Driving licence

i have read that if you stay in VN more than 3 months, u can take an exam for driver  licence. But you must be able to (at least) read Vietnamese. because the theory part s just in Vietnamese

goldenbrown wrote:

Looking for some information if anyone can help, where can i get a Vietnamese
driving licence from,do I need to take a test as I have a english and thai licence
and where is the best place for motorbike insurance,i haven't rented a bike yet
I'm waiting to get a licence first,any help would be gratefull, I'm staying in district 8
hcmc.

You can convert your existing driving license into a VN one.
- VN legal forum

More info:
- how-to-convert-driver-license-for-foreigner-living-in-vietnam-part-2
- Download the application form

The VN Legal Forum link contains the following:  "Particularly, class B1 driver licenses granted to drivers who are over 45 years old (for female) or over 50 years old (for male) will be valid until the drivers attain the age of 55 (for female) or 60 (for male)."  Although the statement pertained to people transferring foreign licenses, does this mean that no one over 55 or 60 respectively may drive a car in Vietnam?  Is there another way to obtain an automobile license for people in that age range?   Perhaps there is a physical involved.

THIGV wrote:

The VN Legal Forum link contains the following:  "Particularly, class B1 driver licenses granted to drivers who are over 45 years old (for female) or over 50 years old (for male) will be valid until the drivers attain the age of 55 (for female) or 60 (for male)."  Although the statement pertained to people transferring foreign licenses, does this mean that no one over 55 or 60 respectively may drive a car in Vietnam?  Is there another way to obtain an automobile license for people in that age range?   Perhaps there is a physical involved.

I think you can.  You may have to show proof that you're an experienced driver and also need to submit a health certificate.
Check the last part of the following article from a local driving school.
Quy Định Độ Tuổi Lái Xe Ô Tô (translated)

thanks

If you don,t have any luck transferring your licence online the office you require is
Drivers Licence Office
252 Ly Chinh Thang
District 3 Hcmc
I transferred my Uk car licence there just over a year ago...they also arrange the bike licence
They will  take your pic for the new licence,they are very helpful but don,t speak English so you will need someone who speaks the lingo.Its cheap and I picked up the licence about 10 days later.If you are to go there let me know I will give you directions as it’s in a lane and quite difficult to find.It is marked on Google maps.
For the standard bike insurance you speak of it’s avaiable in many places,you will need to ask around locally.I have asked my Vn Wife what the insurance includes ....It does not cover damage to the bike or if it gets nicked,nether does it cover the third party or you in the event of an accident (as per my wife,someone else might have a different view) but you will need to produce it if the coppers stop you or if you are involved in an accident.
Just as important is accident/ health insurance for yourself.The level of driving skill here is rock bottom and there are lots of accidents...but no licence and your insurance is void.
If you are involved in an accident with a local you will be at fault...even if you are not to blame!.
I have now bought a blke but before I did I rented a number of bikes from Tigit Motorbikes.Jon,the owner,who is English is very helpful and the bikes are good quality....Tigit is on Google for a contact telephone number
For THIGV
As above transferred my car licence about a  year ago,no health certificate,no physical and I,m 62...perhaps things have changed.

T hanks gareth, but if the insurance doesn't cover me if I get hurt in a accident
or the bike if it gets damaged or stolen what does it cover.

I have just read at Tuoi Tre News( Vietnamese News in English) an article dated 2013 which says the standard bike insurance covers 3rd party damage or theft of the bik......I don,t believe that for one second having lived here for just about 2 years ......you are in Vietnam and legalities are not the same as the Uk .
For the price you pay which is roughly 80000 Dong( nearly £3) you will not get zilch,most of the vendors are unauthorised so in the event of an accident would you get any payment?.....I hazard a guess of No.So I view the insurance  not as insurance of any kind but if you have an accident and the coppers are involved you will need to produce the insurance document....
Perhaps there will be others who could give further comment on this.
To cover myself fully,and for peace of mind,I have taken out separate personal insurance which covers general health and accidents through HSBC Vietnam.If you wish to check that out it’s all online,if you are to go ahead with it go to the head office in the city center as many of the assistants in the local branches do not speak English.

Ok will check it out I defo want accident insurance for myself, for the driving license do you
have to be in the country for so long before, I've heard 3 months if so i'll have to do it end of jan,

I think you require a visa or residents card with a minimum 3 months valdity before obtaing a licence as opposed to being here for 3 months before obtaining the licence
If you are going to hire a bike speak to Jon at a Tigit motorbikes...I daresay he,ll give you more info regarding a licence also.

Did it cost anything to change your licence it was free in Thailand, if I use grab or uber they should know where the place is you gave me I would of thought,if it's a 3 month visa mine runs out next month so will have to wait till I get a new extension in jan.

There is a charge but it’s not expensive
There is a previous post on this forum titled “ Vietnamese motor cycle licence “which can be found under the category Cars and Transportation( the last post on it was 7 months ago so it’s quite a way back) to which I contributed giving a full written explanation  how to find the place,screenshots on Google maps of the location  and even pics of the building itself.There is also a list of penalties should you break the law on the road.
If you cannot find the post drop me a private message with your email address...I will send all the information along to you directly