MOTORBIKE LICENCE IN VIETNAM: RULES EVERY RIDER SHOULD KNOW
If you plan to ride a scooter or motorcycle in Vietnam, understanding the motorbike licence in Vietnam requirements is essential. Having the correct licence is not only a legal obligation, but it can also help you avoid substantial fines and complications if you’re stopped by the authorities or involved in a traffic incident.
From 1 January 2025, Vietnam introduced a new motorcycle licence classification system. As a result, much of the older information available online is no longer accurate.
Whether you’re a local rider, an expat, a student, or a long-term visitor, it’s important to understand which licence applies to the motorbike you intend to ride.
Vietnam’s Motorcycle Licence Categories from 2025
The updated motorbike licence in Vietnam system divides motorcycles into different categories based on engine capacity and electric motor power.
A1 Licence
The A1 licence allows you to ride:
- Two-wheeled motorcycles with an engine capacity of up to 125cc, or
- Electric motorcycles with a motor output of up to 11 kW.
Most everyday scooters with 110cc or 125cc engines fall into this category, making the A1 licence suitable for many commuters.
A Licence
The A licence is required for:
- Two-wheeled motorcycles with an engine capacity above 125cc, or
- Electric motorcycles producing more than 11 kW.
The A licence also covers all motorcycles that fall within the A1 category.
If you’re planning to ride larger scooters or motorcycles such as many 150cc, 155cc, 300cc, or higher-capacity models, you’ll generally need the appropriate A licence.
Do You Need a Licence for a 50cc Scooter?
One of the most common questions about the motorbike licence in Vietnam concerns 50cc scooters.
Under Vietnamese law, a motorcycle driving licence is generally not required for a qualifying moped (xe gắn máy).
To qualify, the vehicle must meet the legal definition of a moped, including:
- A maximum designed speed of no more than 50 km/h, and
- For petrol-powered vehicles, an engine capacity of no more than 50cc, or
- For electric vehicles, a motor output of no more than 4 kW.
It’s important to remember that simply being labelled “50cc” is not enough. The vehicle must satisfy the legal definition of a moped.
Because of this exemption, qualifying 50cc scooters remain a popular choice for riders who do not hold a motorcycle licence.
Penalties for Riding Without the Correct Licence
Having the correct motorbike licence in Vietnam is important because the penalties for riding without one can be significant.
Under Decree 168/2024/NĐ-CP, effective from 1 January 2025:
For motorcycles up to 125cc or electric motorcycles up to 11 kW, riding:
- Without the required licence,
- With a licence that is not valid for the vehicle, or
- In certain situations involving an invalid licence,
may result in a fine ranging from:
2,000,000 VND to 4,000,000 VND
For motorcycles above 125cc or electric motorcycles exceeding 11 kW, the penalty increases to:
6,000,000 VND to 8,000,000 VND
These penalties demonstrate why checking your licence before riding is extremely important.
What Foreign Riders Should Know
The motorbike licence in Vietnam rules also apply to foreign riders.
Many visitors assume that holding a driving licence from their home country automatically allows them to ride legally in Vietnam. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case.
Vietnam recognises certain international driving arrangements, but riders must satisfy the applicable legal requirements.
For example, when using a qualifying International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, riders must also carry their corresponding national driving licence that authorises them to operate the relevant vehicle category.
Since international licensing rules vary depending on the issuing country and the documents you hold, foreign riders should always verify their individual situation before renting or riding a motorbike.
Why Having the Correct Licence Is Important
Having the appropriate motorbike licence in Vietnam offers benefits beyond avoiding fines.
It demonstrates that you are legally qualified to operate the motorbike you’re riding and helps reduce potential legal complications if you’re involved in a traffic stop or road accident.
Insurance coverage may also depend on the specific terms of your policy and whether you were legally permitted to ride the vehicle.
Renting a scooter does not automatically mean you’re legally authorised to ride it.
Always confirm that both your licence and the motorbike match the legal requirements.
Quick Licence Guide for 2025
Here’s a simple summary of the current motorbike licence in Vietnam categories:
- Qualifying mopeds up to 50cc: Generally no motorcycle driving licence required.
- Motorcycles up to 125cc: A1 licence.
- Motorcycles above 125cc: A licence.
- Electric motorcycles: The 11 kW threshold separates the A1 and A licence categories, while qualifying electric mopeds follow separate legal criteria.
Understanding these categories makes it much easier to choose the right scooter for your needs.
RENT A SCOOTER THAT MATCHES YOUR LICENCE AT JAN’S MOTORBIKE
Looking for a reliable scooter rental in Ho Chi Minh City?
At JAN’S MOTORBIKE, we offer a range of well-maintained scooters for expats, students, tourists, and long-term visitors. Whether you’re looking for a qualifying 50cc scooter or a larger scooter for licensed riders, we’ll help you choose a motorbike that matches your legal eligibility.
Why choose JAN’S MOTORBIKE?
- Excellent condition, ready to ride
- Complimentary helmet and phone holder
- Free test ride before you decide
- Friendly and responsive support
- Well-maintained motorbikes for safe and reliable riding
- Delivery available to your location for extra convenience
Important: This article provides general information about the motorbike licence in Vietnam based on regulations effective from 2025. Individual circumstances, foreign driving licences, International Driving Permits, and specific vehicle classifications may require further legal verification.
Thank you for choosing JAN’S MOTORBIKE!
Contact Us: +84909 29 0078 (WhatsApp,Zalo)
Find Us: 5, 5th Street An Phu Ward, District 2
Check for full available motorbike HERE.
