{"id":9556,"date":"2025-06-19T15:47:31","date_gmt":"2025-06-19T08:47:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/?p=9556"},"modified":"2026-01-09T13:33:03","modified_gmt":"2026-01-09T06:33:03","slug":"getting-a-driving-licence-in-vietnam-how-do-i-do-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/getting-a-driving-licence-in-vietnam-how-do-i-do-it\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Get a Driving License in Vietnam: Complete 2026 Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>When you first step foot on the streets of Vietnam, crossing the road seems impossible, let alone imagining yourself driving along it. However, you&#8217;ll gradually feel ready to get off the back of a Grab bike and venture out on your own. Here&#8217;s your complete guide to getting your own driving license in Vietnam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><div><strong>Inside This Guide<\/strong><\/div><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#why-you-need-a-driving-license-in-vietnam\">Why You Need a Driving License in Vietnam<\/a><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#the-medical-insurance-risk\">The Medical Insurance Risk<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#your-two-options\">Your Two Options<\/a><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#option-1-use-electric-bikes-or-50-cc-scooters\">Option 1: Use Electric Bikes or 50cc Scooters<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#option-2-get-a-proper-driving-license\">Option 2: Get a Proper Driving License<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#step-by-step-license-process\">Step-by-Step License Process<\/a><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#prerequisites\">Prerequisites<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#step-1-transfer-your-existing-license\">Step 1: Transfer Your Existing License<\/a><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#required-documents-scanned-copies\">Required Documents (Scanned Copies)<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#the-transfer-process\">The Transfer Process<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#transportation-department-hours\">Transportation Department Hours<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#photo-session-requirements\">Photo Session Requirements<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#step-2-get-motorbike-license-if-needed\">Step 2: Get Motorbike License (If Needed)<\/a><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#required-documents\">Required Documents<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#the-two-part-process\">The Two-Part Process<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why-you-need-a-driving-license-in-vietnam\"><strong>Why You Need a Driving License in Vietnam<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Get-a-Driving-License-in-Vietnam-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Why You Need a Driving License in Vietnam\" class=\"wp-image-15193\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Get-a-Driving-License-in-Vietnam-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Get-a-Driving-License-in-Vietnam-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Get-a-Driving-License-in-Vietnam-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Get-a-Driving-License-in-Vietnam.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The primary reason for getting a driving license isn&#8217;t just about legal compliance\u2014it&#8217;s about <strong>medical insurance coverage<\/strong>. While many local Vietnamese don&#8217;t have driving licenses and handle traffic police stops with informal payments, this approach creates serious risks for foreigners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-medical-insurance-risk\"><strong>The Medical Insurance Risk<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re involved in an accident, medical insurance providers will ask two critical questions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Is there any alcohol in your system?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do you have a valid driver&#8217;s license?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Without a driver&#8217;s license, your medical insurance becomes automatically void<\/strong>, leaving you to cover potentially massive medical costs on your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Discover Related Insights:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/4-searched-health-insurance-packages-foreigners\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Health Insurance in Vietnam and What You Should Know<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"your-two-options\"><strong>Your Two Options<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"option-1-use-electric-bikes-or-50-cc-scooters\"><strong>Option 1: Use Electric Bikes or 50cc Scooters<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Electric Bikes:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>No license required<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Good stepping stone to proper motorbikes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Can pedal manually if battery dies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Drawback:<\/strong> Limited range and battery reliability issues<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>50cc Scooters:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>No license required<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hard to find second-hand (popular with schoolchildren)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expensive when new<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Best choice:<\/strong> Automatic models like Kymco Candy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ideal for work commutes only<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"option-2-get-a-proper-driving-license\"><strong>Option 2: Get a Proper Driving License<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While you can pay for a license without following proper procedures, this isn&#8217;t guaranteed to work with medical insurance\u2014making it an unnecessary risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Read This Next:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/10-laws-you-must-know-when-living-in-vietnam-save-now\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">10 Laws You Must Know When Living in Vietnam \u2013 Save Now!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"step-by-step-license-process\"><strong>Step-by-Step License Process<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"567\" src=\"https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Step-by-Step-License-Process-1024x567.jpg\" alt=\"Step-by-Step License Process\" class=\"wp-image-15194\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Step-by-Step-License-Process-1024x567.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Step-by-Step-License-Process-300x166.jpg 300w, https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Step-by-Step-License-Process-768x425.jpg 768w, https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Step-by-Step-License-Process.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"prerequisites\"><strong>Prerequisites<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Before starting, check your home country license carefully. It should specify whether you&#8217;re licensed for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Car only<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Motorbike only<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Both car and motorbike<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If you have both:<\/strong> You only need Step 1 <strong>If you have car only:<\/strong> You need both Step 1 and Step 2<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"step-1-transfer-your-existing-license\"><strong>Step 1: Transfer Your Existing License<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"required-documents-scanned-copies\"><strong>Required Documents (Scanned Copies)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Driver&#8217;s license (both sides)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Passport personal information page<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Passport page showing latest Vietnam entry<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Temporary residence card (both sides)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your Vietnam address<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fee:<\/strong> 1,590,000 VND<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Continue Learning:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/documents-teach-english-vietnam-legally\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Which Documents Do I Need to Teach English in Vietnam Legally?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-transfer-process\"><strong>The Transfer Process<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Choose an Agency<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use a reputable agency<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They handle notarization and paperwork<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Verify they check license transferability before payment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. Submit Documents and Payment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Send required documents to agency<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make online payment after confirmation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ensure agency confirms payment receipt<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. Wait for Processing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Average processing time: 3 days<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Agency contacts you when application succeeds<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4. Photo Appointment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Vietnamese speaker must call to book appointment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hanoi contact:<\/strong> 0962888229<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Number 2, Phung Hung, Ha Dong<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"transportation-department-hours\"><strong>Transportation Department Hours<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Monday-Friday:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Morning: 8:00-10:00 AM<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Afternoon: 2:00-3:00 PM<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Saturday:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Morning: 8:00-10:00 AM only<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"photo-session-requirements\"><strong>Photo Session Requirements<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bring original documents (license, passport, residence card)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bring Vietnamese translator<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Process takes only 5 minutes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Simply stand for photo and show documents<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>License Ready:<\/strong> 7 working days officially (about 1 week total)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"step-2-get-motorbike-license-if-needed\"><strong>Step 2: Get Motorbike License (If Needed)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cost:<\/strong> Approximately same as Step 1<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"required-documents\"><strong>Required Documents<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Vietnamese driver&#8217;s license copy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Passport copy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-two-part-process\"><strong>The Two-Part Process<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Part 1: Medical Examination<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Scheduled about 1 week before practical test<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Takes place at designated locations only<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expect crowds and long waits<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Forms in Vietnamese (bring translator)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Duration:<\/strong> 2+ hours, multiple departments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Similar to work visa medical process<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Part 2: Practical Test<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pre-Test Practice:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Very limited practice time (e.g., 6:00-7:00 AM day before)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Recommendation:<\/strong> Practice at other sites beforehand<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Test Day Process:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Check-in:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Find your number on the back room board<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Queue to get your number tag<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lines formed by number ranges (e.g., 1-20)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Documentation:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Move to photo room<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sign forms (\u224820,000 VND fee)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wait time depends on your number<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Testing Area:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sit on wooden bench until called<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Test circuit includes:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tight figure-8 pattern (hardest part)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Straight lines<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Curves and bumps<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Results:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pass:<\/strong> Pay 50,000 VND for proof certificate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fail:<\/strong> Repeat entire Step 2 process<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Take your pass certificate to the transportation office (same as Step 1) for license upgrade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting a Vietnamese driving license isn&#8217;t simple, and it&#8217;s understandable why people postpone the process\u2014especially knowing many locals drive without licenses. However, <strong>it&#8217;s always better to be safe than sorry<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember: <strong>Your safety and financial protection are worth the time and effort invested in getting properly licensed.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"kk-star-ratings kksr-auto kksr-align-left kksr-valign-bottom\"\n    data-payload='{&quot;align&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;9556&quot;,&quot;slug&quot;:&quot;default&quot;,&quot;valign&quot;:&quot;bottom&quot;,&quot;ignore&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;reference&quot;:&quot;auto&quot;,&quot;class&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;count&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;legendonly&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;readonly&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;score&quot;:&quot;5&quot;,&quot;starsonly&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;best&quot;:&quot;5&quot;,&quot;gap&quot;:&quot;5&quot;,&quot;greet&quot;:&quot;Rate this post&quot;,&quot;legend&quot;:&quot;5\\\/5 - (1 vote)&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;24&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;How to Get a Driving License in Vietnam: Complete 2026 Guide&quot;,&quot;width&quot;:&quot;142.5&quot;,&quot;_legend&quot;:&quot;{score}\\\/{best} - ({count} {votes})&quot;,&quot;font_factor&quot;:&quot;1.25&quot;}'>\n            \n<div class=\"kksr-stars\">\n    \n<div class=\"kksr-stars-inactive\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"1\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"2\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"3\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"4\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"5\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n<div class=\"kksr-stars-active\" style=\"width: 142.5px;\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n                \n\n<div class=\"kksr-legend\" style=\"font-size: 19.2px;\">\n            5\/5 - (1 vote)    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When you first step foot on the streets of Vietnam, crossing the road seems impossible, let alone imagining yourself driving along it. However, you&#8217;ll gradually feel ready to get off the back of a Grab bike and venture out on your own. Here&#8217;s your complete guide to getting your own driving license in Vietnam. Why [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":15192,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[16,148,33],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9556","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-life-in-vietnam","category-daily-living-essentials","category-transportation"],"blocksy_meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9556","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9556"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9556\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15192"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9556"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9556"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9556"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}