Driver's license for foreigners

1. Can foreigners obtain a driver's license in Vietnam?

Foreigners who are residing or working, studying in Vietnam for three months or more (confirmed by competent authorities) can apply for and take the driver's license exam. According to Article 8 of Circular 46 and Article 60, Clause 1 of the Road Traffic Law, the following individuals are eligible to participate in the driver's license exam in Vietnam: Vietnamese citizens, foreigners who are permitted to reside or work, study in Vietnam, and are at least 18 years old (as of the exam date), meet the health and educational requirements as specified. However, they must be able to read and understand Vietnamese as the theoretical exam for obtaining a driver's license in all categories is conducted in Vietnamese. Additionally, they need to meet other conditions such as being within the age requirements for each license category (A1, B1, B2: 18 years old and above; upgrading to C, D: 21 years old and above; upgrading to E: 25 years old and above) and have sufficient health.

2. What are the procedures for foreigners to prepare for the A2 driver's license exam in Vietnam?

You need to prepare a set of documents to submit directly to the training institution, including:

Copy of passport, visa with a stay period of over 3 months.

Application for driver's license and examination (according to the provided form, available at the office).

Health certificate issued by a qualified medical institution (examination at the office when registering).

5 passport-sized photos with a blue background.

Examination format:

Foreign students will participate in the same theory exam as Vietnamese students

- computer-based (21/25 questions for A1 category and 26/30 questions for A2 category). The practical exam will be conducted on a manual or automatic transmission motorcycle.

3. STEPS FOR TESTING AND OBTAINING A2 MOTORCYCLE DRIVER'S LICENSE

Step 1: Theory exam. Motorcycle driver's license exam.

On the exam day, bring your original ID card or passport (and car driver's license if available).

It is advised to arrive at the exam location about 30 minutes before the exam time to practice the test format (for peace of mind).

After practicing, wait in the waiting room to be instructed on filling out the theory and practical exam forms.

Check your candidate number and personal information on the exam list notice for A1.

If there is any mistake, please inform the staff of the training institution for timely correction.

When the exam time starts, the staff will call the names of the students to enter the theory exam room.

Form a line in front of the exam room and prepare your original ID card for the invigilator to check and verify.

Each day, a maximum of 300 people can take the exam.

Each class consists of 20 candidates, and the exam lasts for 10 minutes.

Therefore, candidates who have not been called for the theory exam can sit and wait in the waiting room to avoid noise.

Enter the exam room and enter the exam code and candidate number to start the exam.

Each candidate will have a different set of questions, with no two sets being the same.

The exam is in multiple-choice format, consisting of 20 questions (9 questions on road traffic laws, 5 questions on traffic signs, and 6 questions on practical skills). Candidates who answer correctly to at least 16 questions will pass.

Step 2. Practical Driving Test for Foreigners

- The practical test consists of 4 parts as shown in the image below, to be done in the following sequence:
- Figure driving (H1): Complete figure 8 following the arrow, then continue to figure 3 to proceed to figure 2.
- Line driving (H2): Drive on a straight line.
- Obstacle driving (H3): Drive on a road with obstacles (cross-shaped).
- Rough road driving (H4): Drive on a rough road. Then return to the starting point at (H1).
The total score for the practical test is 100, and you need to achieve 80 or more to pass the test.

Some notes for the A2 Driving License Practical Test:
- The test will be conducted using the center's vehicle, a Wave ZX or RS.
- The engine will be started and the gear will be set to neutral (gear 2), so you just need to drive.
- While others are taking their turn, focus on listening to the examiner calling your name and observe.
- Wear a helmet (either provided by the center or your own helmet).
- When starting at (H1), pay attention to parking the vehicle 3 meters away from the entrance, with the front wheel extending to the left side of the entrance to allow the rear wheel to pass through the figure.
- During (H1), widen your steering wheel and keep the front wheel close to the outer line of the figure to make it easier to drive and ensure that the rear wheel does not touch the inner line.
- Maintain a steady speed of no more than 10km/h during the test.
- Exceeding the speed limit will result in failure.
- After completing the 4 parts of the test, return the motorcycle to the starting point, return the helmet, and do not turn off the engine. Then, present your identification card to the examiner to receive the appointment paper for obtaining the driving license.

Step 3. Collecting A2 Driving License
After 10 working days from the test date, the school will receive the driving license from the Department of Transportation to issue to the candidates who have passed the test.
You should come to collect your driving license at the designated location one day after the appointment date to ensure that you receive your driving license.
Note:
- You will receive the best support throughout the registration, learning, testing, and obtaining the driving license process.