Legally Recognized Driver's License(s) for Vietnam

Hi Aidan,

Thanks for this post. So I went to AAA and got a IDP but everything is in English. Will a policeman in VN know it's a permit?

@qnbui

Good move, qnbui.

Yes, all IDPs are/must be in English, and yes, the police here will be able to read it.

Does your IDP show an expiry date one year from date of issue?

@Aidan in HCMC

Hi,

I will be getting an IDP when I return to Australia for a visit in a couple of months. 

Can you advise, if it is a endorsed only for cars (and boats ) in Australia does that mean I am not able to ride a scooter here in Vietnam?

Would make life easier if they would allow but I am probably hoping for too much

If they don't allow, the dilemma then becomes stay in Australia to do the bike license process over many weeks or learn Vietnamese faster and get it here?

Thanks again.

...and on a similar theme....if buying a bike (once licensed) are the comprehensive insurance companies in Vietnam trustworthy?   Worthwhile considering?

Thanks

    @Aidan in HCMC
Hi,
I will be getting an IDP when I return to Australia for a visit in a couple of months. 
Can you advise, if it is a endorsed only for cars (and boats ) in Australia does that mean I am not able to ride a scooter here in Vietnam?
Would make life easier if they would allow but I am probably hoping for too much

With your Australia license not showing it valid for motorcycles, the Australia issued IDP will of course reflect that.

If they don't allow, the dilemma then becomes stay in Australia to do the bike license process over many weeks or learn Vietnamese faster and get it here?

Thanks again.
        -@KKK36

Has Australia adopted a graduated motorcycle licensing program? I recall a Canadian buddy complaining that it would take him over a year to be fully  motorcycle licensed. If you can do it over many weeks, I suggest that might still be quicker than learning Vietnamese

    ...and on a similar theme....if buying a bike (once licensed) are the comprehensive insurance companies in Vietnam trustworthy?   Worthwhile considering?Thanks        -@KKK36

Sorry, I don't know a thing about any "comprehensive" insurance plans available here (and even if there is one, I'm not sure I'd place any faith in it).

The mandatory ~$6/year plan is (allegedly) a "liability" plan, though I've heard from friends that it is essentially a gov't tax grab. People here, in the not at all uncommon event of a collision, tend to pick themselves up and ride away, covering repairs out of pocket. That said, there might some value to it in the tragic event of a serious injury or, heaven forbid, a fatality.

@KKK36 hello, all countries member of convention 1969 (Vietnam included), have licenses type A,B,C,D, etc. The IDP is a kind of internationalization of your own current license.  You must have the letter A included in your plastic if you want to ride a motorbike between 50cc and 175cc

Regarding to obtain a vietnamese license type A, you must know this type is lifetime and the requisite is to have a Residence Card and do the exam in vietnamese (no way to receive any support by English)

@Aidan in HCMC

Hi, Thnks, Yes, Australia has a graduated license.  Though first level is up to 650cc.

I think I will start the process in Australia.  It will need a second visit to get the license though as have to have learner's permit for 3 months before you can get the full license. I like VN too much to stay away for that long!

Thanks re insurance.  I'm hearing from other sources as well that the companies are essentially scamming for premiums but not so good on claims.

Pity, I would have liked the new bike insured against theft at least as I hear theft is quite common?

Back to practicing Vietnamese. )

    @qnbui
Good move, qnbui.
Yes, all IDPs are/must be in English, and yes, the police here will be able to read it.

Does your IDP show an expiry date one year from date of issue?
   

    -@Aidan in HCMC

Yes, it was back dated a few days but one year validity.

Thanks!

Regarding to obtain a vietnamese license type A, you must know this type is lifetime and the requisite is to have a Residence Card and do the exam in vietnamese (no way to receive any support by English) - @ajairon

Are you sure this is correct, I was told by several experienced people on vn expat Facebooks that it was possible to take the riding test and get a vn license while on a tourist visa, you only need a residency permit if you're trying to convert your home licence, but you can still try and take the test. Is this not true?

@Haarp

  You can CONVERT your existing license to a VN license IF you already have a motorbike endorsement in your home country without any kind of test. It expires when your visa expires. It also takes about 2 weeks to get your license back after you apply. You can CONVERT your home car license to a VN motorbike license by taking a riding test in addition. No vietnamese required. It also only last as long as your visa but that whole process can take like a month or so from my experience. If your on a tourist visa this is absurd to do every month or however long your visa is. If you want a non expiring license you must take the written test IN VIETNAMESE and the driving test. Its extremely difficult in my opinion unless you know vietnamese. Its not worth it to convert your license if your only here for a few months. It may be worth it if you have a 3 year TRC or something to do that conversion every 3 years or so. If your here for a short time I would just rent a 50cc scooter. It does perfectly fine on the streets of vietnam.

...You can CONVERT your home car license to a VN motorbike license by taking a riding test in addition. No vietnamese required. - @jrharvey

I believe this might apply to the A1 license (175cc and under), not the A2 license (175 to unlimited cc).

In fact, an A1 license can be had without the foreigner ever having been licensed anywhere.

The test for an A1 is a simple "figure 8, no foot down" and then a very short "road test". From what I hear, the A1 test is a breeze.

@Aidan in HCMC

Thats probably true. Everyone I know with a big bike had to go through the VN written test so that makes sense.