When you first step foot on the streets of Vietnam, crossing the road seems impossible, let alone imagining yourself driving along it. However, you’ll gradually feel ready to get off the back of a Grab bike and venture out on your own. Here’s your complete guide to getting your own driving license in Vietnam.
Why You Need a Driving License in Vietnam
The primary reason for getting a driving license isn’t just about legal compliance—it’s about medical insurance coverage. While many local Vietnamese don’t have driving licenses and handle traffic police stops with informal payments, this approach creates serious risks for foreigners.
The Medical Insurance Risk
If you’re involved in an accident, medical insurance providers will ask two critical questions:
- Is there any alcohol in your system?
- Do you have a valid driver’s license?
Without a driver’s license, your medical insurance becomes automatically void, leaving you to cover potentially massive medical costs on your own.
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Your Two Options
Option 1: Use Electric Bikes or 50cc Scooters
Electric Bikes:
- No license required
- Good stepping stone to proper motorbikes
- Can pedal manually if battery dies
- Drawback: Limited range and battery reliability issues
50cc Scooters:
- No license required
- Hard to find second-hand (popular with schoolchildren)
- Expensive when new
- Best choice: Automatic models like Kymco Candy
- Ideal for work commutes only
Option 2: Get a Proper Driving License
While you can pay for a license without following proper procedures, this isn’t guaranteed to work with medical insurance—making it an unnecessary risk.
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Step-by-Step License Process
Prerequisites
Before starting, check your home country license carefully. It should specify whether you’re licensed for:
- Car only
- Motorbike only
- Both car and motorbike
If you have both: You only need Step 1 If you have car only: You need both Step 1 and Step 2
Step 1: Transfer Your Existing License
Required Documents (Scanned Copies)
- Driver’s license (both sides)
- Passport personal information page
- Passport page showing latest Vietnam entry
- Temporary residence card (both sides)
- Your Vietnam address
Fee: 1,590,000 VND
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The Transfer Process
1. Choose an Agency
- Use a reputable agency
- They handle notarization and paperwork
- Verify they check license transferability before payment
2. Submit Documents and Payment
- Send required documents to agency
- Make online payment after confirmation
- Ensure agency confirms payment receipt
3. Wait for Processing
- Average processing time: 3 days
- Agency contacts you when application succeeds
4. Photo Appointment
- Vietnamese speaker must call to book appointment
- Hanoi contact: 0962888229
- Location: Number 2, Phung Hung, Ha Dong
Transportation Department Hours
Monday-Friday:
- Morning: 8:00-10:00 AM
- Afternoon: 2:00-3:00 PM
Saturday:
- Morning: 8:00-10:00 AM only
Photo Session Requirements
- Bring original documents (license, passport, residence card)
- Bring Vietnamese translator
- Process takes only 5 minutes
- Simply stand for photo and show documents
License Ready: 7 working days officially (about 1 week total)
Step 2: Get Motorbike License (If Needed)
Cost: Approximately same as Step 1
Required Documents
- Vietnamese driver’s license copy
- Passport copy
The Two-Part Process
Part 1: Medical Examination
- Scheduled about 1 week before practical test
- Takes place at designated locations only
- Expect crowds and long waits
- Forms in Vietnamese (bring translator)
- Duration: 2+ hours, multiple departments
- Similar to work visa medical process
Part 2: Practical Test
Pre-Test Practice:
- Very limited practice time (e.g., 6:00-7:00 AM day before)
- Recommendation: Practice at other sites beforehand
Test Day Process:
- Check-in:
- Find your number on the back room board
- Queue to get your number tag
- Lines formed by number ranges (e.g., 1-20)
- Documentation:
- Move to photo room
- Sign forms (≈20,000 VND fee)
- Wait time depends on your number
- Testing Area:
- Sit on wooden bench until called
- Test circuit includes:
- Tight figure-8 pattern (hardest part)
- Straight lines
- Curves and bumps
Results:
- Pass: Pay 50,000 VND for proof certificate
- Fail: Repeat entire Step 2 process
Take your pass certificate to the transportation office (same as Step 1) for license upgrade.
Getting a Vietnamese driving license isn’t simple, and it’s understandable why people postpone the process—especially knowing many locals drive without licenses. However, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Whether you pass or fail, the experience becomes a unique story to add to your collection of Vietnam life adventures. The peace of mind regarding medical insurance coverage makes the entire process worthwhile.
Remember: Your safety and financial protection are worth the time and effort invested in getting properly licensed.
