What happens if I drive in Vietnam without the proper licensing?
There are several police check-points on popular routes (Ha Giang Loop; Hai Van Pass), where tourists are checked for a valid 1968-version of the international driver’s license. The consequences for not having valid papers are considerable and increase dramatically each year. If you are stopped by the police, you will be fined (about €200 or 5 million VND (2025)) and may even have your vehicle impounded for 10-15 days.
Also, driving a motorcycle without the proper licensing affects the validity of your (travel)insurance in case of an accident caused by or to you. This is at the driver’s own risk.
Residents of which countries can use an international driving permit (IDP) in Vietnam?
Since 2014, most foreigners are permitted to drive in Vietnam with an International Driving Permit (IDP). You can only get your IDP in your home country, the permit cannot be obtained once in Vietnam or on the road. Driving with only a motorcycle license from your home country is not sufficient.
Take note, the 1968 Convention has not been ratified by countries as Australia, Canada, Iceland, India, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, and United States of America. This means that an International Driving Permit obtained in these countries is not valid in Vietnam.
Click here for a list of all countries who signed the 1968 Convention. IDPs from those countries are valid in Vietnam.
Is the IAA international driving license valid in Vietnam?
No, IAA’s international driving license, issued by the International Automobile Association based in the United States, is not valid in Vietnam. The police will handle presenting an IAA international driving license as a violation for not having a driving license.
Is an ASEAN driving license valid in Vietnam?
Vietnam signed the agreement on the recognition of domestic driving licences issued by ASEAN countries on January 22, 1997. So, in theory, an ASEAN driving license is valid in Vietnam. This means residents of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, Singapore, Philippines, and Malaysia can drive legally in Vietnam with their national motorcycle driving license.
However, in practice, we notice that Vietnamese police will check for an 1968 IDP anyway, and discard any other driving license than Vietnamese or 1968 IDP.
What permits do I need to drive in Vietnam?
In order to legally be allowed to drive in Vietnam, you need a (1) valid A1 or A2 driving permit from your home country, in combination with a (2) International Driving Permit (1968-version). Please check which kinds of motorized vehicles you can drive in Vietnam with your driving permit:
- AM license: 2 or 3 wheeled vehicles with an engine size up to 50cc
- A1 license: you can drive light motorbikes with an engine size up to 175cc
- A2 license: you can also drive bikes in category A1, as well as motorbikes with an engine size over 175cc
- B(1) license: car
Can I apply for a Vietnamese driver’s license?
Yes, although this is not convenient if your are visiting Vietnam as a tourist / with a tourist visa. To convert your driving licence into a temporary Vietnamese driver’s licence, you’ll need to hold a valid Vietnamese residence permit of at least three month’s validity. Beware you need to take a theoretical exam in the Vietnamese language: chúc may mắn!
Foreigners wishing to apply for a Vietnamese driver’s license or motorbike license must contact the nearest Department of Transportation for official instructions.
I am American/Canadian/Australian and planning a Vietnam vacation, is there a way I can obtain a valid IDP for Vietnam?
No, we are afraid not. As long as the 1968 Convention is not ratified by your country, as a tourist, there is no way you can get an international driving permit (IDP) that is valid for Vietnam. This is only possible when (1) you are residing in Vietnam for more than 3 months and (2) are willing to take a theoritical exam in the Vietnamese language… chúc may mắn!
If you still want to explore Vietnam by motorbike - which we fully understand! - join us for an awesome motorbike adventure by riding pillion (sit behind the guide). You get to explore the thrill of riding a motorbike and feel the wind in your hair, and can fully enjoy the beautiful landscape without continiously having to watch the road. Check out these thrilling routes below:
