Motorbike license in Vietnam is a mandatory condition for you to freely experience the beautiful roads of this country by motorbike. Possessing a valid license not only ensures safety and compliance with the law, but also helps you enjoy the journey without worrying about unnecessary troubles. Let’s find out about this topic with Rental Motorbike!
Types of motorcycle licenses needed when traveling to Vietnam
One of the most common questions asked by visitors to Vietnam is: “What type of license do I need to drive a motorbike here?” The answer depends on the type of document you have and the length of your stay. Here are the 5 common situations and the relevant regulations:
Status 1: Valid international driving license (IDP) and appropriate national license
If you have a national license and an IDP (according to the 1968 Road Traffic Convention), you are allowed to drive a motorbike in Vietnam without converting your license. However, the IDP must be appropriate for the type of vehicle you intend to use. For example, a license that is only valid for cars will not allow you to drive a motorbike.
Status 2: Having a national motorbike license but no IDP or an IDP that is not valid in Vietnam
In this case, you will need to convert your national license to a Vietnamese license or take an exam to get a new license. The process of converting a license is quite simple, no exam is required, but you will need a visa for a stay longer than 3 months (such as a business or work visa). If you choose to take the new license, you will need to pass the motorcycle driving test. Complying with the rules regarding a motorbike license in Vietnam ensures a hassle-free and lawful journey.
Status 3: Have a national license for cars but are not allowed to drive motorcycles
You must register for a Vietnamese motorcycle driving license if you want to drive a motorcycle. The test also requires a visa of more than 3 months. This process includes both a practical and a theory test, which takes about a month to complete.
Status 4: No national driving license
This is the most difficult case, requiring you to take both a theory and a practice test to get a Vietnamese motorcycle driving license. The theory test consists of 20 questions, requiring at least 18 correct answers and is conducted in Vietnamese. You will not be provided with an interpreter, so you will need to have basic Vietnamese communication skills.
Status 5: Valid IDP and national license but only allow you to drive cars
In this case, you can convert your license to drive cars in Vietnam, but not to drive motorcycles. If your main goal is to explore Vietnam by motorbike, this is not the right choice. Familiarizing yourself with the rules for a motorbike license in Vietnam will help you make informed decisions for your travels.
What’s new for A1 motorbike license holders in 2025?
In Vietnam, a Class A car driving license (or A1/A2 for two-wheeled vehicles, A3 for three-wheeled vehicles or motorbikes with sidecars) is an essential document that anyone who wants to drive a vehicle must have. The best part is that this license has no expiration date. That means, even if you are 90 years old and still want to ride your motorbike to your favorite coffee shop, this license is still completely valid for you to use.
So, what is the update in 2025? According to Article 57 of the draft Law on Road Traffic Safety, from January 1, 2025, new regulations on motorbike license in Vietnam will take effect. Specifically, those who take the A1 driving license test after this date will only be allowed to drive motorbikes with a cylinder capacity of less than 125cc. However, if you complete the test before January 1, 2025, you will still be allowed to drive motorbikes with a cylinder capacity of up to 175cc without being affected by the new regulations.
For example, if you take the test on the last day of 2024, your license issued after that will comply with the new regulations and only apply to vehicles under 125cc. For those who already own an A1 or A2 license before the deadline, the conversion or renewal will still maintain the value and validity of the old license. The notable difference is that after the conversion, the license will be unified into class A instead of A1 or A2 as before.
What happens if you don’t have a motorbike license in Vietnam? Driving a motorbike in Vietnam without a valid license can result in severe penalties. Specifically:
- For motorbikes with an engine capacity of less than 125cc: Fines range from 2 000 000 to 4 000 000 VND.
- For motorbikes with an engine capacity of more than 125cc: Fines range from 6 000 000 to 8 000 000 VND.
In addition to fines, driving without a valid motorbike license in Vietnam can also result in other legal consequences, such as confiscation of the vehicle.
Confidently explore Vietnam with Rental Motorbike
Understanding and complying with the requirements for a motorbike license in Vietnam is the first step to a safe and enjoyable trip. However, not everyone can easily grasp all these complicated regulations. That is why choosing a reputable motorbike rental company like Rental Motorbike will help you have a quality vehicle and support you in understanding and complying with the law.
Rental Motorbike not only provides a variety of well-maintained motorbikes but also guides you in detail about the necessary documents and traffic regulations in Vietnam. With a dedicated staff, we ensure that you will always be ready and confident when embarking on a journey to discover the beautiful roads of Vietnam.
We not only provide quality motorbike rental services but also help you understand the necessary regulations, including the Motorbike license in Vietnam, thereby fully enjoying your trip. Let Rental Motorbike accompany you on your journey to discover the beauty and unique culture of the S-shaped country. Contact us now!
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