Vietnam Traffic Police (PC08) under the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Public Security has released guidelines for converting foreign driving licenses to Vietnamese licenses. Here’s what you need to know:
- Convert Your Foreign Driving License to a Vietnamese Driving License
- Use Your Converted Vietnamese License to Obtain a Motorbike License
This applies to individuals holding a valid foreign driving license and a Vietnam residence card (or visa, depending on the city). Some restrictions may apply based on the country where your license was issued. Notarized translations may be required for certain languages, which could be challenging for less common ones.
This article will guide you through the regulations and process of converting an international driving permit into a Vietnamese driving license.
How to Convert Your International Driving Permit to a Vietnam Driving License?
Converting your foreign driving license to a Vietnam driving license can be done without speaking Vietnamese or needing a Vietnamese friend to assist you! Here’s a simple guide:
Step 1: Gather Documents
- Official translation of your driving license (2 copies) from your home country. You’ll need an official translator with notary powers, often through your Embassy/Consulate or the People’s Committee (47 Le Duan, District 1, HCMC).
- Notarized copy of your driving license translation (2 copies), done at the Department of Justice in Ho Chi Minh City.
- 2 copies of your passport (first page, visa/resident card, entry stamp).
- Filled-in form from the Transit Authority (download here) or get it at the Department of Transport.
- Original resident card (if applicable).
- Original driving license from your home country and any old Vietnam driving license (if renewing).
- Original passport.
Step 2: Visit the Department of Transport
Go to the Department of Transport at Sở Giao thông Vận tải, 252 Ly Chinh Thang, District 3, HCMC (at the end of an alley, can be tricky to find).
- Once inside, ask the security guard for directions (they’ll know what foreigners are there for).
- Present all your documents at the counter for certification.
- If any documents are missing copies, copy shops are nearby.
- Pay the 135,000 VND application fee.
- They will take your photo on the spot.
Step 3: Final Steps
- Your Vietnam driving license will include the categories from your original license. If you wish to add motorbike categories, you will need to pass a practical exam later (the theoretical exam is waived in this case).
- After processing, you’ll get a confirmation form with your name, license type, and conversion completion date (usually within 10 working days).
- Fill in your preferred address to receive the license. Pay an additional 30,000 VND postal fee for delivery, or you can collect it in person later.
How to Use Your Converted Vietnam Driving License to Get a Motorbike License?
If your original driving license already includes a motorbike category, you won’t need to take the exam. However, if it doesn’t, or if you need to add the motorbike license, here’s the process:
Documents you’ll need:
- 04 photos [3x4cm] with a blue background (for the driving center)
- 01 photo (any size, any background) for the health check
- Copy of your Passport (first page, visa/resident card, and entry stamp)
- Filled-in form (available at the driving center)
- Health check results
- Original Vietnam Driving License
- Original Passport
- Original Resident Card (if applicable)
Warning: The following steps may be challenging without speaking Vietnamese or the help of a Vietnamese friend.
Step 1: Health Check
You’ll first need a health check to prove you are fit to drive. There are 3 certified hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City where you can get this done:
- An Sinh Hospital: 10 Trần Huy Liệu, Phường 12, Phú Nhuận – cost around 1.5M VND.
- Binh Thanh Hospital: 112AB Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Phường 1, Bình Thạnh – cost around 600,000 VND.
- Giao Thong Van Tai Hospital: 136 Cách Mạng Tháng Tám, Phường 12, Quận 10 – cost around 185,000 VND.
You don’t need an appointment, but you may need to wait on busy days. Remember to wear formal clothing and avoid excessive alcohol the night before since they will test your urine and breath for alcohol.
Step 2: Go to the Driving Center
After receiving your health check approval, head to the Vocational Colleges 7 Driving Center located at 51/2 Thành Thái, Phường 14, District 10, HCMC.
At the center:
- Fill in a form with your personal information.
- With your health check results, they will inform you about the exam schedule and ask you to select a time.
- You will then pay the license issuing fee and receive a receipt that acts as your exam registration.
- All original documents will be returned to you immediately.
Step 3: Motorbike Exam
On the day of your exam (usually booked for early morning), bring your exam registration receipt, original Passport, Vietnam Driving License, and Resident Card. The exam lasts around 15 minutes and involves a basic route, including a roundabout, narrow path, and driving over bumps. You’ll use a semi-automatic motorbike provided by the center.
Warning: Only foreigners who wish to take the A1 driver’s license test and already hold a foreign car driver’s license can register for the A1 test and be exempt from the theoretical exam.
Preparation for the Exam
You cannot use your own bike, but you can practice on a test bike available for rent at the driving center. The practice session costs 50,000 VND for 30 minutes. It’s highly recommended to practice before your exam.
After the Exam
Once you pass, the results are announced immediately. You’ll then sign the issuance form. After 10 working days, your new Vietnam driving license will be ready, covering both car and motorbike categories.
Key Points About the Vietnam Driving License
- The Vietnam driving license is valid for the same duration as your residence card or Vietnamese visa.
- If you hold a national driving license, you must convert it to the corresponding Vietnamese license.
- If you have an international license issued by a country that is a signatory to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, you are allowed to use it for driving the types of vehicles specified in your license without needing to convert it to a Vietnamese license. However, if an international agreement to which Vietnam is a party provides different regulations, those international treaty provisions will apply.
Conclusion
If you’re a foreigner working, studying, or residing in Vietnam for more than 3 months with a valid international or foreign driver’s license, you must convert it to a Vietnamese driving license to drive legally. While the process may seem simple, it can be confusing for those unfamiliar with the required procedures and documentation. Understanding the requirements for converting your foreign driving license is crucial for expats and visitors who wish to drive legally in Vietnam.
Whether you’re converting a national or international license, it’s important to follow the necessary steps, prepare the required documents, and be aware of the regulations that apply. For those familiar with the process, it can be straightforward, ensuring you can enjoy the freedom of driving in Vietnam. If you need assistance with the conversion or have any questions, feel free to reach out to us for expert support!
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