are invalid, the individual will be notified within 02 working days to supplement or correct the documents.
Issuance of New Driver’s License
Within 05 working days after receiving the complete and valid documents, the Department of Transport will proceed with the license exchange. If the license cannot be exchanged, a written response must be provided, explaining the reason.
- Step 4: Receive the result.
After the Department of Transport processes the application, wait to receive the new driver’s license from the postal service.
8.2 The process of converting a foreign driver’s license to a Vietnamese license
This process is regulated by Article 24 of Circular 12/2025/TT-BCA
Documents required:
Application for Driver’s License Exchange:
- Vietnamese citizens: According to the form in Appendix XII.
- Foreigners: According to the form in Appendix XIII.
- Translation of Foreign Driver’s License: Translated into Vietnamese, certified by a Vietnamese notary or a Vietnamese diplomatic mission abroad, with a stamp affixed to the original copy of the driver’s license.
- Health Certificate: Issued by a qualified medical facility, still valid (except for cases where foreigners exchange licenses according to the validity period stated in their entry visa or temporary residence card).
- Personal Documents: A copy or certified electronic copy from the original or from the original registry of one of the following documents: diplomatic ID, official ID, temporary residence card, or permanent residence card (valid for at least 03 months).
Submitting the application:
Traffic Police Department or local police station where the document reception point is located.
Processing procedure:
- Submit Documents: The individual submits 1 set of documents to the Traffic Police Department or local police station, takes a photo directly, presents the original documents for verification, and pays the fee.
- Information Verification: If there is a suspicion regarding the entry or residence of a foreigner, the agency issuing the driver’s license will request verification from the relevant authorities.
- Receive and Process Documents: If the documents are valid, the receiving agency will enter the information and issue a receipt for the results. If the license cannot be issued, a written response will be provided, stating the reasons.
Transfer Data and Issue License:
- Within 1 working day: The Traffic Police Department transfers the data to the Traffic Police Bureau.
- Within 3 working days: The Traffic Police Bureau issues the driver’s license and integrates the data into the electronic system.
- Within 5 working days: The Traffic Police Department prints and returns the driver’s license.
- Receive Driver’s License: The individual can collect the license at the receiving agency or via postal service upon request.
Conversion fee: 135,000 VND as per regulations.
9. Driving in Vietnam: Tips and Advice
9.1 Practical tips for safe driving in Vietnam:
- Adhere to speed limits: Always follow speed limits and adjust according to road and weather conditions.
- Pay attention to traffic signals: Obey traffic lights and road signs.
- Maintain a safe distance: Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead to allow enough reaction time if necessary.
- Use vehicle lights: Use headlights at night and in rain to increase visibility.
- Practice traffic etiquette: Respect other vehicles and avoid conflicts on the road.
- Regular vehicle checks: Ensure your vehicle is in good condition before hitting the road.
9.2 Common traffic rules and regulations:
- Drive on the right: Keep to the right side of the road and overtake on the left.
- No phone usage: Do not use a phone while driving unless with a hands-free device.
- Be mindful of pedestrians: Give way to pedestrians at crosswalks.
- Check alcohol levels: Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
10. Conclusion
Safe driving in Vietnam requires adherence to traffic rules and thorough preparation. Practical tips help improve safety and minimize risks on the road. To ensure you fully understand the regulations and procedures related to obtaining a driver’s license in Vietnam, contact our legal experts for detailed information and support in completing the necessary procedures efficiently and legally.
- Harley Miller Law Firm “HMLF”
- Address: 14th floor, HM Town Building, 412 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Ward 05, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Phone: +84 937215585
- Website: hmlf.vn
- Email: miller@hmlf.vn
