JAN'S MOTORBIKE
VIETNAM DRIVING LICENSE GUIDE FOREIGNERS AND EXPAT
INTRODUCTION
Starting January 1, 2025, Vietnam has implemented major changes to its driving license
system under Decree 168/2024. Whether you’re a long-term expat or a newcomer
planning to drive in Vietnam, it’s essential to understand these updates to stay compliant
and safe on the roads.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the key license categories relevant to
foreigners A1, A, and B including what vehicles each license covers, how long they’re
valid, and how to obtain one as a foreigner. It also walks you through the point deduction
system and outlines how to legally convert or apply for a Vietnamese license.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a complete picture of what’s required to become a
legal, confident driver in Vietnam in 2025 and beyond.
DRIVING LICENSE IN VIETNAM (FROM 2025)
Structure of license categories
A1
Motorbikes 50–125cc or e-bikes up to 11kW | 18+ | Lifetime |
B
Cars (≤9 seats), trucks ≤3,500kg, trailers ≤750kg | 18+ | TRC validity |
A
Motorbikes over 125cc or e-bikes over 11kW | 18+ | Lifetime |
Difference between Vietnamese and international licenses
One of the most common questions among foreigners in Vietnam is whether an International Driving Permit (IDP) is enough to drive legally. While IDPs offer temporary driving privileges for tourists, they are not a long-term solution for expats. This section breaks down the key differences between a Vietnamese Driving License and an IDP so you know exactly what’s required to stay legal on the road.
Vietnamese Driving License
Issued by: Vietnamese authorities (Police Department)
Valid in Vietnam: Yes – full validity, recognized by all law enforcement, Usage Duration: Permanent for residents, with validity depending on license type. Required for long-term legal driving
International Driving Permit (IDP)
Issued by: Issued by your home country’s transport or automobile association
Valid in Vietnam: Partially – only if accompanied by a valid foreign license and follow Vienna Convention of 1968
Usage Duration: Depending on your country’s regulation
Acceptable only for short-term tourists
HOW TO GET A VIETNAMESE DRIVING LICENSE FOR FOREIGNERS IN VIETNAM:
1. Converting a Driving license from overseas:
Requirements:
A valid driving license from your country
A valid Temporary Resident Card (TRC)
Procedure:
This is a straightforward process as we will prepare all the requirement for the process, you are only required to show up at the Police Station for 30 minutes to finalize the paperwork and taking picture for your driving license.
Timeline:
Seven (7) working days after finalizing the paperwork, your digital driving license will be updated.
One to two months later, your physical driving license will be
Results
Your Vietnamese Driving License will have the same categories with the driving license from your country.
The expiration date of your Vietnamese Driving License will rely on your Temporary Resident Card’s validity.
Cost
The conversion fee (excluding driving tests, as you already possess valid motorbike and car licenses) ranges from 2,500,000 VND to 3,500,000 VND, depending on your license category
2. Obtaining a brand new one in Vietnam with a valid car license from another country
Requirements:
A valid car license from your country
A valid Temporary Resident Card (TRC)
Procedure
First step: Finishing the paperwork at the Police Station and the health check at a hospital nearby. This step may take about 90 minutes overall.
Second step: Once we receive the driving test schedule by the Police Department, we will have a practice session arranged at the driving school to prepare for our driving
Last step: Attending your driving test according to the schedule given by the Police
Timeline
After passing the driving test, your digital license will be updated in 7 working
The entire process may take up to 1 – 2 months
Results
A permanent A1 license for motorbikes up to 125cc and e-bike up to
A permanent A license Motorbikes over 125cc or e-bikes over 11kW, including A1
Cost
A1 (motorbikes up to 125cc / e-bikes up to 11kW): 6,000,000 VND
A (motorbikes over 125cc / e-bikes over 11kW): 8,500,000 VND
Note: Additional charges apply for licenses issued in rare European languages or Arabic.
3. Without a valid car/motorbike license from another country
Requirements
A valid Temporary Resident Card (TRC)
Procedure
First, we will have 5 study sessions together to go through the 250 mulitple-choice questions Each sessions will last 90 minutes at a coffee shop near your place or any preferred location.
Then we will have the health check and paperwork finished to submit for your driving
The next step is a practice session at the driving
The last step is your driving test and theoretical
Timeline
The entire process may take up to 2 months with 3 weeks for studying and 1 week for
After passing the Driving test, your Vietnamese driving license will be ready in 10 working days.
Results
Permanent A1 license for motorbikes up to 125cc and e-bike up to 11kw.
Permanent A license Motorbikes over 125cc or e-bikes over 11kW, including A1.
Cost
A1 (Lifetime) (motorbikes up to 125cc / e-bikes up to 11kW): 7,000,000 VND
A (Lifetime) (motorbikes over 125cc / e-bikes over 11kW): 8,500,000 VND
Point deduction
A point system will be introduced for all driving licenses starting in 2025. Here’s how it works: - Each license will begin with 12 points annually. - Points will be deducted for traffic violations. - If the total points reach 0, the license will be suspended, and the holder must retake both the theoretical and practical tests to regain their driving privileges.
Renewal procedure and requirements.
Renew a Vietnamese driving license:
The process is very straightforward as we will prepare all the requirements for
You are only required to show up the at Police Station for 30 minutes to finish the
Seven (7) working days later, your new Vietnamese license will be ready for
Requirement:
A valid driving license from another
A valid
The expired Vietnamese driving
Cost:
The fee to renew a Vietnamese driving license ranges from 2,500,000 VND to 3,000,000 VND
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T O D A Y, we want to say a big THANK YOU to our customer from the UK !
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