VIETNAM MOTORBIKE DRIVING LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
We understand that one of the biggest concerns for foreigners planning to travel Vietnam by motorbike is having a valid driving licence. This page is regularly updated with the latest information available.
Updated (Good News): You can try https://www.e-ita.org/vietnam to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP). They issue permits in accordance with the 1968 Vienna Convention, which Vietnam recognizes. The entire application process is completed online and takes only about three minutes, including uploading a passport-style photo. Below is an example of an IDP issued to one of our Australian customers. Before applying, make sure your national driving licence includes a valid motorcycle endorsement.
Foreign Driving Licence
Unfortunately, your home-country driving licence alone is not valid for riding a motorcycle in Vietnam. Although there is conflicting information online, the current legal requirements are quite clear. To ride legally, you should obtain a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) as explained below, and ensure your national driving licence includes the appropriate motorcycle endorsement.
International Driving Permit (IDP)
There are several types of International Driving Permits (IDPs), and not all of them are valid in Vietnam. Below, we explain the different types and help you determine which IDP is legally recognized for riding a motorcycle in Vietnam.
1949 & 1968 Convention International Driving Permit (IDP)
Some countries now issue an International Driving Permit (IDP) that covers both the 1949 Geneva Convention and the 1968 Vienna Convention. If you can obtain one of these, it is generally accepted in countries that recognize either convention. We recommend contacting your local driving licence authority or an authorized IDP issuing agency to check whether this type of permit is available in your country.
1968 Convention International Driving Permit (IDP)
The good news is that the 1968 Convention International Driving Permit (IDP) has been recognized in Vietnam since 1 August 2016 under Decree 46/2016/ND-CP. This recognition applies only to 1968 Vienna Convention IDPs issued by countries that are parties to the convention.
If you hold a valid 1968 IDP, you can ride legally in Vietnam, provided you also carry your original home-country driving licence with the appropriate motorcycle endorsement. You should also obtain a suitable motorcycle travel insurance policy for your trip.
If your documents are in order, congratulations – you are legally licensed to ride a motorcycle in Vietnam!
1949 Convention International Driving Permit (IDP)
Many countries, including Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada, issue International Driving Permits (IDPs) under the 1949 Geneva Convention rather than the 1968 Vienna Convention. As a result, these 1949 IDPs are not recognized in Vietnam, and they do not allow you to ride legally.
Below is an example of a 1949 Convention IDP, which is not accepted in Vietnam.
Local (Vietnamese) Driving Licence
A Vietnamese driving licence is required to ride motorcycles over 50 cc in Vietnam. You need an A1 licence for motorcycles up to 125cc (or certain power limits under current regulations) and an A2 licence for larger motorcycles.
Having a valid licence is especially important for insurance coverage. Riding without a legally recognized licence may invalidate your insurance policy in the event of an accident. For more information, please follow this link.
The guide below explains the process of obtaining a Vietnamese motorcycle driving licence. Please note that the information is based on our experience in Hanoi, where our office is located. Procedures may vary slightly in other provinces and cities.
Your Status
The first step is to determine your visa status and whether you meet the requirements for obtaining a Vietnamese motorcycle driving licence.
It is now possible to apply for a Vietnamese motorbike licence even if you are travelling on a tourist visa. To be eligible, your home-country driving licence must include a motorcycle endorsement, and both your passport and Vietnam visa must be valid.
Before submitting your application, you will need to have your driving licence and supporting documents translated and notarized. Once completed, you can submit the required documents to the local Department of Transport (from 2026 it’s the Department of Construction) for processing.
Status 1
You hold a valid home-country driving licence that includes both car and motorcycle categories. If this applies to you, you can usually convert your licence to the equivalent Vietnamese driving licence without taking a theory or practical riding test.
In short, the process is simply a licence conversion.
Status 2
You hold a valid home-country driving licence, but it only covers cars. If this applies to you, you can obtain a Vietnamese motorcycle driving licence by passing a practical motorcycle riding test.
The good news is that you do not need to take a theory test. However, you must register for the riding test and wait for the scheduled test date. The entire process can take up to one month before your licence is issued.
For visitors travelling on a 30-day tourist visa, this process is often impractical due to the waiting time.
Status 3
You do not hold a valid driving licence for either a car or a motorcycle. If this applies to you, you must pass both the theory test and the practical motorcycle riding test to obtain a Vietnamese motorcycle driving licence.
Please note that the theory test is conducted entirely in Vietnamese on a computer and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 36 correctly to pass. Interpreters are not permitted, so you will need a good understanding of both written and spoken Vietnamese to complete the test successfully.
Status 4
You hold a valid home-country driving licence with a motorcycle endorsement, as well as an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Unfortunately, Vietnam does not recognize 1949 Convention IDPs, so these documents alone do not allow you to ride legally in Vietnam.
The good news is that you can usually convert your home-country driving licence into the equivalent Vietnamese driving licence, provided you meet the applicable requirements.
Status 5
You hold a valid home-country driving licence with a motorcycle endorsement, as well as an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention (this is printed on the first page of the IDP, as shown above).
Congratulations! You do not need to obtain a Vietnamese driving licence. Simply carry both your 1968 Convention IDP and your original home-country driving licence whenever you ride, and you can legally operate a motorcycle in Vietnam.
Please note that you are only permitted to ride motorcycles within the licence class and engine capacity covered by your driving licence and IDP.
Converting Your Motorbike Driving Licence
Converting your home-country driving licence is the easiest way to obtain a Vietnamese motorcycle driving licence. If you are eligible, no theory or practical riding test is required.
This option is available if you already hold a valid motorcycle driving licence from your home country. The process simply involves converting your existing licence to the Vietnamese equivalent.
To apply, you will need notarized copies of your passport, Vietnam visa, and home-country motorcycle driving licence. These documents can be prepared at any notary office in Vietnam and usually take 1-2 working days. Once your application is submitted, the licence is normally issued within 3–5 working days for applicants under Status 1.
If you fall under Status 2, you will also need to pass a practical motorcycle riding test before your licence can be issued. Riding tests are typically held weekly in Hanoi, although waiting times may occasionally be longer.
In Hanoi, applications for a Vietnamese driving licence can be submitted to the Hanoi Department of Transport, 16 Cao Bá Quát Street.
Applying For a Vietnamese Driving Licence
Applying for a Vietnamese motorcycle driving licence from scratch is the most challenging option. If you fall under Status 3, you must pass both the theory test and the practical motorcycle riding test. All test questions and instructions are conducted entirely in Vietnamese, with no interpreter permitted. A training certificate, such as the UK CBT, is not accepted as a full motorcycle driving licence.
To apply, you must meet the current eligibility requirements. Depending on the applicable regulations, this may include holding a valid Vietnamese residence permit, work permit, or another qualifying visa or residence document. You will also need notarized copies of your passport and any required supporting documents. These can be translated and notarized at any notary office in Vietnam, usually within 1–2 working days.
After your application is accepted, you must wait for your scheduled theory and practical riding tests. The entire process can take up to one month before your licence is issued.
In Hanoi, applications for a Vietnamese driving licence can be submitted to the Hanoi Department of Transport, 16 Cao Bá Quát Street.
Service Companies
To avoid any misunderstanding, we do not offer a service for obtaining or converting a Vietnamese motorcycle driving licence. Unfortunately, we do not have the time or staff to provide this assistance.
There are, however, third-party companies and agents that specialize in licence conversion and application services. In most cases, they only require copies of your supporting documents to handle the process on your behalf.
Please note that these services can be quite expensive. Typical fees start at around US$250 for an A1 licence and US$400 or more for an A licence. As a result, many travellers find the cost too high and choose not to use these services.
Making Your Decision
If you want to minimize risk and travel with complete peace of mind, a guided motorbike tour is the easiest option. You won’t have to worry about route planning, navigation, or the complexities of Vietnam’s motorbike driving licence requirements. While some travellers choose a self-guided tour to save money, unexpected problems can often end up costing far more.
For many beginner and novice riders, the most challenging part is simply getting out of Hanoi and finding their way back through the city’s busy traffic. The video below shows two beginners riding Honda XR125 motorcycles through Hanoi. With an experienced guide leading the way, even first-time riders quickly gain confidence and make it through safely.
Once you’re out of the city, the adventure really begins.
To help you decide whether a self-guided or guided motorbike tour is the better option for your trip, please follow this link.
If you have any questions about Vietnam’s motorbike driving licence requirements or our motorbike tours, feel free to contact us. We’ll be happy to help.
Other Essential Things
Safety riding gear
Motorbike lesson
Insurance
Things to bring
Mechanic basics
Terminology
Travel documents
I’m from UK in Hanoi with Working Visa.
My automobile license is from UAE.
I’d like to get a motorcylce license. What is the process?
Dear Chris. Currently, if you don’t speak and write Vietnamese it’s unfortunately impossible to get a Vietnamese licence for motorbike. You may need to get it in your home country and convert in Vietnam. To be honest, it’s always the best option because converting to another country licence or an international driving licence from your home country licence is always the best option. You can also go check with the local Department of Public transport in Vietnam because each province or city may have different requirment. Good luck!
Hi, I’m reading a bunch of conflicting information about whether tourists are able to ride motorbikes over 50cc without a Vietnamese Drivers Licence. Can we still legally ride motorbikes over 50cc with an IDP and our home drivers licence?
First, none of the foreign licenses is valid in Vietnam, including your country license. There are conflicting reports about this but the reality is unfortunately not good news.
However, the good news is IDP (international driving permit, 1968 Convention) is now valid in Vietnam from August 1st, 2016 with the 46/2016/ND-CP decree. Sometimes, the police accept both 1968 & 1949 Convention IDP’s. The difference is insurance companies provide insurance policy when you have a 1968 IDP (not the 1949). If you have an IDP, please also bring your home country driving license with motorbike endorsement and show both licences when requested.
Hello. Where I can apply to convert my drive licence. I am in Hai Phong.
Please check with Sở Giao Thông Vận Tải Hải Phòng. Good luck!
Hello,
I’m from Switzerland. Here, I do have a license A- which means, I am allowed to drive bikes up to 35kw (48HP). If I want to convert to a VN license, what will I get? From my research there are only 2 licenses in VN, 1 for up to 175 CCM and one for higher. Thx for a reply.
Yes, that’s true at the moment. A1 for 50-174cc and A2 from 175cc. Vietnam also has A3 for trikes, but no licence for quads. Unfortunately, if you convert your licence (A) then Vietnam usually gives you A1 (up to 174cc) and this happened to most of the foreigners I know who converted their licences.
Hi, do you know if there is a transport office in Da Nang for an Australian to try to convert an international licence
Hello Chris. Every province/city has one office and you can check with that province/city’s Department of Public Transport for more details. As far as I know, for IDL, you need to convert it in your home country, not in Vietnam (only to a Vietnamese driving licence). Good luck!
When was this webpage last updated?
It says ‘Many countries like Australia, UK, the USA, and Canada, etc. are not signatories to the 1968 Convention but abide by the 1949 Geneva Convention….’
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland ratified the 1968 convention on 28 Mar 2018:
https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetailsIII.aspx?chapter=11&mtdsg_no=XI-B-19&src=TREATY
Well, we haven’t seen any customers from these countries with 1968 Convention IDP. Despite some of these countries being listed, they really don’t issue 1968 Convention IDP :)
Hi,
Do you do Vietnam License conversion services for foreigners?
Thanks & regards,
Sadly, no. We mentioned that on this page.
So just to be sure. I have a foreign drivers license, but only for a car. So, should I get all of my stuff notarized first, then go to the office in Hanoi, and from there I can book my road test, and they will provide me with a date? The article is not clear on what order the steps should be taken in.
Hello Andrew. Honestly, you need to check with your local Department of Public Transport. It can be different between provinces and cities. In Hanoi, you go to a notary office first and bring all that to the Department of Transport and they will let you know when a road test is available. All papers in foreign languages must be notarized before you can apply at government offices. Good luck!
Hi,
I’m moving to Hanoi in 4 weeks for work, could you please tell me where the notary office is?
Hi Adam. There are many notary offices in Hanoi and you can just type “Hanoi notary office” in Google Maps and find one near you. There is one at 74 Nguyen Huu Huan street near our office. Good luck!
I live in Binh Duong and have TRC good until April 2021. converted my USA DL that allows me to drive cars to a Vietnamese DL that allows me to do the same thing here. My question do I only have to take a practical driving exam to be able to add an A1 status on my Vietnamese DL? Or do I have to take both a practical and theory exam? Also, can I take my practical exam in Binh Duong or do I have to take it in HCMC?
You do need to go ask at the local Department of Transport. Each province may have different policies. In Hanoi, you just need to do a practical test. You can do the test anywhere that you apply the paperwork. Good luck.
Hello,
Can foreigners obtain a lifetime (or non-expiring) A1 motorcycle license or is this illegal to have? Currently, my Vietnam motorcycle license is valid for one year and I renew it every year with my new work visa. I heard that getting an A1 lifetime is an option, but if the police find it they will take it as it is not legal. Thanks!
Hello Mark,
We have many friends who obtained A1 or even A2 license with lifetime validity. They have no issue with the police. You may need to find a good service company to get one, sadly we know nobody to recommend.
Hi Anh Wu,
I have got my national driving license converted before in Vietnam. The last one ended in 2017 when I was on a temporary resident card still.
I am now on a 5-year visa exemption valid until 2022 (Giay Mien Thi Thuc) but requiring outing every 180 days.
Question 1: can I apply for conversion with Visa Exemption versus business visa or TRC?
Question 2: if yes to Q1, will my Vietnamese license be valid until 2022 or for 6 months only?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Dear Sam. Yes to Q1 and they issue one to the expiry date of your passport rather than your visa. For more details, contact the local Department of Public Transport (So GTCC) for the updated paperwork. Good luck.
Hi there,
I wonder if I can obtain non-expire VN DL for A1.
If I apply with a theory exam and driving exam.
Actually, I have a car driving licence in my home country but I knew that expire will be visa or DL in home country.
Please somebody advice better way for me.
Hello Shinkai,
You need to go to a local Department of Transport and check with them. They simply convert your home country licence to a Vietnamese equivalent and the validity is up to your VN visa or passport expiry date. Sadly, we have no service to assist you in your case.
Hi there. I’m relocating to Vietnam soon (fully employed as a teacher within an international school). I’ve spent a lot of time in SE Asia previously, driving on scooters. I’d like the opportunity to rent a scooter every now and then within the full remit of the law. Unfortunately, I currently do not have a licence to drive anything.
I am considering taking up my A1 license in the UK (up to 125cc) and then converting once in Vietnam. Can you let me know if this would be acceptable? Or do I need a full automobile license as well?
Hello Alex. You will just need a motorbike driving license. To convert you need a business visa and a work permit or long-term residence card. Then apply the paperwork at the local Department of Public Transport. They can give you more instructions when you are there.
Chào Anh Wu, em là người Trung Quốc, em muốn thi bằng lái xe máy, lúc trước em có tư vấn với một thầy trung Tâm đào tạo, người ta nói người nước ngoài thi bằng lái phải có thẻ trạm trú, nhưng bản hộ chiếu em là bản mới không xin được thẻ trạm trú, gặp trường hợp này thầy nói không biết. Em có giấy phép lao động, có thể dùng giấy phép lao động thay thế thẻ trạm trú có được không? Mong anh trả lời, cảm ơn nhé.
Chào Kai. Em có thể liên hệ với Sở Giao Thông Vận Tải nơi em được cấp Giấy Phép Lao Động và họ sẽ hướng dẫn cụ thể. Nếu bằng lái xe của em được điều khiển xe máy thì em sẽ được cấp bằng tương đương của Việt Nam. Chúc em thành công.
Hi Anh Wu,
Some mates and I are planning on doing a 10-day motorbike tour out of Hanoi next year but only 2 of us have motorbike licenses and won’t be able to swap over to a Vietnamese licence due to the reasons you have stated.
Will this lack of a license prevent us from being able to hire motorbikes and a guide or are companies happy to rent to unlicensed riders?
What would be a good itinerary for 10 days out of Hanoi that includes the Ha Giang loop?
Thanks,
Tony.
Hello Tony. We sent a detailed (long) reply via email. Please check that reply and let us know what else you need us to provide. Thanks.
Dear Anh Wu,
I am currently in Hanoi. Obtaining a drivings licence A category is much cheaper herere in Vietnam than in my home country Croatia. I’d like to have the A category so I can ride my motorbike at home. It cannot be A2 as the motorbike is 750cc and 37kW. Do you maybe know where can I get that in Hanoi or who to contact to find out more ?
Thank you!
Dear Matko. As far as I know, a Vietnamese driving license is not accepted in your home country and you can’t get an international driving license with a Vietnamese license because you are not a Vietnamese. If you want to know more, check with the local Department of Transport and they can give you more instructions. We are very busy and unfortunately have no time to assist in this complicated process. Good luck.
Hi. Does vietnam recognize and accept ASEAN country DL as per agreement of 1985? I have a Thai license. Thanks.
Dear Michael. The lastest confirmation is still “no”. Only Vietnamese driving license or 1968 Convention IDL is valid in Vietnam and of course must include motorbike endorsement.
Hi,
Has anything changed recently in respect of recognition of other ASEAN countries driving licence in Vietnam? I read official Thai announcements from government agencies that claim that Vietnam is one of the ten countries in ASEAN that recognizes other ASEAN countries licenses. Were they simply wrong to say that or does Vietnam resist despite some existing agreement?
Hi John, No, it’s not yet in Vietnam. Only a Vietnamese driving license and 1968 international driving license are valid here. All others, including ASEAN or UK IDP are not accepted, regardless of the announcement from media. It may happen in the future but at least not until this moment. I know people read different sources of news but not all are updated or official.
To whom it may concern,
I am a UK citizen, wanting to ride in Vietnam legally for travel.
Is it correct that the UK is now covered by the 1968 IDP convention as I believe it came into effect 28th march 2019?
if the UK 1968 IDP was recognized now, would I be able to ride with a tourist visa or would I need the IDP and a business visa for example?
Many thanks.
Hi George,
If you get 1968 IDP you are good in Vietnam (with motorbike endorsement), no requirement about visas. You need to contact the licencing agency in your country (DVLA I think?) and ask them.
Another way is to convert online and we mentioned very clearly at the top of this page. It’s a long read but gives you all the details.
Good luck.
Hi,
I have the driving license for car and bike + IDP. Do you know how to get the ownership of a bike in Vietnam (blue card with own name)? What are the requirements?
Thank you so much in advance!
Sadly, you need to check this at the registration office. Normally, you can’t do it on a tourist visa, you need to be a resident in Vietnam with a work permit or residence card. Unfortunately, we don’t assist in this process.
Hello
I have a full UK Driving license for both cars and motorcycles (no restrictions).
I have recently converted my UK license in Hanoi and posses all the completed paperwork. Does this mean that I can ride above 150cc ? I can’t see anything on the paperwork which clearly states A1 or A2…
Thank you advance.
Martin
Dear Martin. You should ask at the Department where you submitted the papers. They can confirm. Normally, converting a license gives you the same validity.
Hi, can we do the driving test with an automatic scooter?
No, you must ride the bike (with chips) from the driving license office test centre. In addition, you must understand or read Vietnamese for instructions, no interpreter allowed.
Hi
I am Indian and I have a valid driving license for both motorbike and car. I have a student visa. Can I convert my licence over 175 CC ?
Dear Virendrarai. Please contact your local province Department of Transport and they will provide more instructions. It’s slightly a bit different between provinces. Converting a license to over 175cc (A2 class) requires your Indian license to have the same class. Good luck.
Hello,
I am Canadian and have a valid drivers license for automobiles only. I’d like to tour Vietnam by motorcycle over 175cc. Can you please assist on what is required by myself and the cost.
Thanks.
If you travel on a tourist visa, officially you can’t get a license. You need a work permit or a residence card and a business visa. However, I know a service company who can arrange a Vietnamese temporary for you without doing any test but their price is quite steep (between 300 – 400$US depending on your license). Over 175cc is A2 license in Vietnam and it’s expensive and so far nobody is willing to pay this much. Note that we don’t offer this service, just posted the information.
Which document copies need to be translated? Just the drivers license or all?
Everything and must be notarized.
Bit outdated.. if your from Australia and have a open rider licence. a idl.certified along with a three month visa and $32 you can get what they call a tourist license in Ho Chi Min.. i got one last year and although now it has expired when my visa expired it did allow me to ride there.. i went through the transport dept with three photos all certified..
Hi Darryl. How long does it take? What papers did you need to have? If you have more details. We are not providing license conversion or offer any service so we can share everything. If you can send a copy of your tourist license that would be more real. We never heard of such a license in Hanoi :(
Hi Darryl and Anh,
I have done this 3 times the first was the long drawn out thing. Translation of your licence has to be done by their approved Translator a letter from the AUS Embassy and a 3 month Visa. Do all the forms at the Ho Chi Minh Department of Transport pay and wait 1 week. KEEP ALL OF THE PAPERWORK. your licence is valid for the length of your visa. Next trip get a 3 month Visa Take your Vietnamese licence and all the old paperwork hand it in and get your new licence again 1 week this you can do until your date on your Home licence is reached then you will need to renew your home licence and redo the Translation.
Thank you for your advice.
Hello. My name is San. I’m from Indonesia.
There is an agreement between ASEAN countries about driving license recognition. Is it also works in Vietnam?
Thank you.
To date, none of the foreign licenses is valid in Vietnam, including your country license. There are conflicting reports about this but the reality is unfortunately not a good news.
However, the good news is IDP (international driving permit, 1968 Convention and not the 1949 Convention) is now valid in Vietnam from August 1st, 2016 with the 46/2016/ND-CP decree. You also need to present your home country driving license with motorbike endorsement.
In conclusion, only Vietnamese driving license (local and converted) and the 1968 Convention IDP are recognized in Vietnam.
Hello Anh Wu.
Your pages are very helpful! I consider to travel in Vietnam on motorbike next year but I have driving licence B only (car up tu 3 500 kg) from my country (Czech rep.) with corresponding IDP (Vienna 1968), that is “Status 3” by your info. I would like to go through “motorcycle driving test” then. Could you give an advice where I can apply for this exam? I mean what autority in Vietnam and practice info, etc. Thanks very much in advance!
Dear Petr. If you travel on a tourist visa, you can’t get a Vietnamese license. You must be fluent in Vietnamese because you are not allowed to have an interpreter. To ask for more details, contact the nearest Department of Public Transport because we don’t assist in this process. However, in your case, it’s near impossible, sorry to say the truth.
Hello Anh Wu,
yes i got legal Document from Cambodian Police , dare my job transfer in Vietnam i would like to bring with me my motorbike as here a new Motorbike is very expensive .
Do you mean the NN plate for foreigner?
Thanks
Best regards
Hello Anh Wu
Great info!
But one question if I’m visiting Vietnam for 2 weeks and I have an international driving license (car & moped). Can I get the 100cc test also? or do I have to have a work permit? or is it fine as a tourist?
Hi Dennis. Assuming you have a 1949 IDP. Bad news: Officially, tourists can’t get a Vietnam driving license. However, there are some service companies who can arrange a Vietnamese license for around 200$US. Too expensive, isn’t it? We don’t assist in getting a local license.
Hello,
I would like to register my motorbike. It is over 800 cc but I am a foreigner with Resident card and Vietnamese Driver License. There is any legal way to do it?
Thanks.
Hello Dean,
You can only register your bike if you have all legal documents – this means you bought a new bike. If it’s an illegal bike there is no way to register it. Many used big bikes in Vietnam were illegally imported from Cambodia or use fake papers. Please contact your local police office (CSGT) for the specific requirement.
Good luck.
Hello Anh Wu,
Regarding operating a motobike less than 50cc (no driver license required), does the same law apply to foreigners also or is it only for local Vietnamese? And do you have anything < 50cc for rent?
Hello Stanav. Yes, this applies to everyone. Sadly, we have no small scooters, the smallest is 100cc. In fact, 50cc doesn’t have enough power and costs as much as 100cc while it’s mostly Chinese copy – not reliable.
Hello,
Thanks so much for this valuable information! I don’t have a home country motorbike license from the USA since I haven’t lived there in years, but I do have a valid motorbike license from Thailand and Mexico (where I have recently lived). Will I be able to use either of these to obtain a Vietnam motorbike license easily or will I have to take a driving test? I will be have a work permit and work visa as a teacher.
Thanks,
Hello James. If your Thai or Mexican licenses have motorbike endorsement and you have a work permit then you can easily convert into a Vietnamese license. You don’t need to take any test. The validity is up to passport or work permit (whatever shorter). The company who applies your work permit must arrange this license at the local Department of Public Transport.
Hi I am from India and we are planning a bike ride (using 15 local rental bikes) trip in Vietnam for a week to see places around. We all have an Indian Driving License (Two wheeler with Gear). Will that be valid or need to any take any other measures. Please advice.
Hello Mahesh. I think your license is 1949 Convention? Check the first page. If this is the case, sadly you are not allowed to use this license for Vietnam. Honestly, most traffic cops don’t know the difference between two IDPs, so bring it and hopefully it works. If you can apply the 1968 Convention, then do it. One of our English riders last month managed to get two IDPs!
I think you should clarify to people that the decree of last year only covers countries that abide by the 1968 convention on IDPs. Australia, USA and Canada are not signatories to the 1968 convention but abide by the 1949 Geneva convention so citizens of those countries are NOT able to drive in Vietnam with their IDPs.
Yes, thank you for your detailed contribution. We did realize this but were too busy so just forgot. We now got this page updated.
Hello,
I got my automobile license from my home country converted to a Vietnamese license. Now, can you tell me where to get the application and sign up for the driving test for a motorbike? I think it used to be at Quoc Tu Giam but has moved. Thanks.
You need a business visa and a residence card or work permit. Otherwise, you can’t convert to a Vietnamese license. This department is now in Ha Dong. Do some research and you will find out the new location.
Hi,
I live in Hanoi and I just got a car and motorcycle license for less than 175cc. I got it using my home license. No problem. But I want my full motorcycle license. My embassy (we are here as diplomats) says this can’t be done because you need to speak Vietnamese to get a motorcycle licence above 175cc. Do you know if this is correct?
Thanks for your advice!
Yes, they are right. Whatever test you take will be in Vietnamese and you are not allowed to have a translator. Therefore, you must speak and understand Vietnamese. Theory test has 20 questions. You must understand Vietnamese to circle the answers, all questions come with pictures and on computer.
Thanks. So I can’t just use my Australian motorcycle license to get a VN motorcycle license–like I did for my car license here?
Very useful into Anh. Many thanks for sharing your valuable knowledge. Please let me understand. In my country I have a full driving licence for any motorbike. Does it mean that if I convert to the Vietnamese one I will be able to drive max 175cc? I do not speak Vietnamese and therefore no way I can pass the test. Thank you for your advice.
To convert you must have a business visa AND a work permit or residence card. If you are on a tourist visa, you can’t do it. After notifying passport and driving license, you wait for 7 days to have a Vietnamese license. The validity will be your passport expiry date. You can ride any bike, it’s simply converting your license into Vietnamese one. Please contact the Ministry of Transport or local Department of Transport where you live and they will provide further instructions, we don’t offer any service relating to converting a license. Good luck.
Dear Anh, I’m doing some extra search. From what I learnt it seems you are right but the driving license will last only until the end of the VISA (I have business VISAs renewed every 6 months). So I would end up having to go through the same process every 6 months. no good, no no! You indicated instead that “the validity will be your passport expiry date”. Are you still sure about that?
@Anh Wu–This is incorrect. I have only a business visa, no work permit, and I get a new Vietnamese license right after I renew my visa. I’m on my fourth one, the most recent was obtained in Nov 2017 and the one before that in Nov 2016. I got my first one in 2013 on a tourist visa and another in 2015 on a tourist visa.
@Diego–It takes a few minutes of your time and a less than US$15. Is that really too much to ask to be driving/riding legally?
John. It depends on which province you dealt with. The information is for general. We never heard of any success like yours so could you be a bit more specific of steps? It can’t be that easy, many of my friends who are foreigners reported worse things than I posted here :(
According to the Australian Government website we cannot drive legally in Vietnam even with an IDP, but from what I am reading here if we have an IDP we can hire a car or motorbike is this correct?
Yes, you are correct. Western media and even Vietnamese embassies are too slow on this. We did mention this on this page. They must be up with the current situation.
Hi,
Is there any way of getting the license quicker? I have Status 1 but I want to arrive on a Friday night and start riding on Sunday morning in Hanoi, what do you recommend?
Thanks so much, this is a very informative page!
Hello Jamie. As we explained on our website, you are not able to get a Vietnamese license if you travel on a tourist visa. Even with a business visa and a work permit, with all paperwork and notary papers you need at least two weeks in reality. The better way is get an international driving license from your country, make sure it has motorbike endorsement.
The only way would be to come earlier or start riding later.
And make sure your riding skills are competent.
Hey,
I normally have a driving license in Europe, but got it drawn-in from the government for driving under the influence of alcohol 3 months ago. I wasn’t able to get it back before my departure, as I moved to Asia. My question: Is it still possible to rent a motorbike and get an insurance with only a copy of the European license?
Thanks for your answer!
greetings
No, in fact you need an international driving license or Vietnamese license. Unfortunately, no copy is accepted. Therefore, you need to accept any risk for riding without license or wait and get license back.
If you rent a bike, we don’t require a license but if police stops you pay the fine.
Hi, what’s the current status with regard to getting a Vietnamese motorbike license based upon my holding a UK motorbike license ?
Are UK motorbike licences legally accepted yet ?!
If not, what is the current process ?
Also, how on earth do I get myself a business visa or work visa if I’m really just going to be a tourist ?! Assuming this is still a requirement.
I do find it really quite backward of the Vietnamese government not to put a simple procedure in place for awarding tourists a license (even if temporary) upon presentation of a UK (or other well regarded driving test nation). Its an easy money spinner for the government and means people can get insured too. Frankly a rider with a UK license (or many other countries) will be a FAR better & safer driver than a native local !!!!
I agree that people without any license shouldn’t be allowed to rent anything.
Hi Ben. No foreign license is legal in Vietnam. A business visa costs a lot of money. For example, 1 year business visa is about 600$US. When you are in Vietnam you will know how crazy traffic is and Vietnamese riders are among the best in the world on SMALL bikes. However, many are very careless. Therefore, on average about 27 people die daily and most are bike riders.
A one-year business visa is a lot less money now. I paid less than US$250 for the one I got in Nov 2017
Could you please provide the steps and/or company that you dealt with? We don’t offer this service so the details are for the customers.
The UK has signed the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, a UK IDL is valid.
There are two Conventions (1949 & 1968) and UK signed the 1949 Convention while Vietnam signed the 1968 Convention. It’s a mighty claim but won’t work in Vietnam.
Hello,
Would you let me know about the relation between Driving License and Temporary Resident Card.
The Driving License will expire when the Temporary Resident Card expires, won’t it?
Thanks
Hello Susan. They normally issue it to the validity of your passport but can be to your residence card. Please check with your local Department of Public Transport for more details.
Hello. So if I am right in what you are saying if I visit Vietnam for 3 weeks on regular tourist visa I can not get a licence so therefore can not hire a motor bike? Or can I still hire a motorbike but risk getting caught by police for not having licence? If i do get caught by the police, what is likely to happen to me?
You are right. The charge is about 50$US. That’s the same everywhere.
I have a valid driver’s license for an automobile from the US. I would need to take status 2. My question is, how much does the temporary license cost after I pass the road test for a motorcycle? And would I get the license the same day as I pass the test? Thanks for your help.
Hello Aaron. You still need a business visa and a work permit. A license will be issued to the validity of your passport. A1 (50-174cc) license costs about 20$US and A2 (above 175cc) is about 150$US and some pocket money. Sadly, we don’t assist with getting a local license for foreigners due to the hidden costs and complicated paperwork. Please contact the Hanoi Urban Transport Management and Operation Centre, 16 Cao Ba Quat street.
Hello,
Is there any news about the new international license laws in Vietnam, that are meant to be introduced early this year? I cannot seem to find anything definitive online. I will be visiting in May and hope that it is in place by then (i have a Australian motorbike license and am an experienced rider, including in other SE Asian countries).
Cheers,
Al
Hello Al. The government is working on accepting international driving license from 2015 but unfortunately there is no final confirmation from the Ministry of Transport. Laws in Vietnam need sometime to be enforced through a complicated system of decrees and letters.
Hey I would like to rent two motorbikes to go from Hanoi to Hochimin city. We both have drivers licences. I have mine on me but my friend does not have his hard copy.
Will this be an issue.
Hello Bink. Unfortunately, we don’t offer one-way motorbike hire because we have only one office in Hanoi. Vietnam doesn’t recognize foreign licenses but it’s not that complicated as explained above.