A motorbike driving license in Vietnam is a mandatory requirement for any traveler who wishes to freely explore the country by motorbike without worrying about fines. However, not every visitor fully understands the regulations, procedures, and the latest updates regarding motorbike licenses in Vietnam. In this article, Vietnammotorbiketour will reveal 10 important things every traveler should know to explore Vietnam’s beautiful destinations safely, legally, and to the fullest.
Regulations on International Driving Permits in Vietnam
According to the latest legal regulations in 2025, only International Driving Permits (IDP) issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention are valid for use in Vietnam. Foreign visitors holding a 1968 IDP, together with a valid national driving license issued by a country that is a signatory to the Convention, are legally allowed to operate motorbikes in Vietnam. However, international driving permits not issued under the 1968 Convention—for example, IDPs under the 1949 Geneva Convention or those issued by private organizations—are not recognized and are considered invalid licenses when driving in Vietnam.
In addition, anyone operating a motor vehicle in Vietnam must hold a valid license corresponding to the correct vehicle category, specifically:
- Motorbikes under 175cc require a Category A1 license.
- Motorbikes 175cc and above require a Category A2 license.
- Motorbikes 50cc or less may be operated without a license, but drivers must still comply with all traffic laws.
It’s also important to note that foreign residents living long-term in Vietnam (with a temporary or permanent residence card) are advised to convert their foreign license into a Vietnamese license to avoid potential legal issues.
Furthermore, international driving permits issued by Vietnam are only valid for use abroad and cannot be used within Vietnam itself.
The importance of having a Vietnamese motorbike license
When traveling in Vietnam by motorbike, it is extremely important for foreign visitors to possess a valid and legal driving license. This not only helps avoid potential legal troubles, but is also directly related to the traveler’s insurance rights. Without a valid Vietnamese motorbike license or a recognized International Driving Permit (IDP), foreign visitors will not be eligible to purchase insurance from domestic companies, and even many international insurance providers may refuse to cover any claims if an accident occurs while traveling in another country.
Currently, Vietnam only recognizes International Driving Permits (IDPs) issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. This means:
- If you hold a 1968 IDP together with a valid national license issued by a country that is a signatory to the Convention, you are allowed to legally drive in Vietnam.
- If you only have a foreign license or an IDP not based on the 1968 Convention (for example, those under the 1949 Geneva Convention or issued by private organizations), these documents are not accepted, and you may be fined as if driving without a license.
It is also worth noting that foreigners working or residing long-term in Vietnam can convert their foreign motorbike license into a Vietnamese license without having to take a theory test. Although traffic police do not always stop Western tourists to check licenses, enforcement has become stricter in recent years, especially at popular tourist destinations such as Mui Ne, Ha Giang, Son La, Nha Trang, Da Nang, Hanoi, and Dien Bien. Without a valid driving license, foreign travelers risk administrative fines, vehicle confiscation, and denial of insurance compensation in the event of an accident.
Required documents and processing time for converting a driving license
To legally ride a motorbike in Vietnam, foreign visitors must hold either a Vietnamese motorbike license (A1 or A2) or an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. For those who are staying long-term in Vietnam or do not have a 1968 IDP, Vietnammotorbiketour offers a fast and legitimate service to help convert a foreign driving license into a Vietnamese one.
In many cases, visitors do not need to take a theory or practical test if their foreign license is still valid. Our team provides comprehensive assistance, including document preparation and certified translation, to help you save both time and effort. The average processing time is only 7–10 working days.
Conditions for license conversion:
- You must already hold a valid motorbike or car driving license issued by your home country.
- You must have a valid visa or temporary residence card in Vietnam with a remaining validity of at least 3–6 months.
Required documents:
- Passport (notarized copy of all pages with immigration stamps)
- Visa or temporary residence card (notarized copy)
- Original foreign driving license and notarized copy
- Two 3x4cm photos with a blue background
Once the application is complete, Vietnammotorbiketour will submit it on your behalf to the Department of Transport in Hanoi or the local authority where you reside. If your foreign license does not meet conversion requirements, we will assist you in scheduling the earliest possible driving test to complete the process.
Contact Information:
- Hanoi Office: Department of Transport of Hanoi – 16 Cao Ba Quat Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
- Da Nang Office: Department of Transport of Da Nang – 493 Tran Cao Van Street, Thanh Khe District, Da Nang City
- Ho Chi Minh City Office: Department of Transport of Ho Chi Minh City – 252 Ly Chinh Thang Street, Ward 9, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
A step-by-step guide to obtaining a Vietnamese motorbike license
Obtaining a new motorbike driving license in Vietnam is generally a more difficult and time-consuming process, especially for those who do not already hold a valid motorbike or car license from their home country. When applying for a new license, applicants are required to take both a theory and a practical test, and all questions and instructions are in Vietnamese. Temporary certifications such as the CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) in the United Kingdom are not accepted in Vietnam.
Requirements for applying for a new Vietnamese motorbike license
The applicant must meet the following conditions:
- Possess a valid residence permit or work permit in Vietnam.
- Hold a visa or temporary residence card that is valid for at least three months.
- Have a sponsoring company or organization during their stay in Vietnam.
Required documents
- Notarized copy of your passport (all pages with immigration stamps)
- Notarized copy of your visa or residence permit
- Application form for a driving license (according to the Department of Transport’s template)
- Two 3×4 cm photos with a blue background
All documents must be translated into Vietnamese and notarized at any local notary office. The document preparation process usually takes 1–2 working days.
Testing and examination process
Once your application is approved, you will be scheduled for both the theory test and the practical driving test.
- Theory Test: 20 multiple-choice questions in Vietnamese (no translation or interpreter is provided).
- Practical Test: A riding skills assessment conducted on a standardized test track approved by the Department of Transport.
The waiting time for the test schedule can take up to one month, depending on the number of applications being processed at the time of submission.
If you are planning to apply for a Vietnamese motorbike license or would like more detailed consultation about the procedures, please contact https://vietnammotorbiketour.top/. Our team will assist you with document preparation, certified translation, and driving test registration quickly and efficiently, helping you save time and effort. In addition, don’t forget to check out our Vietnam off-road motorbike tours for 2025–2026, and experience the breathtaking natural landscapes of Vietnam in the most adventurous way!
