Types of driver's licenses in Vietnam - Motorcycle

As of 2023, there are a total of 11 types of driver's licenses in circulation and use in Vietnam. Each type of license has its own regulations regarding the user, eligibility requirements, application documents, and validity period of the certificate.

1. Types of driver's licenses in Vietnam - Motorcycle

The motorcycle driver's license is a certificate issued by the competent state authority to citizens who are 18 years old or older. Currently, the A1, A2, A3, and A4 licenses each have their own regulations regarding the eligible users, examination requirements, application documents, and validity period.

1.1. A1 motorcycle driver's license

Eligible users: Individuals who operate motorcycles or motorbikes with an engine capacity from 50cm3 to 175cm3, and individuals with disabilities who operate specific three-wheeled motorcycles.
Application documents: Application form according to the prescribed template; copy of ID card; health examination certificate issued by the authorized medical facility; 3x4 portrait photo.
Validity period: Indefinite.

1.2. A2 motorcycle driver's license

Eligible users: Individuals who operate motorcycles with two wheels and an engine capacity of 175cm3 or above, and other types of vehicles specified for the A1 license.
Application documents: Application form according to the prescribed template; copy of ID card; health examination certificate issued by the authorized medical facility; 3x4 photo.
Validity period: Indefinite.

1.3. A3 motorcycle driver's license

Eligible users: Individuals who operate specific three-wheeled motorcycles, including motor tricycles, motorized rickshaws, and other types of vehicles specified for the A1 license.
Application documents: Application form according to the prescribed template; copy of ID card; health examination certificate issued by the authorized medical facility; 3x4 portrait photo.
Validity period: Indefinite.

1.4. A4 Driver's License

Issued to: Tractor drivers with a load capacity of under 1,000kg.
Registration documents required: Application form, copy of ID card, health certificate issued by a qualified medical facility, 3x4 portrait photo.
Validity period: 10 years.

Therefore, A1, A2, A3, and A4 are types of driver's licenses issued to drivers of various motorized vehicles, including motorcycles with an engine displacement of 50cc or more, three-wheeled motorcycles, and tractors with a load capacity of under 1,000kg. Additionally, there are clear regulations regarding licenses for electric motorcycles. According to Article 3, Section 1, Point d of Decree No. 100/2019/ND-CP, these vehicles are powered by electric motors with a maximum power not exceeding 4kW and a maximum design speed not exceeding 50km/h. Article 60 of the Road Traffic Law of 2008 stipulates that "individuals aged 16 or older are allowed to drive motorcycles with an engine displacement of under 50cc," and "individuals aged 18 or older are allowed to drive two-wheeled motorcycles, three-wheeled motorcycles with an engine displacement of 50cc or more, and similar vehicles; trucks, tractors with a load capacity under 3,500kg; passenger cars with up to 9 seats,..." Additionally, according to Article 59 of the Road Traffic Law of 2008, the following provision is made for driver's licenses: "A1 license is issued to individuals driving two-wheeled motorcycles with an engine displacement from 50cc to under 175cc." Therefore, according to current regulations, drivers of electric motorcycles require an A1 license when participating in traffic with vehicles that have a speed exceeding 50km/h or an engine power over 4kW.