If you want to drive: You will need to get a Vietnamese driving licence to drive a car or motorcycle from the Hanoi Department of Public Works and Transportation (telephone: 00 84 4 3843 5325) or the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Public Works and Transportation (telephone: 00 84 8 3829 0451 or 0452). 1. Regulatory signs display the rules governing a stretch of roadway. 2. Warning signs inform motorists of upcoming hazards on the roadway. 3. Guide signs tell drivers where they are, which locations are nearby or how to reach their destination. 4. Construction signs highlight work zones, road closures or detours. In 2020, the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam (IP Vietnam) reported receiving 119,986 IP applications of all types (down 0.7 percent from 2019), of which 76,072 were registered for industrial property rights (up 1.7 percent from 2019). IP Vietnam reported granting 4,591 patents in 2020 (up 63 percent from 2019). Licence application fee $2,550.00 Fee for grant of licence $2,550.00 Variation of licence fee $740.00 Variation of licence conditions fee $1,530.00 Renewal of licence fee (0-9 vehicles) $2,040.00 Renewal of licence fee (10+ vehicles) $3,060.00 Private ambulance licensing assessment process General Department of Traffic. The General Directorate of Traffic is responsible for issuing driving licenses, vehicles licenses and collection of traffic violations. Vay Nhanh Fast Money. Disclaimer All listed costs, requirements, locations, and procedures are subject to change at any time pursuant with Vietnamese laws with little or no advance notice. You are encouraged to verify with the Department of Transportation in the city where you are located for the most up to date information. Table of Contents 1. Foreign Driver Licenses Are Not Valid in Vietnam 2. International Driver Permits A Grey Area 3. Requirements for a Vietnam Driver’s License 4. Getting Your Vietnam Driver’s License at the Department of Transportation 5. Department of Transportation Locations in Cities of Interest 6. Duration of Your Vietnam Driver’s License Limited to Your Visa or Work Permit 7. Renewing Your Vietnam Driver’s License 8. Using Agents to Process Your Paperwork 9. Recent Developments in Vietnamese Traffic Laws 10. Additional Tips for traveling by Car or Motorcycle in Vietnam If you’re staying for longer than 3 months, it is advisable to arrange your own transportation rather than using taxis or Grab for the duration of your stay, as many short-term tourists do. The time and cost investment involved in the process of acquiring a driver’s license in Vietnam tilts in favor of getting one the longer you plan to live in Vietnam. If you do want to drive a vehicle in Vietnam, be it a motorbike or a car, you are obligated by law to get a driver’s license in Vietnam. Not only is it illegal to drive without a valid driver’s license issued in Vietnam, but it also is safer for you and everyone else. One important thing to remember is that, without a valid driver’s license, your health insurance may not cover you in case of an accident. Think twice before you drive without the appropriate paperwork! It should also be noted that driving a motorbike in Vietnam naturally carries more physical risks to yourself than driving a car. However, driving a car has risks of its own. For example, if you get in an accident where the other party was driving a motorbike, they could be seriously injured or worse. Even if you were not at fault, you may still get the blame for the accident no matter how much you might plead your case with the local police. Source If you plan to operate a motorbike larger than 50cc or drive a car, you are required to obtain a valid driver’s license. This guide explains how to do so. 1. Foreign Driver Licenses Are Not Valid in Vietnam Can’t we just use our driver’s license from our own home country and call it a day? The answer is generally no. We are aware of two exceptions which both are temporary and limited in nature. These two exceptions are ASEAN Driving Licenses and International Driving Permits governed by 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. A driver’s license from any of the other ASEAN member nations has a limited validity in Vietnam. Of course, even if ASEAN driver’s licenses may be recognized in certain circumstances as valid in Vietnam, it is still best to obtain a local Vietnamese driver’s license as soon as you can. Fortunately, the solution to this is quite easy. You can “convert” your home country’s license to a local Vietnamese driver’s license. How long this takes depends on whether your driver’s license already allows you to operate a car or a motorcycle in your home country. If your home country’s license already allows you to drive a car or a motorcycle, you can convert it to a Vietnamese driver’s license without needing to take a driving test. However, if that isn’t the case, you will need to pass a practical driving test. 2. International Driver Permits A Grey Area Vietnam is a member of the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. This means that if your IDP is governed by that 1968 convention, it has a limited validity in Vietnam. However, throughout recent years, we have heard of cases of traffic police telling foreigners that their IDPs governed by the 1968 convention are not valid. The argument for using an IDP is that it can be a decent short-term solution until you get your papers in order for a local driver’s license. A valid 1968 IDP coupled with local insurance may be helpful in getting coverage in case of an accident. IDP is never valid in your country of residence. Therefore an IDP is at most a temporary solution and you need to get a local DL as early as possible. However, an IDP is convertible to a local Vietnamese driver license and therefore a practical tool to make the process of acquiring a local Driving license easier. Related reading More information on IDPs from a foreign-run motorbike rental company. 3. Requirements for a Vietnam Driving License The requirements you need to apply for a Vietnam driver’s license are as follows Required documents* One copy of your passport with the photo page and the visa page both visa and passport must be valid. One copy of your home country’s driver license, with a translated and notarized version you would need to take it to a public notary first. Three passport size photos approximately 4 cm x 3 cm. Completed application formapplication form verify that this form is up to date before filling it out. 135,000 VND about $6 USD for processing fee. Source Vietnam Visa Immigration *Check with the local Department of Transportation since the rules are different in each major city or province. Cost The total cost will be up to but rarely more than 500,000 VND about $22 USD, which includes notarization, translation, photos, and licence fees. New law as of 2020 Minimum visa duration required in order to get a Vietnamese driver’s license is 3 months. In other words, if you only have a 1-month tourist visa, you will not be able to obtain a driver’s license in which case, it probably would not be worth the time investment anyway. 4. Getting Your Vietnam Driving License at the Department of Transportation When you have all the required documents, visit the nearest Department of Transportation in your location. Once you hand in your documents, they will request to take a head photo of you for the driver’s license. After getting your photo taken, they will make copies of all your documents and return the originals to you. This will be about a 15-20 minute wait if it’s not a busy day at the office. You will also pay a 30,000 VND processing fee. They may ask you to come back at a later date about 5 to 10 business days to pick up your new license, or give you the option to have it shipped to your address. They will give you a receipt that you will need to present to the office when you pick it up, or to the courier if you chose to have it shipped. If they inform you that you need to take a practical driving test, the motorbike driving test is only 15 minutes and quite easy. In most cases, you would not need to take a written theory test if you already have a driver’s license from your home country. Source If you do not know how to speak Vietnamese, taking a local friend with you to translate will definitely make the process smoother. It should also be noted that a car driving test may be more complex and take more time, especially if you are used to driving automatics, as many cars in Vietnam are manual. 5. Department of Transportation Locations in Major Cities The following are addresses and locations in the four major cities of Vietnam where expats can apply for their driver’s licenses. Hue – 10 Phan Boi Chau, Vinh Ninh, Hue Da Nang – 24 Duong Tran Phu, Thach Thang, Hai Chau Ho Chi Minh City Saigon – 63 Ly Tu Trong, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Hanoi – 2 Duong Phung Hung, Van Quan, Ha Dong, Ha Noi 6. Duration of Your Vietnam Driving License Limited to Your Visa or Work Permit The process of getting a driver’s license in Vietnam is straightforward and usually takes about two weeks provided you have all the required documents. However, one important thing to be aware of is that the expiration date on your driver’s license will be limited to the duration of your visa, residency permit, work permit, or the expiration date on your home country’s license, whichever is the shortest. For example, suppose the driver’s license from your home country doesn’t expire in five years, and your work permit is valid for two years from today’s date. However, your visa limits your stay to only one year. In this case, your Vietnam driver’s license will have an expiry date that matches the date your visa expires—in other words, it will only be valid for one year. If you have a visa that is valid for 3 months, your driver’s license will only be valid up to the end of that 3-month visa. This means that if you renew your visa, you will also have to renew your driver’s license. There is a possible exception—though it is not clear whether it is still being put into practice In some government offices or with some agents, you may be able to get a lifetime driver’s license as a foreigner, but you would have to pass the theory test in Vietnamese. Rules likely differ from province to province. 7. Renewing Your Vietnam Driving License Fortunately, renewing your driver’s license is very easy. Each time you will only need to submit your old Vietnamese driver’s licence and your new visa, and pay for the new licence. In some cases, they may request to see your driver’s license from your home country, in which case it’s straightforward to show them the original and a certified copy provided it has not already expired. 8. Using Agents to Process Your Paperwork You have the option to use an agent if you can’t read or speak Vietnamese. For a little extra money roughly $40-70 USD, you can have an agent process the paperwork on your behalf. They will handle the certification and notarization on your copies of your driver’s license, and fill out the application on your behalf. You would still need to arrive at the Department of Transportation office to get a photo taken, return roughly a week later to pick up your new license, and pay the 30,000 VND license processing fee about $ USD. If you don’t want to use an agent or pay extra for their services, you can still take a trusted local with you to translate. 9. Recent Developments in Vietnamese Traffic Laws In the past several months, Vietnam has been passing many new laws effective this year and traffic rules are no exception. 1. Zero tolerance for drunk driving Vietnam is taking drunk driving very seriously. In light of a recent spate of road accidents throughout 2019, 40% of which alcohol was a factor according to WHO, Vietnam recently passed the Law on Preventing Alcohol Harmful Effects effective Jan 1, 2020. Under the tough law, if caught driving with influence of alcohol, motorbike drivers and car drivers not only face fines of $258-345 USD and and $1,292-1,723 USD respectively, but may also have their driver’s licenses suspended for up to two years. 2. Using earphones while driving is prohibited Another new traffic rule is the prohibition of earphones use while driving. If caught using earphones while driving, you may face the following fines 1 to 2 million VND about $45-90 USD. Your driver’s license may be suspended from 1 to 3 months, or up to 4 months if there was a traffic accident involved. 10. Additional Tips for traveling by Car or Motorcycle in Vietnam Wear a helmet if you ride a motorbike Follow the traffic laws in Vietnam to the best of your ability. Drive with a valid license, obey traffic lights, use turn signals, and use the proper lanes. Most importantly, wear a helmet while riding a motorbike! DOT certified full-face helmets provide the best protection. Be aware that most helmets sold in Vietnam don’t provide much, if any, protection in the event of a crash. If you don’t have a DOT helmet, wear a similar one as locals do as it’s better than nothing. Besides, it is virtually guaranteed that the police will pull you over if you drive without a helmet. Instead of driving a car, you have the option of hiring a full-time driver If you aren’t confident in navigating the chaotic traffic on Vietnamese roads or communicating with the police if anything goes wrong, you have the option of hiring a local to drive for you on a full-time basis. Vietnam has plenty of people offering a car and a full-time driver as a packaged service, and many expats take advantage of this. This is a great way to shield yourselves from the financial, legal, and physical risks of driving yourselves in Vietnam. In addition, GRAB taxis are available and work very well in most cities. Relax and enjoy! Finally, when you’re on the road—relax, obey the laws, and enjoy! The traffic and roundabouts may get some getting used to, but soon enough you will enjoy what Vietnam has to offer outside of the tourist districts! Posted by douluvme49 on 7/2/2011 at 2229 Hi There, My boyfriend and I want to rent/buy We havent decided yet 2 motorbikes in Ho Chi Min City and ride up to Hanoi on our own. I don't have a Canadian drivers lisence though. I have an identification card.... I read online that if we do it as a tour I dont need a lisence as we are with a guide. What are the chances of getting 'pulled over' and having our lisences checked??? What could happen???? Any suggestions? My boyfriend has his lisence, and we both ride dirtbikes in Canada ... we don't need a lisence for this as we aren't driving on the street. Any info would be great!! 1 douluvme49 has been a member since 4/2/2011. Posts 33 Posted by Vietnam720 on 8/2/2011 at 0743 The worst that can happen after being pulled over is to have your bikes confisicated and kept for 30 days. A fine will be issued rightfully about US$15. But still you can't take the fine untill after 30 days. 2 Vietnam720 has been a member since 26/8/2009. Location Singapore. Posts 46 Posted by Randy on 8/2/2011 at 0855 Here are some tips for motorbike travelling lovers in VN. Chances of being get pulled over by Vietnamese cops excluding accidents Rate from most to least as...1/ Operate motorbike on wrong side of road, or opposite direction in one-way street...2/ Operate motorbike WITHOUT licence plate...3/ Operate motorbike WITHOUT helmet...3/ Operate motorbike with MORE THAN 2 PERSONS in a bike...4/ Overspeed...5/ Operate motorbike with supicious goodswatch out at areas which are closed to border passes...6/ Operate motorbike in ...impaired manners such as drunk, high on pot..7/ Racing with Vietnamese undercovered cops Undercovered cops have no right to stop you in vn, only traffic cops...8/ Operate a motorbike which is BIGGER than 125cc...9/ Minor contact into...cop bike on the road...10/ Carry more than 2 little kids in a bike. The end. 3 Randy has been a member since 3/2/2011. Posts 28 Posted by douluvme49 on 8/2/2011 at 1028 will i be able to get bike insurance with out a lisence if we happen to buy bikes? I guess both bikes could go in my boyfriends name, and i just ride the one. thanks for the info. by the sounds of it i will be okay riding a bike as long as i am not an idiot!! 4 douluvme49 has been a member since 4/2/2011. Posts 33 Posted by caseyprich on 8/2/2011 at 1201 Remember that your travel insurance will most likely not cover you if you get in a motorbike accident without having an intentional drivers licence. Not sure how it is in Vietnam, but your biggest concern will probably be livestock - not police. 5 caseyprich has been a member since 3/3/2010. Location China. Posts 1,281 Posted by goonistik on 8/2/2011 at 1311 See part 9. It seems that Vietnam doesn't recognize foreign drivers licenses nor international driving permits. What a bummer. More info here 6 goonistik has been a member since 7/1/2010. Location Philippines. Posts 563 Posted by 69bertie on 8/2/2011 at 1746 douluvme49 newbie Posts 2 will i be able to get bike insurance with out a lisence if we happen to buy bikes? I guess both bikes could go in my boyfriends name, and i just ride the one. thanks for the info. by the sounds of it i will be okay riding a bike as long as i am not an idiot!! Waste of time buying any bike insurance in Vietnam, as without a license it's invalid as is the case with any motor vehicle insurance worldwide. $2000USD is about max payout anyway. might be for a car but you'll find a lot of Vn insurance companies are the same when it comes to the maximum payout figure ..... 50million vnd is $2500 USD 7 69bertie has been a member since 22/12/2009. Posts 90 Posted by burnthisnow on 11/2/2011 at 1309 Hi, we operate a Vespa tour company in Saigon, and it's definitely true that travel insurers will not cover you if you are driving a vehicle in Vietnam without a Vietnam-issued drivers licence. However, you are covered if you're only riding pillion behind another driver or a guide doesn't matter if it's with a tour or not. If you're thinking of buying a motorbike in HCMC and riding up to Hanoi, that's a great trip. As several people have said here, traffic laws - such as they are in Vietnam - are irrelevant to whether you get pulled over by police and fined. The police will cook up any excuse to pull you over if they feel like it, not much you can do about it. If you are pulled over, 99% of the time the police will simply insist on a money payment on the spot a bribe without issuing a ticket. This can be anywhere from 150,00-500,000VND $8-25 US. Simplest thing is just pay it and be on your way. Still, a foreigner getting pulled over by police and truly hassled over traffic laws is very, very rare here. Also, it's not difficult to get a VN license if you already have one in Canada. You can do it here in a single day. Drop us a note if you have any more questions patrick and please stop by Zoom Cafe in Pham Ngu Lao when you arrive in HCMC. Lots of people there can tell you about doing this trip and how best to buy a bike, etc. Cheers, Patrick 8 burnthisnow has been a member since 24/5/2008. Posts 16 Posted by 69bertie on 13/2/2011 at 0926 You can get a Vn license in a day??? Took me a week, Had to have my UK driving license translated took two days, 3 months visa as a minimum, residential address. Hand the paperwork in at District 3. License signed for and picked up 7 days later. Bargain of a price....30000 vnd .... £1. 9 69bertie has been a member since 22/12/2009. Posts 90 Posted by AbgAcid on 13/2/2011 at 1527 No licence, dont ride. My advice, dont do it. Forget about fines, or pull over by police. Think of the consequences of running somebody on the road. Futhermore if the accident is a fatal one, it will be very very very messy. AA 10 AbgAcid has been a member since 28/11/2009. Location Malaysia. Posts 162 Posted by douluvme49 on 15/2/2011 at 0318 Burnthisnow - If I do not have a canadian lisence will i have issues, or if i just pay the bribe i should be ok? 11 douluvme49 has been a member since 4/2/2011. Posts 33 Posted by burnthisnow on 15/2/2011 at 1119 If you have your passport you should be fine. All they care about is the bribe. They'll tell you what you've done 'wrong,' then they'll suggest you give them money 200,000 or 300,000 VND. They'll pretend that this is for a ticket/fine, but it just goes in their pockets. You can try to bargain if you like, it's common. Or you can just pay it and be on your way right away. Best thing is to be friendly and pleasant about the whole procedure, if it happens. That's how all the Vietnamese handle it. 12 burnthisnow has been a member since 24/5/2008. Posts 16 Posted by hmdliven on 19/2/2011 at 2251 hi, This is not a good Idea to even rent a motor-bike in Vietnam, in a land which no one care about himself even. i was in HCMC and a motor bike driver catch my foot when i wanted to cross the street , maybe you go and do it with yourself and nothing happend to you But generaly advice is not to do it, cuz nobody is familiar with vietnamese driving culture expect themselves Have fun 13 hmdliven has been a member since 19/2/2011. Posts 9 Posted by Positivetravel on 9/3/2011 at 0115 We travelled through Vietnam ofr 2 months and bought a motorbike in Hanoi and made our way through the country down to Saigon. We only had 1 bike a 125cc Suzuki for the 2 of us with both our backpacks strapped on we got custom racks made and it was great. It may seem like too much for one bike but we never broke down once, but we did get her checked out by mechanics along the way. We never had any problems with police. I think a lot of that had to do with the fact we bought a less powerful bike, so we didn't stick out like a sore thumb while we were riding. My fiance only rode the bike and even though it is illegal for foreigners to own a bike in vietnam, we bought one with a Vietnamese persons name on it. Yes, there is a risk in doing this, but like I said because we bought a less powerful bike, we only road about 4 hours a day and were careful, I think that really helped us in not getting pulled over by the police. As for the crazy driving everyone talks about-yes it is busy in the cities, but it is doable. Have a practice riding first, keep up with the flow of the traffic, when on highways keep over to side of the road as much as possible. Also the Vietnamese use their arms a lot to indicate and to tell people where they are moving too. It may seem strange but I started doing this while on the back of the bike when we were turning left etc i would stick out my left had and shake it a bit and I think that really helped. Doing what they do and know worked well. A lot of the road rules etc from your own country don't really apply in Vietnam-work with what they do! Feel free to email us directly if you have any other questions admin [at] positiveworldtravel [dot] com Cheers! Elise 14 Positivetravel has been a member since 8/3/2011. Posts 17 Posted by stephenpham on 19/6/2012 at 0227 Not easy to bike from South to North of Vietnam, if you are foreigner 15 stephenpham has been a member since 12/6/2012. Posts 8 Posted by JonMyers on 25/6/2012 at 0502 I've lived in Saigon for 3 months now, and will be here another 3 or 4 months. I have a motorbike, and I don't have a license. I used to have a motorcycle endorsement back in the states, but I'm a perma-traveler, and my drivers license expired. Anyhow, you won't have any problems with police as long as you don't take the risks, which others have outlined. You shouldn't be anyways. That said, there are a lot of traffic nuances, which are unique to Saigon. For example, the motorbikes generally all stay on the right hand side, and cars stay on the left. Obviously, there is a lot of cross-over in lanes from both vehicle types. Especially when turning or when a taxi driver gets excited and spots a fare on the side of the road. You'll have to learn not to panic. Also, be very careful about where you park your motorbike. It could get stolen. When you go out only park it with security. Never just leave it on the sidewalk, which is an invitation for theft. My advice is to get here, and wait a few days, and take in the city on the back of a motorbike taxi. See it how feels, see the flow of traffic, and take in all the craziness that goes with it. Also, be very careful about the motorbike you rent. DON'T rent a bike from Chi Cafe, which is recommended on this site. I ended up returning 3 different motorbikes from there. They were all horribly maintained, and downright dangerous from bad brakes to second gear only working to rickety loose bearings in the steering head. I found a lady on Craig's List by the name of Thamle who rents motorbikes that are well maintained. She'll also drop it off at your house/ apartment or hotel. Her number is 090-3177407. I'm paying $1,000, month $50 bucks for a newer Sym Attilla, which is an awesome bike. One last thing, which I haven't seen anyone mention is this - expect to surrender your passport or at least a driver's license from your home country to whomever you're renting from. I rent an apartment here, so I gave the lady I rented from a copy of my rental agreement proof, and gave her my driver's license from back home, and held onto my passport. A lot of places will demand you give it up. 16 JonMyers has been a member since 11/10/2010. Location United States. Posts 1 Posted by SikKelowna on 25/6/2012 at 1711 Hey there, I can tell you first hand that i travelled from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City just over a year ago, there were 4 of us all from Canada, we bought the chinese copy bikes in Sapa and made our journey from Hanoi down. It was the most amazing trip i have ever done, my girlfriend who was on her own bike did get stopped but as soon as she started speaking english they let her go on her way. Yes the traffic can be intimidating at first, it is ridiculously busy in the main cities but it all flows and works, rules of the road are few and far between with everyone picking their own path and turning whenever they feel like but you just use that little horn button on your bike every 5 seconds and keep a good eye on everything around u and you should be safe. The big danger isnt the other bikes but the buses and big trucks on the main highway! They dont care about any of the rules of the road so stay out of their way and stick to the side of the road!! Most of your trip will be on the ho chi minh highway and smaller roads but unfortunately you have to take the main highway at some point in your trip. No insurance for any of us and although we made it safe and sound through vietnam, it is a big risk and you have to be extra careful and attentive as to avoid the many dangers while on the road. But...it is the most amazing way to see vietnam!! and will surely be an unforgettable trip!! Be safe and wear a helmet that will actually protect your head! 2 of my friends wore the baseball cap style helmet that provides zero protection! Chris 17 SikKelowna has been a member since 4/5/2011. Posts 7 Posted by Randy on 26/8/2012 at 1715 Hints for riding motorbike in Vietnam for ForeignersSupplemental....1/Only Vietnamese cops or Custom staffs/or Highway robbers riding motorcycle which is bigger than 125cc in Vietnam..2/ It is EITHER illegal OR RARE for any individual, Foreigner or Vietnamese to own and ride a motorbike which is ..BIGGER 175cc..3/ It's very easy to obtain Vietnamese Motorbike licence as long as you will be ready for the test in VIETNAMESE WRITINGS...3/ To Foreingers, the helmet NOT ONLY PROTECT YOUR HEAD but also help you to blend in in with the main flow of Vietnamese traffic and..NOT TO BE STUCK OUT and CAUGHT ATTENTION by Vietnamese cops for pulling over. The end.... 18 Randy has been a member since 3/2/2011. Posts 28 Posted by Vietnam720 on 26/8/2012 at 1859 Wearing face mask and jackets will help you to blend into the crowd too 19 Vietnam720 has been a member since 26/8/2009. Location Singapore. Posts 46 Posted by Randy on 27/8/2012 at 0756 PULLED OVER BY VIETNAMESE COPS WHILE RIDING MOTORBIKE IN VIETNAM. Well, back to the topic, the answer is IT IS RARELY. Reason Before 2006, no one has a licence to ride a motorbike in Vietnam. Vietnamese people, also cops have been thinking like that for....the first day there was presence of motorbike in VN. Figure it out, Buddy. No adventure then no fun. Think like a Vietnamese cop Why bother a white guy/girl when he or she couldn't speak the language? The fact that a Foreigner who couldn't speak the language and having the ball to ride motorbike in VN that is cool enough to....LET HE or SHE goes without hassles. Myself, paying bribe ONCE and no accident for + 2thousands of kilometers riding motorbike in Vietnam-Again, no insurance, no licence and sometimes...no helmet either....Use your common sense and be careful for...big trucks, buses because on the HWs of VN, these monsters somtimes pass you as of there is no presence of you on the road. 20 Randy has been a member since 3/2/2011. Posts 28 Posted by Randy on 27/8/2012 at 2357 I believe it is about 1700kilometers b/t HCMC and Hanoi. Bicycling would take you a whole month, non-stop. That's not mention about Mekong Delta region of VN. Cycling tour of VN like you think? Better prepare to live in Vietnam for ...6 months on a row, Buddy! 21 Randy has been a member since 3/2/2011. Posts 28 Posted by clayinAsia on 30/8/2012 at 0448 Motorcycles can be purchased and sold by foreigners. Manytravelers opt to buy their own bike and drive it throughout the country. A lotof drivers prefer to start in Hanoi and drive to Saigon on the world-famous HoChi Minh trail popularized by the British "Top Gear" series. Manypeople are unsure about the legality of purchasing bikes in it is illegal for foreigners to own bikes in Vietnam without theproper documentation. However, this law is not enforced and thousands flock toVietnam annually to buy bikes and ride them all over the country. It ispossible to convert your driving license from your home country to a Vietnameselicense, but few people go through this trouble. It is a well-known fact amongriders that the police in Vietnam are highly unlikely to carry out routinetraffic stops on foreigners. As long as the driver cares for his or her ownsafety and the safety of other motorist they can go the entire trip withouthassles. Most vendors do not sell bikes they only rent them. There are sometrusted companies selling bikes in Hanoi with good track records. Contact the foreign owned and operated Vietnam Motorbikes 0084-1285-963559 22 clayinAsia has been a member since 25/8/2012. Posts 4 Posted by ncsuang on 19/10/2012 at 0704 So I came across this thread after just being stopped north of Ha Giang a few hours ago. Let me first say that I'm an asian American and people mistake me for Vietnamese all the time so the idea of wearing full face helmets and big jackets might do more harm than good. They were stopping almost everyone. I didn't do enough research to find out you need a license and insurance to drive in Vietnam, stupid I know. Anyways, I'm hoping it doesn't happen again. They wanted 600,000 dong but then dropped it to 200,000 but then eventually they let me go. One guy was nice, the other guy not so much. I don't know how common these check points are but I am very close to the military area near the Chinese border. 23 ncsuang has been a member since 19/10/2012. Posts 2 Posted by Drybones on 9/5/2013 at 0221 I will be going to Vietnam in June 2013 and wish to obtain a Vietnamese drivers licence. I noticed that a company called An Khang is offering this service on Travelfish post no 23 - 30/8/12. Has anyone heard of this company and/or used the service? This seems to be an easy way to get a licence - I have a full UK driving car and motorbike licence. The VN licence will be sent to my UK address via DHL additional cost or I could collect it in Ho Chi Minh city. The cost will be $75 and I am wondering if this is legal or a scam as I do not have to make a personal appearance in any VN office. 24 Drybones has been a member since 6/5/2013. Posts 6 Posted by BanzaiSchnitzel on 27/5/2013 at 1354 Eagerly awaiting an answer to the above post on this company too 'An Khang' if its legit and i don't have to post original documents i'm well up for paying 75bucks. I have a UK bike and car license and have previously driven all over India without proper legality, but would rather drive legally if its straightforward enough to sort out, and If its possible to have a Vietnamese license pre-prepared that'd be great. I'm going for 3 weeks in August and won't have time to sort this out on the ground when i arrive there.... Any experience with this company anyone, please let us know!! 25 BanzaiSchnitzel has been a member since 27/5/2013. Posts 4 Posted by douluvme49 on 27/5/2013 at 1533 hey banzai from what i understand, it is illegal for a foreigner to ride a bike or car in vietnam. I know people that live in Vietnam , and have lived their for years and they do not hold any kind of Vietnamese lisences. I'm assuming what An Khang is trying to sell you isn't real, but I dont know. We rode all over the country and had no problems, nor did people we spoke with. We passed by many police and never were stopped They would say hello and let us be on our way. We checked into our International Drivers lisences, but even those aren't valid in Vietnam. Are you riding a motorbike in Vietnam? is that your plan? Are you renting or buying? Best way to travel Vietnam, hands down , was by motorbike! Well scooter... lol.' Have a blast. 26 douluvme49 has been a member since 4/2/2011. Posts 33 Posted by BanzaiSchnitzel on 27/5/2013 at 1619 Hey douluvme Thanks for the reply [img]smileys/ Yeh from what I've read international bike/car licenses aren't valid in VIetnam. If you want to be 100% covered getting a Vietnamese license is possible without a test but it takes at least 9 days on the ground.. I agree the An Khang site could be anything from a fake to a fraud, or a legit remote service.. There's really no way to tell unless its been tested... The plan is to fly Into Saigon because its cheaper, then fly straight to Hanoi as I wanna spend time In the north., then rent or buy a Minsk to see the hills on if i can find one. I'll need to be back in Saigon 3 weeks later.. So No idea where it could take me, im super super exited... Ultimately license or no license its being done! I've always been conscious enough on the roads, and I have enough experience with bikes to know their hazards, so I'm confident it'll be great if I use my head. keep a pocket full of dong handy [img]smileys/ and hope the police are as friendly as everybody is saying! A real license would just give me full peace of mind though. Regardless of how I conduct myself I can't fully account for anybody else, especially children or wildlife. I agree too the best way to see everywhere is by bike Any tips on the north? Special places? 27 BanzaiSchnitzel has been a member since 27/5/2013. Posts 4 Posted by douluvme49 on 27/5/2013 at 1626 I didn't even have a drivers lisence when we went... if your looking to buy a bike go to Hanoi backpacker Hostel the new one, sorry i cant remember street names. Ask at the front desk, a lot of the times ppl trying to sell them make posters there. We heard a lot of bad things about Minsk. I'd go with the Honda Winn they aren't real honda winns ,prob chinese... but easy for parts... we heard the minsks break down a lot. We didn't spend a lot of time in the North as we fell in love with a place called phong nha farmstay. We spent the majority of our time at a place called Phong Nha Farmstay. The owner Ben is super fun, its beautiful to ride around. Lots of caving, trekking, and just roads that go on for days with beautiful scenery. Again, not a ton of tourists but really nice. His wifes name is Bich. If you are easy going, not high maintenance... its a great place. Ppl that are expecting high high end hotels end up being let down. But, for 2 of us we spent approx 50-70$ a day when staying here. Great food, great drinks, lots of laughs and fun! Our friend Minh another local from the North .. when we were there had started his own hotel in his hometown, about 2 hours from Hanoi. No tourists, very real, pretty etc. I dont know what he charges , or if he charges anything... we just paid for our meals and offered to fill up the bike with gas we had already sold ours so he came and picked us up... but theres lakes and chickens and... just a fantastic experience. If you have facebook, look up Minh Nguyen Quang and tell him Kristin told you to contact him. He actually came to Sapa with us for fun. im so jelous. i would go back in a heartbeat. Actually, a friend we made at the Farm local vietnamese is here visiting us now Canada! Another place we realy enjoyed was called Jungle Beach. Its a little further south. but a great place to relax. meals included. and if you have a bike its easy to get too. Find me on fb if you have any questions. Kristin Johnson My profile pic is of me and my boyfriend in thailand standing on a beach in front of a big rock. Cheers 28 douluvme49 has been a member since 4/2/2011. Posts 33 Posted by Drybones on 28/5/2013 at 1000 Further to my post 25 on 9/5/13 I decided to go ahead and use the services of An Khang. They have been very prompt in answering my many queries. I had to send a copy of my UK licence, passport, photo and visa I have a 5 year visa exemption certificate . Within 12 days I received an email showing both sides of my Vietnamese Driving licence VDL together with the 'official' stamps on the documents I sent. The VDL shows that, despite having a full motorbike and car UK licence, I can only drive a 2 wheeler up to 175ccs. However it allows me to drive up to a 9 seater car! When I asked about sending money to them I was told that I could collect theVDL at their office and that they would collect the fees on the day of my departure from VN. I will post details of how this works out later. One thing I did learn was that, as from 1st January 2013, the VN government changed the law for foreigners requesting a VDL - the VDL is only valid for the duration of the visa - if you have a 90 day visa you only get a 90 day VDL. A VDL cannot be renewed - the whole process must start again. In my case my exemption certificate expires on 1/2/14 - so will my VDL. When I get a new exemption certificate I will have to apply for a new VDL - this will expire in 5 years. 29 Drybones has been a member since 6/5/2013. Posts 6 Posted by BruceHaydon on 28/5/2013 at 2151 Fist rule in Vietnam No rule . Go ahead and do it . In the North of Vietnam , you must visit Mucangchai wonderful rice paddies , Sapa , Bac Ha , Hagiang Dong Van , Meo Vac Babe Lake , Ban Gioc Water Fall . There is wonderful route to ride . The Hostel someone mention before stay at number 6 Luong Ngoc Quyen Streets , and you can buy a bike there at the motorbike shop on number 5H same streets . Tips Bike a buy from mechanic guys , it could be a bit more expensive but at least they serviced the bike . They also can give you lots of advice for the road , accommodations ....etc. Ride like a local , use the horn , wear helmet and don not over the speed limit then you will be ok . Have Fun ! 30 BruceHaydon has been a member since 18/5/2013. Posts 6 Posted by BanzaiSchnitzel on 30/5/2013 at 0513 Hey guys Thanks very much for for your replies! Douluvme- that's cool thank you! We'll see if we can reach out to your friends too Drybones- that's awesome! I'm gonna see if I can do this when we have our visas - do you know if a certain type of visa is required for the application?? 1/3 month?? Bruce- thanks too! You seem to know the north well, we may reach out to you for more advice if that's okay? Can't wait to see the north, is it easy to get into Laos by road too? How long might journeys take, I was interested in Luang Prabang for one thing? Any more advice would be great! My girlfriend and I will fly to Saigon early Aug then I think straight up north to Hanoi, our schedule isn't set yet but we have basically 3 weeks and are more interested in the north and central areas so will look to spend most of this time up there... One complication is that we'd love to see Phu Quok island in the south for a few days. Either we use many internal flights to achieve this or we try to motorcycle south. We were going to travel over land from the north to hoi an area anyway. But is it too ambitious to take a bike all the way from north back to Saigon? If anyone has an idea on how long this might take I'd be interested to hear from you! The reason I was interested in a Minsk is because me and my girlfriend will be traveling on one bike, potentially with two bags, so we'll need something with a little more power. We are super exited and can't wait!! 31 BanzaiSchnitzel has been a member since 27/5/2013. Posts 4 Posted by douluvme49 on 30/5/2013 at 0805 We were running low on time so we arranged to take our scooters on the bus overnight. They put it in the under carriage. I think we paid an extra 60$ ... maybe more, I can't remember.. to take the bike. If you stop at Phong Nha Farmstay in Central Vietnam they can help arrange to put the bikes on the bus to somewhere close to Phu Quok. I know its possible to ride to Laos, our friend did it... but I dont know much about it... other then that the border ppl gave him a bit of a hard time. He's Vietnamese descent but from Canada...so I'm not quite sure how it would be being a traveller. Most ppl do the whole trip North to South Hanoi to Saigon in 3 weeks. Thats a lot of riding though, and not much time to stop and see everything. Hoi An's super cute! You'll love it! Drive safe! 32 douluvme49 has been a member since 4/2/2011. Posts 33 Posted by Drybones on 2/6/2013 at 0711 Re my post 30 on 28/5/13 I am led to believe that in order to get a VDL it is required to have a visa of at least 90 days. Meanwhile my plans have changed slightly. I will now be returning to the UK via Hanoi as we intend to visit Halong Bay. I guess I will pay An Khang for my VDL on arrival their office is only about 7 km from the airport instead of paying on departure - I suppose it would be unreasonable to expect them to go to Hanoi for their fee - 33 Drybones has been a member since 6/5/2013. Posts 6 Posted by Drybones on 24/6/2013 at 1940 Update on my licence application - I went to An Khang's office in HCM city and was given my VDL by an assistant. He told me to phone An Khang to arrange the collection of the fee $75 when I return to UK from Hanoi on 12 July. I think that this is very trusting of him. Apparently he wants to ensure that I know the VDL is genuine. So I am the proud owner of a Vietnamese driving licence that so far has cost me nothing! 34 Drybones has been a member since 6/5/2013. Posts 6 Posted by BanzaiSchnitzel on 15/7/2013 at 0410 Hey Drybones, I've been all over the place the last month and just read your post.. Firstly how was your trip? Back in one piece? Any particularly awesome places you visited that you didn't want to leave? Me and lady fly out early August and can't wait, I have a few weeks to sort out my license app' but I wanted to check back with you first. Did the whole licensing business work out? My biggest question is Whether you were stopped by police and did they accept the license as valid? This is the whole point for me so any experience would be valuable. I think you are the first to do the remote application and write about it remote VDL pioneer! Haha Secondly, what bike did you have? Rent/buy? And did you also have some insurance? Tell us about it if you have a moment mate! Cheers Will 35 BanzaiSchnitzel has been a member since 27/5/2013. Posts 4 Posted by Drybones on 15/7/2013 at 0600 Re post 36 I checked with the police and the licence is valid. When we returned from Cambodia we spent a couple of days in Saigon. I decided to visit An Khang office to pay the $75 rather than in Hanoi . The office is genuine & well established. I received a receipt for the money and didn't actually check it until I received a call from Mr Khang saying I paid too much$120. He was very keen to return the excess despite me telling him I paid the correct amount. Anyway after much discussions & phone calls it turned out the receptionist had made a mistake on my receipt - she put $120. I was very impressed with Mr Khangs honesty. Renting a bike was a bit of a problem in Soc Trang but ok in Vung Tau. My travel insurance covered me for small motorbikes, as long as I had a valid licence. I did not attempt to rent in Hanoi or Saigon, you will understand why when you get here We did the trip to Halong Bay - the 3 hour drive there and 3 hours back was a bit tiring. The tour guide, Mike, was excellent. 4 hours on the boat with kayaking & cave visiting thrown in was fine for us. Some people may prefer overnighting on the boat. BTW we used Vietnam Airlines from the UK and were upgraded to business class using Optiontown - I definitely recommend this as the way to go. We were also upgraded on the flight from Saigon to Hanoi. 36 Drybones has been a member since 6/5/2013. Posts 6 Posted by gecktrek on 28/7/2013 at 1808 Did a 3 weeks motorbike trip in Feb/Mar through the central highlands; Ho Chi Minh, Binh Chau, Mui Ne, Da lat, Nha Trang, Buon Ma Thuot, Gia Nghia, Phuoc Long & Ho Chi Minh, all up about 1500kms... didn't have a VN driving license, but did have my local and an international licenses, which enabled me to get travel insurance for my time riding motorcycles whilst in VN... luckily, didn't get pulled over by any police or have any accidents, awesome experience! 37 gecktrek has been a member since 24/3/2013. Location Australia. Posts 183 Posted by travworld on 3/8/2013 at 0820 Been driving here for 2 years , never been stopped, were a helmet use your signals , no one bothers you , have a accident and its your fault, expect to pay a couple million dong for damage . Police can be bought for a small price . I am from USA . Drive safely . 38 travworld has been a member since 9/7/2007. Location United States. Posts 23 Posted by Blackartemis on 4/8/2013 at 0222 Anyone know if I can ride legally and get insured while riding on a Thai/ASEAN Motorcycle DL, supposedly I am now legal to ride in 10 countries. As for "just doing it" that is horrible advice, sure it works out fine if you never have or cause and accident. But in SEA countries there are tons of stories of tourists out a ton of $ due to accidents without insurance. On top of that, most tourists suck are riding even a scooter and have no idea how to ride without endangering themselves and others. If you cause the death of a local and do not have a DL or insurance, have fun paying your way out of that one. 5+ years of riding in Thailand has shown me too many horror stories to back such advice... 39 Blackartemis has been a member since 16/7/2011. Posts 36 Please login to add your reply You need to be a Travelfish member to be able to add a post to the forum. After logging in you'll be returned to this page automatically to add your post. Not a member? Join up here. Things to know when driving in Vietnam Hitting the roads in Vietnam can be an unpredictable experience for many, including both local and foreign commuters – and that includes forgetting Vietnam’s traffic rules. Sometimes you might forget to turn on your indicator lights when making a turn, or accidentally leave your driving license at home before setting out on your motorbike. Knowing what to expect when being pulled over by a policeman for a traffic violation can sometimes help you resolve the situation smoothly. Here are the things that you need to know when driving in Vietnam, so you can travel with more confidence and ease. 1. Drivers need to bring their driving licenses and vehicle registration Image credit When driving in Vietnam, every driver is required to carry their driving license and vehicle registration. Failure to bring these documents will result in a penalty of VND100,000 to VND6,000,0000 ~ According to Vietnam traffic rules, drivers are required to bring the original versions of their driving licenses at all times, but exceptions can be accepted in 2 circumstances Your driving license is being held up at the police station for prior traffic violations you committed in the past but have not paid the penalties to retrieve yet. Your driving license is being kept at a financial institution for a financial proceeding. Under these circumstances, you can present a photocopied version of your driving license. 2. Your blood alcohol level cannot exceed 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres Image credit bactrack According to Vietnam traffic rules on drink driving , any drivers whose alcohol levels exceed 50mg/100ml of blood will face a fine from VND4,000,000 to VND5,000,000 ~ This means that you should keep a tight check on the level of alcohol you consume before driving anywhere – so carrying around a personal breathalyzer can be well worth its price. For more tips on how to have a good nhau-ing time without fear of committing traffic violations, check out our article here. 3. Commuters can record their encounters with traffic police officers Image credit According to Circular 67/2019/TT-BCA’s Vietnam traffic rules, commuters have the right to record, with their phones, cameras, or tape recorders, traffic police officers performing their roles. The purpose of this clause is to ensure that traffic police officers are performing their roles with transparency and effectiveness. 4. Police have the right to pull you over Image credit According to Circular 65/2012/TT-BCA, a traffic police officer has the right to pull you over when detecting a traffic violation on your part, either using their hands, a traffic stick, a speaker, a sign, or a barrier. When pulling you over, the traffic police officer is obliged to inform you immediately of your violations before asking you to present your driving license and vehicle registration. Take note that you do not have to present your personal documents before knowing your violations. 5. Traffic police officers are equipped with guns This car driver ignored the police officer’s motion for a traffic stop and purposefully drove forward while the officer was still in the way Image credit kinhtedothi According to Circular 65/2020/TT-BCA, starting from 5th August 2020, Vietnamese traffic police officers will be equipped with pistols, rifles, submachine guns, rubber bullets, tear gas pistols, paintball bullets, tear gas sprayers, electric batons, armor, as well as locks. These weapons are only used by traffic police officers when dealing with heightened threats from aggressive commuters. 6. Traffic police officers can disguise themselves as civilians to enforce traffic laws Some Grab drivers in Vietnam are undercover cops Image credit The Seattle Times Traffic police officers can disguise themselves as civilians to enforce traffic laws and keep traffic in order by observing the movements of a target to detect traffic violations, and then notifying another task force who are wearing uniforms. However, their disguise plans have to be approved beforehand by their management. One of the most commonly asked questions by both local and foreign commuters in Vietnam is whether it’s okay under Vietnam traffic rules for traffic police officers to disguise themselves to measure vehicles’ speed or to observe commuters from a distance to check that they are following the rules of the road. The answer is yes, they can. 7. You have the right to defend yourself against a traffic ticket Image credit When you’re pulled over by a traffic police officer, cooperate with him and defend yourself against the traffic ticket in a civil manner. If you feel that the charges are unreasonable, you can choose not to sign it and argue your case with evidence, such as with a dash-cam video or with a witness. Do not use unreasonable force with a traffic police officer, which can make you end up with more charges. 8. Only traffic police in vehicles with patrol signage can pull you over Image credit There have been reports of cases in which commuters are deceived and robbed in the middle of the night or in the middle of nowhere by con artists masquerading as traffic police officers. To tell whether you’re being pulled over by real traffic police officers, check the color of their vehicles, which should be white and on which are printed with signs that say “Traffic Police” in English and also in Vietnamese, as CSGT Cảnh sát giao thông. Genuine traffic police vehicles should also bear traffic police flags and badges. 9. Traffic police officers have to bow and say thank you when pulling you over Image credit giaoducthoidai According to Circular 65/2020/TT-BCA’s Vietnam traffic rules, traffic police officers are obliged to bow and say hello and thank you when pulling a commuter over in order to show their goodwill. You have every right to question them if they don’t follow this protocol when pulling you over. 10. Traffic police officers have to wear police labels and high-visibility reflective vests when engaged in road policing in the evening Image credit According to Circular 66/2012/TT-BCA, traffic police officers must wear their police cards when on duty as well as high-visibility reflective vests at night. This is to help commuters see that there are traffic police officers on duty, as well as to keep the officers safe. Every traffic police officer on duty must wear a police card proving their identity and title Image credit When you’re pulled over by traffic police officers who do not wear either of the above-mentioned items, you can ask them to prove their identity and authority before presenting any of your own personal documents as per their request. A police card must include a profile photo, name, rank, and serial number of the police officer Image adapted from 11. Police can prosecute you based on social media evidence Image credit Lâm Tiến According to Circular 65/2012/TT-BCA, which will take effect on 5th August, the police have the rights to investigate, verify, and prosecute commuters based on photos or videos shared on Facebook, Zalo, Youtube, or on anonymous tips. This means that if you were captured on a video clip or a photo running the red light, which later was shared on social media and caught the attention of the police, you should get ready to face the music. In such a situation, the policemen in charge of the locality where you were found committing the violations would investigate your identity and come knocking on your door in no time. So better be safe than sorry – drive carefully even if no cops are around, for yourself and for your fellow drivers. 12. You can pay traffic penalties online now Image adapted from Cổng Dịch Vụ Công Quốc Gia From 1st July, Vietnamese commuters can pay traffic penalties online on Cổng Dịch Vụ Công Quốc Gia, the government’s National Public Service Portal. This means that instead of going to the Vietnam State Treasury offices and getting into the queues to pay traffic penalties, commuters can now pay the penalties from home. This change in administrative procedure helps commuters save time and energy, as well as to enhance the government’s transparency in handling traffic violations. A summary infographic about traffic penalties for car drivers in Vietnam Image credit The Smart Local Vietnam A summary infographic about traffic penalties for motorcycle drivers in Vietnam Image credit The Smart Local Vietnam Traffic rules in Vietnam Vietnam is one of the most populous countries in the world, and home to an immensely high number of vehicles. Accidents happen every day, and traffic violations are aplenty. Whether you knowingly or unknowingly commit a traffic violation and are pulled over, it’s good to know the traffic rules in Vietnam, your rights, and the legal proceedings here so that you can confidently hit the road. Also check out Vietnamese commuters can pay penalties online Vietnamese policeman rescues stray dogs around Buon Ma Thuot Province Ho Chi Minh City hospital introduces cashless payments Ho Chi Minh City businesses use technology to access COVID-19-related risks 8 online grocery shopping services in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnamese student dressed up in uniform for online study Vietnam invents 2 testing technologies for COVID-19 Vietnamese students salute the flags online Cover image adapted from thu vien phap luat Enjoying The Smart Local Vietnam? Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn for more stories like this. Find out about getting a Vietnamese driving licence and learning to drive a car or motorbike in Vietnam... Anyone of legal age in Vietnam who wants to drive a vehicle with an engine capacity of 50cc or larger must possess a Vietnamese driving licence. Motorbikes and scooters with an engine capacity of less than 50cc do not require a driving licence and are legal to operate if the driver is at least 16 years of age. If a foreigner does not have a valid foreign licence, or if they wish to have an additional endorsement, such as a licence that allows for the operation of both an automobile and a motorcycle, the procedures to get a Vietnamese driving licence are much more complicated than those for converting a foreign licence to a Vietnamese one. A foreigner who is at least 18 years of age may apply for a Vietnamese driving licence if they have a valid passport and a resident card or visa with no less than three, or in some provinces, no less than six month’s validity. Applicants applying for a new driving licence in Vietnam will have to pass both a written test and a practical driving test. How to apply Foreigners in Hanoi may pick up an application form for a driving licence from the Department of Transportation and Public Works. Department of Transportation Traffic and Public Works At 16 Cao Ba Quat Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi Tel 04 39422715 At 2 Phung Hung, Ha Dong District, Hanoi Tel 04 433824404 In Ho Chi Minh City, applications can be obtained from the Office of Transportation. Office of Transportation At 63 Ly Tu Trong Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel 08 38223760 Elsewhere in Vietnam, the local city or provincial police can provide information on how to find the transportation office in their area that processes driving licence applications. However, since some documents will need to be verified through the foreigner’s embassy or consulate, most foreigners will need to go to either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to apply for a new driving licence. Additionally, as the offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City process the largest number of foreigner applications they are more accustomed to working with the needs and questions of foreigners. Translation and verification After the form is completed, but before it is signed, the applicant will need to take the application to their embassy or consulate for verification. The embassies of almost every country in the world can be found in Hanoi, and there are consulates of many countries located in Ho Chi Minh City. There are a few consulates in Hai Phong and Danang, as well. Embassy staff will need to verify the information on the application, as well as witness and notarise the applicant’s signature. Costs will vary according to the policy of the embassy, but may exceed VND 500,000. The applicant should be prepared to present the following to consular officials Passport Vietnam visa or residency permit with no less than three months validity Six or more current colour passport photos. Check to verify the size and number of photos the local Department of Transportation office requires as this can vary significantly depending on the location. Applicants will need to undergo a simple health and vision check, which can be done either at the test centre or at most Vietnamese hospitals. There is a charge of VND 160,000 for the medical exam. Documents required Once the application is completed, the next step is to return it to the officials at the same location from which they obtained the application. The following items will need to be presented Completed application, officially certified and notarised by the foreigner’s embassy, consulate, or other recognised and authorised certifying authority Two or more officially certified and notarised copies of the applicant’s passport At some locations, or under certain circumstances, an officially authorised translation and legalization of the applicant's passport into the Vietnamese language may be requested and must be done by a translation service recognised by Vietnamese authorities At least three colour passport photos; Check to verify the size and number of photos the local Department of Transportation office requires as this can vary significantly depending on the location. The applicant's original passport must be shown for verification when the documents are submitted You may be asked to take a written letter of introduction in Vietnamese from your employer, school administrator or other respected authority that explains who you are, where you are from and why you want or need a Vietnamese driving licence A completed health certificate The Tests Applicants will need to take a theory test. The test is available in English, but English testing is not done regularly. The local driving licence departments can advise when and where the next English test is scheduled. The theory test for an automobile licence consists of 450 questions. The theory test for a motorcycle licence consists of 150 questions. Training programmes that take about three months to complete are offered to those who need to take the theory test. Prices for the programme start at around VND 400,000. The Department of Transportation can advise applicants on where to go for a training programme. There is also a required practical driving test that must be successfully passed before a new driving licence will be issued to either automobile or motorbike drivers. These tests are given at various testing centres located throughout Vietnam. Foreign applicants are required to bring their original passports with them to take the test. The cost of the test is VND 70,000. The exact amount is required. Test centres will not give change. Practical driving and written tests are given at the same test centre. Applicants must go to the test centre, present their passports and valid Vietnam visas, then take the written test, followed by the driving test. Once all documentation is in place and the applicant has passed both the written and driving tests, a fee will need to be paid to the office handling the licence. A driving licence costs VND 70,000 at this time. Estimates vary for the total cost of obtaining a new licence, depending on any translation and notary fees that are imposed, as well as the cost of passport photos and testing fees. Costs will probably not exceed VND 1 million. The actual processing time for the licence may take anywhere from five days to three months. Types of Driving Licence The Ministry of Justice has complete information about the different classes of driving licences available as recorded in the National Assembly Law on Road Traffic, Number 23/2008/QH12. For an English-language translation of this information Click here. The relevant information can be found in Chapter V, Article 59, Section 2 clauses a through c and Section 4 clause b The major driving licence classifications are the Category A1, A2 and A3 licences, which are granted to drivers of motorcycles and three-wheeled motor vehicles. These licences have unlimited validity if the driver has a permanent Vietnamese licence – they never expire. Drivers of passenger cars will be issued Category B1 licences that are valid for five years. Driving licences are valid nationwide. Penalties and Fines Vietnam imposes harsh penalties for drivers who do not possess a valid Vietnamese licence. In addition to fines, an unlicensed driver could face a prison sentence of up to three years, and an unlicensed driver who causes an accident could be sentenced to up to ten years in a Vietnamese prison. If the accident results in death, the penalty can be up to 20 years. The actual penalty would be determined on a case by case basis by the police and by the courts. If a driver is stopped by the police and is unable to show a valid licence, the police are authorised to impound the vehicle for 90 days. The Ministry of Justice sets forth the laws for driving in Vietnam and the penalties for breaking the law. Here are some important laws to know A driver of any motor vehicle will be fined VND 80,000 to 120,000 when driving without proof of civil liability insurance A driver of any motor vehicle will be fined VND 60,000 to 80,000 when driving without a driving licence or registration certificate A fine of VND 400,000 to 600,000 will be assessed for drivers of cars that do not have civil liability insurance A driver of any motor vehicle will be fined VND 300,000 to 400,000 for driving with a licence that has expired within the past 6 months A driver of any motor vehicle will be fined VND 2 to 3 million if the driver does not have a valid Vietnamese driving licence Further Information Ministry of Transport More on the topic Vietnam motorcycle and car rental Traffic fines in Vietnam Vietnam visa Vietnam visa in questions and answers Vietnam Customs regulations Security in Vietnam Content Are there Russian rights in Vietnam, and what are needed How to get international rights What is the penalty for driving without a license Do I need a license to rent a scooter or moped Are there Russian rights in Vietnam, and what are needed Until 2014, to legally drive a car or motorcycles in Vietnam, it was mandatory to obtain local rights, no foreign rights were recognized. But fortunately, in 2014 Vietnam joined the Vienna Convention on road traffic see more about the Vienna Convention and what rights you can drive abroad, and now here you can legally drive vehicles on international driving licenses IDUs. You just need to understand what is the right IDP, which is suitable for Transport Management in Vietnam. In total, there are two types of driver's licenses National rights. These are the usual Russian pavs that every driver in Russia receives. They fully comply with the requirements of the Vienna Convention and operate in many countries, but not yet in Vietnam. This is a national vu, they are ordinary Russian rights International License or international driving license IDP, also IDP-International Driving Permit. This is another kind of driver's license, or rather an addition to national rights. It is made in the form of a book in several languages, and is issued at the request of the driver. IDI is valid only when presented jointly with national rights. Such rights apply in Vietnam. This is what an international driver's license or IDP looks like In fact, there are several varieties of official IDUs, but in Vietnam only those that comply with the requirements of the Vienna Convention are recognized. And these are issued in the Russian Federation. It is important to understand that this is not a notarized translation or document issued by the Association of motorists, even if it is an international organization. To manage transport in Vietnam, it is necessary to have an international driver's license issued by state authorities, in the Russian Federation this is the traffic police. And do not forget that you need to always present national rights together with the IDI. Of course, it is impossible not to take into account local realities. Many Vietnamese police officers still refuse to accept IDP because they do not know the new laws or pretend not to know. You should be prepared for such a development of the situation and prove your case. To do this, it does not hurt to carry a printout of the following law in Vietnamese How to get international rights Obtaining an IDP in Russia is very simple. You can arrange them at will without re-passing exams and a medical certificate, you only need to pay the fee. To do this, you need to contact the traffic police or MFC, fill out an application, pay the fee, and that's it. The fee is 1600 rubles for 2018. You can also issue an IDP through the portal public which is much more convenient and cheaper. Data entry for the application is made on the site, and there is also payment online, and with a discount of 30%, you will have to pay only 1120 rubles instead of 1600 for 2018. Then, to get a ready-made IDP, you will have to go to the traffic police at the appointed time choose a convenient time yourself. What is the penalty for driving without a license Officially, the penalty for driving without a license is 800 000 - 1 200 000 VND, which is roughly equivalent to 35-52 US Dollars see Vietnam's currency and exchange rate. Plus, they can confiscate the vehicle on the spot and send it to the parking lot for up to 7 days, for which you still have to pay the landlord, because his transport will be idle. Of course, you can try to solve the issue on the spot with a bribe, and as many travelers say in the reviews, as a rule, it succeeds, but even in this matter you will have to bargain. But still it is better not to risk and issue an IDP. Do I need a license to rent a scooter or moped Driving a low-powered scooter or moped in Vietnam requires a license. Moreover, in your IDP there should be a corresponding category-A or A1. Category "M" is not provided for by the Vienna Convention, so it will not work. When making IDUs, categories from your national rights are simply transferred, so if you do not have the right category, you must first "open" it, and then draw up international rights. ★★★★★0 ❤👍 👎Заходите по ссылке, тут найдете ответы на ваши вопросы - ↪ Елизавета Спасибо, полезная ссылка 😊! 🕒 11 March, 2023

penalty for driving in vietnam without license