Motorbike License (Refreshing the thread of 2012)

danrodri wrote:

Hi all,
disclaimer first of all: I carefully read the thread of 2012 on this topic, but I could imagine that things might have changed 8 years later, so allow me to open it as new thread.

Now, I need to get a VN motorbike license. I currently have a A1 (up to 125cc) from my home country but need to get the unlimited one.

An agent I approached told me: You cannot, because you cant pass the theory test. Reading the thread of 2012, the answer seems a bit more intricate.

What are my options?
I also saw that I might not need a license, as foreigners are rarely control and if they are, bribing is an option. But I like to have the licenses I should have if I can get them

So, again, what are my options?

Thank you for any advise.

Well I rode a bike here for 10years, no Vietnamese license, insurance, nothing, & never got stopped once. Then about 2 years back got my first police stop for speeding coming back from Vinh Long & paid coffee money & off I went again.

That got me thinking so did some checks & found out that my medical insurance would not cover me in an accident if no in country driving license so using my UK license got a Vietnamese one & am now in the process of renewing it.........but its an up to 175cc Vietnamese one I have & covers driving a car too..
On this forum a couple of months back there was post about the police clamping down on people driving without proper documentation & insurance so I went & got the bike insured too & lucky I did cos on my next trip HCMC to Buon Ma Thuot to Da Lat & back I got stopped twice for docs checks & lucky all was in order.

Anyway to get back to your question quite recently I have seen some agents like SNVI advertising courses for taking the bike test here & it gets you a lifetime license but not sure is its for A1 or A2 but you can ask.

Thxs goodolboy.
When you say: "Anyway to get back to your question quite recently I have seen some agents like SNVI advertising courses for taking the bike test here & it gets you a lifetime license but not sure is its for A1 or A2 but you can ask."

I can ask who? Where can I find "some agents"?

danrodri wrote:

Thxs goodolboy.
When you say: "Anyway to get back to your question quite recently I have seen some agents like SNVI advertising courses for taking the bike test here & it gets you a lifetime license but not sure is its for A1 or A2 but you can ask."

I can ask who? Where can I find "some agents"?

Sorry, my mistake,  Just checked SNVI & its for A1 license they are advertising for. Like if you only have a car license in your home country they will put you through the test for the A1. But remember it covers you for up to 175cc here not 125.

goodolboy wrote:

danrodri wrote:

Thxs goodolboy.
When you say: "Anyway to get back to your question quite recently I have seen some agents like SNVI advertising courses for taking the bike test here & it gets you a lifetime license but not sure is its for A1 or A2 but you can ask."

I can ask who? Where can I find "some agents"?

SNVI

Sorry for my ignorance. What is SNVI?

danrodri wrote:

goodolboy wrote:

danrodri wrote:

Thxs goodolboy.
When you say: "Anyway to get back to your question quite recently I have seen some agents like SNVI advertising courses for taking the bike test here & it gets you a lifetime license but not sure is its for A1 or A2 but you can ask."

I can ask who? Where can I find "some agents"?

SNVI

Sorry for my ignorance. What is SNVI?

Oh its like one of the big Visa agents here in HCMC & Da Nang, not sure in Ha Noi. Just FB SNVI & Bobs yer uncle. Cant remember exactly their full name something like Saigon Nam Viet International I think. This will probably get deleted for advertising so you better note it quick

Here, try her FB link.

facebook.com/janesnvi.visa

danrodri wrote:

Thxs goodolboy.
When you say: "Anyway to get back to your question quite recently I have seen some agents like SNVI advertising courses for taking the bike test here & it gets you a lifetime license but not sure is its for A1 or A2 but you can ask."

I can ask who? Where can I find "some agents"?

ask Trevor at Saigon Motorcycles he helped m get mine, Aussie guy who owns the shop,,,,

Here the answer from SNVI:
Hello,
we only can help you to convert to A2 driving license if you have A2 from your country, without it you have to pass the testes to obtain one, we can't help with this way.

So, no use for me. Will try Trevor. Hopefully he can help me

Is Trevor at this one? facebook.com/groups/motorbikessaigon

Never mind...found Trevor. saigonmotorcycles.com/ Though only landline....Hopefully he responds to messages

Kinda funny. One in my family is a police officer and has never had a DL. I know of no one in my family who does. I have lived here 9 years and never had one. Does not make it legal or right. But it seems no one cares much. Yes, the officials say they are clamping down. But I suspect that just means more coffee money when you get stopped. Can not imagine anything here becoming legit and not requiring coffee money. A word of caution, just like visa’s one can get a bogus DL easily. But I suggest one run it through the website to see if it is registered with them. Have yet to see one that was.

Diazo wrote:

Kinda funny. One in my family is a police officer and has never had a DL. I know of no one in my family who does. I have lived here 9 years and never had one. Does not make it legal or right. But it seems no one cares much. Yes, the officials say they are clamping down. But I suspect that just means more coffee money when you get stopped. Can not imagine anything here becoming legit and not requiring coffee money. A word of caution, just like visa’s one can get a bogus DL easily. But I suggest one run it through the website to see if it is registered with them. Have yet to see one that was.

Hi,
Just to clarify some info, I have been twice pulled over by police once without a VN licence and once with a VN licence that I obtained through an "Agent" course instructor or what ever you wish to call him. he does the courses at the test centre in HCMC on the same test track as all the local Vietnamese taking their tests using the same supplied test bike's and test instructors.

I passed and received my VN licence around 10 days later, I HAVE been on internet to the licence checking website and YES it IS on the national database 100%.

I asked my missus and she and ALL her family have Licence's because they all have newish bikes and  part of the purchase process (at Honda no idea about other makes) is show licence and get bike insurance (bảo hiểm) they require you to get if on finance of any kind we paid cash but they still asked for licence to fill out the (bảo hiểm) insurance.

So I can attest that it is legit, the first time i got stopped the police hit me for a 700k fine for NOT having a licence, the second time I had a VN licence becoz of that I could also buy bike insurance so had that as well which I gave to the grinning police officer who having looked at them then me then them again stopped grinning gave them back and waved me on my merry way having no legit way of getting coffee money out of me.

Another word of warning for ALL non Vietnamese,,, if you get a VN licence it means you can get bike insurance so you are covered in an accident for damage and medical for the person and car/bike you hit, and the number 1 reason is if YOU get injured YOUR medical insurance will ask if yo were driving the bike and you will have NO MEDICAL INSURANCE if you don't have a VN licence, all overseas insurance companies know just about everyone here rides bikes without a valid licence so dont pay out, so take the time to go get one PLUS your in their country so why not show the same respect you would expect out of them back at your home country.

Current process is you go to a notary office with your overseas car licence get it translated and stamped along with your longer than 3 month visa or TRC etc then take it to the Department of Transport (License Conversion) 252 Lý Chính Thắng, Phường 9, Quận 3, Thành phố in HCMC give them the papers and 135k stand for a photo and take the paper they give you and wait until the date to come back to collect your licence on the form,,, go back get licence.

Next book in for the test they don't do the computer test any more because they know you have driven before in a car,, and everyone knew the computer test here was being scammed wink wink.

IF you have valid full bike licence you can skip the car stuff just copy and translate your full bike licence and then take papers to licencing centre, I have not done it this way so don't know if they just issue you with a vn bike licence and thats it or you still have to do the practice part here ask Trevor or Gabby at saigon motorcycles  they are pretty up to date with who does the training and what the current rules are.
(SteinNebraska posed:- I did get an A2 license very easily because I had a motorcycle license in the US.  No test and less than 200,000 VND.   I don't think you can do the same if your license in your country is limited to 150 or less.  You will only get the equivalent.) so looks like is is same as getting car licence converted.

I believe Danrodi has spoken to them and is just about to do the process so maybe he will post100% accurate info info when he has his licence in hand.

The other bonus of getting your overseas car licence converted is you can hire a local car using website or app, car hire starts around 350k for a manual small hatch around 550k for an auto small hatch it has all area search along with times you want to hire and photos info on the car etc. MAKE SURE you tick the search filter box "insurance" its only around 30k a day and many cars don't have it!  you get a notification after you pay deposit it will activate on the day time you have booked car,, you get a .pdf file when it activates so you can show or print out if needed.

Process is easy, reg with website/app take a photo of your vn licence put in the licence number and your info, book car, pay deposit, you need to leave security deposit or bike papers if you have a bike, passport pick up or have the car delivered,, use,,,  return pay rest of fee,,, easy.  Remember to take photos of the car if you see any prior damage

I wont post link becoz mods will remove because you have to pay for ads,,, so message me if you want any other info

One thing to bear in mind, the fine to get stopped without a license on 150cc or less is 400,000 so coffee money is 200,000.  Fine for stopped without a license on larger than 150cc is 4,000,000 so coffee money is 2,000,000.

I got stopped the day I picked up my new KTM Duke 390.  Of course this was because I didn't have a license plate on it as it was new so a reasonable expectation from the police that I was not licensed as well.  It did cost me 2,000,000.

I did get an A2 license very easily because I had a motorcycle license in the US.  No test and less than 200,000 VND.   I don't think you can do the same if your license in your country is limited to 150 or less.  You will only get the equivalent.

If you don't have luck with Saigon Motorcycles you can also contact Tigit Motorcycles.  I read they have a way to get a foriegner an A2 license for 4,000,000 without driving or written test.  Legal or not, coffee money or not I can only guess but it is a valid license.

Also bear in mind a driver's license in Vietnam will have an expiration date that matches the expriation date of your visa.  If you have a one year visa that is all the license is good for.  I think that you can only get a license with a 1 year visa, not a one or three month visa.  My first one exprired with my visa but my current renewal expires in five years to coincide with my VEC expiration.

As Andy said above, get the insurance.  It's less than 70,000 per year and coffee money when stopped without proof of insurance is 200,000 so one bribe covers the cost of insurance for three years.

I have absolutely no hope that should I ever need the insurance that it will pay much, if anything, when the cost is $3.00 per year.  But it keeps you clear of the police.

SteinNebraska wrote:

One thing to bear in mind, the fine to get stopped without a license on 150cc or less is 400,000 so coffee money is 200,000.  Fine for stopped without a license on larger than 150cc is 4,000,000 so coffee money is 2,000,000.

I got stopped the day I picked up my new KTM Duke 390.  Of course this was because I didn't have a license plate on it as it was new so a reasonable expectation from the police that I was not licensed as well.  It did cost me 2,000,000.

I did get an A2 license very easily because I had a motorcycle license in the US.  No test and less than 200,000 VND.   I don't think you can do the same if your license in your country is limited to 150 or less.  You will only get the equivalent.

If you don't have luck with Saigon Motorcycles you can also contact Tigit Motorcycles.  I read they have a way to get a foriegner an A2 license for 4,000,000 without driving or written test.  Legal or not, coffee money or not I can only guess but it is a valid license.

Also bear in mind a driver's license in Vietnam will have an expiration date that matches the expriation date of your visa.  If you have a one year visa that is all the license is good for.  I think that you can only get a license with a 1 year visa, not a one or three month visa.  My first one exprired with my visa but my current renewal expires in five years to coincide with my VEC expiration.

Hi,
I just got my VN car licence last Tuesday, as you stated it is aligned with my TRC so expires same time, and shortest time is 3 months visa I did it in december got a 3 month valid licence and then got my TRC and renewed it again.

However my bike licence I got through doing test here in HCMC is a lifetime licence NO expiry date on it.

So I think the way it works is if you convert licence it expires with your docs,, if you do test here it's not linked to docs in any way.

SteinNebraska wrote:

As Andy said above, get the insurance.  It's less than 70,000 per year and coffee money when stopped without proof of insurance is 200,000 so one bribe covers the cost of insurance for three years.

I have absolutely no hope that should I ever need the insurance that it will pay much, if anything, when the cost is $3.00 per year.  But it keeps you clear of the police.

Covers up to 10mill lability, and the first questions they ask when you try to claim;- who was driving,,, please provide licence info,,,

My friend has Viet wife works for major insurance company here in HCMC.

SteinNebraska wrote:

As Andy said above, get the insurance.  It's less than 70,000 per year and coffee money when stopped without proof of insurance is 200,000 so one bribe covers the cost of insurance for three years.

I have absolutely no hope that should I ever need the insurance that it will pay much, if anything, when the cost is $3.00 per year.  But it keeps you clear of the police.

Plus as a bonus you get to tell everyone the look on the police guys face when he couldn't get money off you,, even my vn friends laugh at that one,,, 

Andybris2020 wrote:

Plus as a bonus you get to tell everyone the look on the police guys face when he couldn't get money off you,, even my vn friends laugh at that one,,, 

I've gotten the look.  Got stopped for random road check on my motorcycle.  You could see the police already counting his 2,000,000 from the white guy astride a larger new bike.  "VIETNAMESE driver's license please".  Handed it to him.  Disgustedly thrusting it back at me "you can go".  I almost asked if he wanted to see my insurance or blue card but no sense poking him.  He'd find something else wrong with my helmet or something.

I do have a proper helmet.  Not a Hat, as my wife calls it.  Actually, hat is a more appropriate term for what most Vietnamese call a helmet here.  They can gig you for wearing one of those 200,000 VND "hats" as they aren't legal, regardless of being sold absolutely everywhere.

SteinNebraska wrote:

Andybris2020 wrote:

Plus as a bonus you get to tell everyone the look on the police guys face when he couldn't get money off you,, even my vn friends laugh at that one,,, 

I've gotten the look.  Got stopped for random road check on my motorcycle.  You could see the police already counting his 2,000,000 from the white guy astride a larger new bike.  "VIETNAMESE driver's license please".  Handed it to him.  Disgustedly thrusting it back at me "you can go".  I almost asked if he wanted to see my insurance or blue card but no sense poking him.  He'd find something else wrong with my helmet or something.

I do have a proper helmet.  Not a Hat, as my wife calls it.  Actually, hat is a more appropriate term for what most Vietnamese call a helmet here.  They can gig you for wearing one of those 200,000 VND "hats" as they aren't legal, regardless of being sold absolutely everywhere.

OH! I thought it was the minimum standard the police excepted,, my bad.

I handed over my VN licence in one of the hotels when we hired a bike she asked for licence looked at my wife and I gave her mine as it was me that was talking about hiring,, she looked in awe and then at wife it's VN! she said puzzled lol the first one she had ever seen,, mainly because so few get them I suppose.

Hi. Thank you for all the great info. Helping a lot. What I found out is that if you dont have a license or you have a foreign A1 license you FIRST have to get/transfer it to VN A1 license. Usual procedure as others posted before. I have to wait 2 weeks to get my VN residency card first, but will try doing it myself and get some local bureaucracy experience. Then, I will try to go through examination to acquire A2. Have been rudely turned down on that by a local agent already ("Can you read Vietnamese? No! So, you cannot do the exam! I cannot help you!") But after that I got some consolation and hope from some of the comments here. So, once I got A1 I will try to find Andy´s agent or whoever agent is willing to help me. Btw...I DON´T want to buy it, I want to get the legit license in a legit way...but obviously, dont make me learn VN language for the theory....which actually after 20 years driving cars and bikes all over the world, I am pretty familiar with. So, let´s see how it goes

And btw...another compelling reason why to get the A2 besides saving police coffee money, being insured in the worst case, AND the peace of mind when running into a police control check is that....once you go to another country or homecountry, you can transfer your A2 to your local license. Vietnamese not allowed? Depends on the regulations, but most countries will acknowledge that you lived in VN for a longer period of time and had a valid license done. So, the least you can expect is an easier way to get it if not transferred automatically. Now, if you just came to VN for tourism and "got" the license somehow, it probably wont be transferred or acknowleged.

danrodri wrote:

And btw...another compelling reason why to get the A2 besides saving police coffee money, being insured in the worst case, AND the peace of mind when running into a police control check is that....once you go to another country or homecountry, you can transfer your A2 to your local license. Vietnamese not allowed? Depends on the regulations, but most countries will acknowledge that you lived in VN for a longer period of time and had a valid license done. So, the least you can expect is an easier way to get it if not transferred automatically. Now, if you just came to VN for tourism and "got" the license somehow, it probably wont be transferred or acknowleged.

Dan I spoke to Gabby at Saigon Motors, after she spoke to agent,,,  if you have a car licence they take it that you know how to drive because car is king here so they now skip the computer question part of the test if you get your overseas licence transfered to a VN car licence first,,, then you can apply to do the A1 bike test without doing the computer part.
After that you can go on to get A2.

If you have FULL bike licence SteinNebraska stated that you can convert your FULL bike licence to VN for 200k.

Hope that cuts the fuzzy parts out the process.

I normally get a one or two year license that matches my TRC. They just translate and notarise my UK car license then in around 2 weeks i get the license delivered to my work.

It's a pain having to do it every year but apparently once you've done this process once (the conversion from home license) they will never let you have a lifetime license which is very strange.

I've been stopped quite a few times around HCM. Even with a license i still get hassle from the cops and am always asked for money which i hate. Last time he said that my license was the 'wrong colour' and that is was 'fake,' it's not.  I just stood there and asked him to check it in any way he thought was necessary. They soon let me go.

I find it's a game of wasting time. When they have you there they are missing out on stopping many cars with local drivers they could extort more cash from. If you're not in a hurry then just go slow and wait it out with them. I'd certainly not pay any 'fine' of more than 200k though. If you pay them 2 million it just fuels the stereotype of 'rich foreigner' and causes more issues.

departed00 wrote:

I'd certainly not pay any 'fine' of more than 200k though. If you pay them 2 million it just fuels the stereotype of 'rich foreigner' and causes more issues.

Coffee money is half of what the real fine is so it depends on what you are stopped for.

Andybris2020 wrote:

danrodri wrote:

And btw...another compelling reason why to get the A2 besides saving police coffee money, being insured in the worst case, AND the peace of mind when running into a police control check is that....once you go to another country or homecountry, you can transfer your A2 to your local license. Vietnamese not allowed? Depends on the regulations, but most countries will acknowledge that you lived in VN for a longer period of time and had a valid license done. So, the least you can expect is an easier way to get it if not transferred automatically. Now, if you just came to VN for tourism and "got" the license somehow, it probably wont be transferred or acknowleged.

Dan I spoke to Gabby at Saigon Motors, after she spoke to agent,,,  if you have a car licence they take it that you know how to drive because car is king here so they now skip the computer question part of the test if you get your overseas licence transfered to a VN car licence first,,, then you can apply to do the A1 bike test without doing the computer part.
After that you can go on to get A2.

If you have FULL bike licence SteinNebraska stated that you can convert your FULL bike licence to VN for 200k.

Hope that cuts the fuzzy parts out the process.

Hi Andy, sounds good. Thxs for the heads-up. What I also found out is that I need to transfer my foreign car license to VN car at one place and then my same foreign A1 license at another place. Also, I would get two licenses, one for car and one for A1.

departed00 wrote:

I normally get a one or two year license that matches my TRC. They just translate and notarise my UK car license then in around 2 weeks i get the license delivered to my work.

It's a pain having to do it every year but apparently once you've done this process once (the conversion from home license) they will never let you have a lifetime license which is very strange.

I've been stopped quite a few times around HCM. Even with a license i still get hassle from the cops and am always asked for money which i hate. Last time he said that my license was the 'wrong colour' and that is was 'fake,' it's not.  I just stood there and asked him to check it in any way he thought was necessary. They soon let me go.

I find it's a game of wasting time. When they have you there they are missing out on stopping many cars with local drivers they could extort more cash from. If you're not in a hurry then just go slow and wait it out with them. I'd certainly not pay any 'fine' of more than 200k though. If you pay them 2 million it just fuels the stereotype of 'rich foreigner' and causes more issues.

Good point here. So, any hints how to do to get the lifelong license right away? Maybe if one pulls the correct strings, you might just get it in the first transferal and then you have it.
Or does it depend on the foreign license you bring? Because mine has no expiry date either.

danrodri wrote:

Hi Andy, sounds good. Thxs for the heads-up. What I also found out is that I need to transfer my foreign car license to VN car at one place and then my same foreign A1 license at another place. Also, I would get two licenses, one for car and one for A1.

They are both listed on the same license.  I didn't do anything to get my car license.  Just did the bike license and they listed the car license on it as well.

danrodri wrote:

Andybris2020 wrote:

danrodri wrote:

And btw...another compelling reason why to get the A2 besides saving police coffee money, being insured in the worst case, AND the peace of mind when running into a police control check is that....once you go to another country or homecountry, you can transfer your A2 to your local license. Vietnamese not allowed? Depends on the regulations, but most countries will acknowledge that you lived in VN for a longer period of time and had a valid license done. So, the least you can expect is an easier way to get it if not transferred automatically. Now, if you just came to VN for tourism and "got" the license somehow, it probably wont be transferred or acknowleged.

Dan I spoke to Gabby at Saigon Motors, after she spoke to agent,,,  if you have a car licence they take it that you know how to drive because car is king here so they now skip the computer question part of the test if you get your overseas licence transfered to a VN car licence first,,, then you can apply to do the A1 bike test without doing the computer part.
After that you can go on to get A2.

If you have FULL bike licence SteinNebraska stated that you can convert your FULL bike licence to VN for 200k.

Hope that cuts the fuzzy parts out the process.

Hi Andy, sounds good. Thxs for the heads-up. What I also found out is that I need to transfer my foreign car license to VN car at one place and then my same foreign A1 license at another place. Also, I would get two licenses, one for car and one for A1.

Never heard of that before. My licenses have always had car and bike on the same license.

SteinNebraska wrote:

danrodri wrote:

Hi Andy, sounds good. Thxs for the heads-up. What I also found out is that I need to transfer my foreign car license to VN car at one place and then my same foreign A1 license at another place. Also, I would get two licenses, one for car and one for A1.

They are both listed on the same license.  I didn't do anything to get my car license.  Just did the bike license and they listed the car license on it as well.

My Vietnamese driving license is just an exact copy of my UK one written in Vietnamese & English & covers all A motorbikes, cars & light trucks. It even expires at exactly the same date as my UK one.

colinoscapee wrote:

danrodri wrote:

Andybris2020 wrote:

Dan I spoke to Gabby at Saigon Motors, after she spoke to agent,,,  if you have a car licence they take it that you know how to drive because car is king here so they now skip the computer question part of the test if you get your overseas licence transfered to a VN car licence first,,, then you can apply to do the A1 bike test without doing the computer part.
After that you can go on to get A2.

If you have FULL bike licence SteinNebraska stated that you can convert your FULL bike licence to VN for 200k.

Hope that cuts the fuzzy parts out the process.

Hi Andy, sounds good. Thxs for the heads-up. What I also found out is that I need to transfer my foreign car license to VN car at one place and then my same foreign A1 license at another place. Also, I would get two licenses, one for car and one for A1.

Never heard of that before. My licenses have always had car and bike on the same license.

Good you mention that. Someone told me about two licenses. I'm glad its a hoax.

danrodri wrote:

colinoscapee wrote:

danrodri wrote:

Hi Andy, sounds good. Thxs for the heads-up. What I also found out is that I need to transfer my foreign car license to VN car at one place and then my same foreign A1 license at another place. Also, I would get two licenses, one for car and one for A1.

Never heard of that before. My licenses have always had car and bike on the same license.

Good you mention that. Someone told me about two licenses. I'm glad its a hoax.

Take many things you hear with a grain of salt. Always best to check things out.

In the states I have a commercial license with motorcycle endorsements. In Vn they looked at my license and gave me similar endorsements. Thus I am good for cars, trucks, motorcycle on one license.

danrodri wrote:

colinoscapee wrote:

danrodri wrote:

Hi Andy, sounds good. Thxs for the heads-up. What I also found out is that I need to transfer my foreign car license to VN car at one place and then my same foreign A1 license at another place. Also, I would get two licenses, one for car and one for A1.

Never heard of that before. My licenses have always had car and bike on the same license.

Good you mention that. Someone told me about two licenses. I'm glad its a hoax.

Hi Dan, It was me that said I have 2,,,,, I came here 2 years ago with NO full bike licence so did the A1 test and got a lifetime A1 VN licence.
Then in December I converted my Australian car licence to VN which was tied to my visa date which was ending in March, seeing I was getting a 3 year TRC I waited until I got that in June, and went and gave my copies of TRC along with my Australian car licence again.

8 days later I went in and picked up my VN licence which runs out at same date as my TRC in 3 years, I asked how come no bike on it and was told my bike licence is lifetime do I want to make it finish same time as my TRC I said no,,, so I have a VN A1 licence for lifetime and a VN car licence until 2023 so 2 licences. 

Others have stated they have 1 licence I understand they had FULL bike licence so got a converted licence for car & bike on the same VN licence if I'm reading their post correctly.

Andybris2020 wrote:

Others have stated they have 1 licence I understand they had FULL bike licence so got a converted licence for car & bike on the same VN licence if I'm reading their post correctly.

That is the case for me.

Hello,

I just went to the city administration center, and submitted my German driving license (car, including A1), TRC, plus some forms. They took a photo of me and four weeks later I had my Vietnamese license (car, A1 ...).
It was a simple (first in my time here) administrative process. No additional test etc.
What they did not grant me, was an A2 license... but I am fine with 150 cc.

Martin9000 wrote:

Hello,

I just went to the city administration center, and submitted my German driving license (car, including A1), TRC, plus some forms. They took a photo of me and four weeks later I had my Vietnamese license (car, A1 ...).
It was a simple (first in my time here) administrative process. No additional test etc.
What they did not grant me, was an A2 license... but I am fine with 150 cc.

Cool to hear. I will do it as soon as I get my local residency card in a week or so. From what I have learned, its 170 cc, which is not too bad. Also, they won't give you the A2 if you dont have the A2 in your license, but there are ways to actually make the exam if you want to, skipping the theory, especially if you got the car license...as you are supposed to know the theory well enough.
Regards

@goodoldboy:
Yes, medical insurance is the killer. Coffee money can get you out of police checks, but your medical insurance won't cover you if you are injured without the proper documents. That prompted me to go through the whole rigmarole of getting a local licence.
As I said some time ago in an earlier discussion on this topic, I did this all myself rather than go through an agent. It involved a lot of running around but cost me a pittance compared to what the agents were charging (and their fees were all over the place). The agents can help you through the test procedure if you don't have an overseas licence, but even if you do (like I did), you'll still have to do a lot of running around with them. Vietnamese make-work bureaucracy. At least in Saigon where I was based.
Reading the other replies here, your mileage on this procedure will obviously vary a lot :-)

Hello,

has there been any update on obtaining a A2 license as a foreigner if you dont have a motorcycle license from our home country (in my case, the USA)

Any help is much appreciated!

bddk1337 wrote:

Hello,

has there been any update on obtaining a A2 license as a foreigner if you dont have a motorcycle license from our home country (in my case, the USA)

Any help is much appreciated!

I have a full A category bike license in UK no limit to CC. I have just recently renewed my VN motorbike & car license but am limited to 175cc on the motorbike. My information when I queried it was that to get A2 VN motorbike license I had to pass a practical test.
Strange really cos on my VN license I can drive a car not exceeding 7 seats, truck tractor with trailer not exceeding 3,500kg used for commercial purposes & all vehicles of class B1 & no test required.
I would think (but hey this is Vietnam you just never know) you have got no chance of getting an A2 here without a US motorbike license or without taking the full test.