Can a B1 License Drive a Manual Truck in Vietnam?

My friend Tuan, who lives in Long Bien, Hanoi, recently bought a used truck for his business. His excitement was short-lived, however, as he realized he only has a B1 driver’s license, and the truck he purchased has a manual transmission. He’s been worrying about whether his B1 license allows him to drive a manual truck.

Tuan’s situation is a common concern for many new drivers in Vietnam. So, what’s the truth? Let’s find out with XE TẢI HÀ NỘI!

B1 License and Manual Trucks: Allowed or Not?

According to current regulations in Vietnam, a B1 driver’s license only permits the operation of passenger cars, vehicles carrying up to 9 people, and vans with a payload under 3.5 tons and a unibody construction where the cargo area is integrated with the cab.

Therefore, the answer is NO, a B1 license does not allow you to drive a manual truck if it is not a van or has a payload exceeding 3.5 tons.

Example: Tuan has a B1 license. He can drive the following vehicles:

• Dongben X30 Van (870kg payload)
• Suzuki Blind Van (750kg payload)

However, Tuan cannot drive vehicles like:

• Hyundai H100 Truck (1.25 ton payload, separate cargo bed)
• Isuzu QKR Truck (2.4 ton payload, separate cargo bed)

Why Can’t a B1 License Be Used for Manual Trucks (Except Vans)?

• Safety Factors: Manual trucks are generally larger and heavier than passenger cars, requiring drivers to have proficient manual transmission skills.
• Situational Handling: Driving a manual truck requires more experience and better situational handling skills compared to driving a car.
• Legal Regulations: Driver’s license classifications and regulations on permissible vehicle types are in place to ensure road safety for drivers and the public.

Consequences of Driving Without the Correct License

According to Nguyen Van A, a driving instructor at Saigon Driving School (name anonymized): “Driving without the correct license is a violation of traffic laws and can result in administrative fines ranging from 3 to 12 million VND, as well as a license suspension from 1 to 3 months.” (Hypothetical quote)

Furthermore, driving without sufficient skills and experience poses significant safety risks for both the driver and other road users.