Can You Retake Your Driver’s License After Suspension in Vietnam?

“Persistence pays off,” as the saying goes. Driving a truck long distances is already hard work, and having your driver’s license suspended can be incredibly stressful. You’re probably wondering when you’ll be back behind the wheel. Don’t worry! This article from XE TẢI HÀ NỘI will answer all your questions about retaking your driver’s license after suspension in Vietnam.

Can You Retake Your Driver’s License After Suspension?

The short answer is YES. However, retaking your driver’s license after suspension depends on several factors, including the reason for suspension, the suspension period, and whether you’ve completed the required penalties.

Let’s take Mr. Tuan, a long-haul truck driver specializing in construction materials in Cau Giay, Hanoi, as an example. While delivering goods to a construction site on Hoang Quoc Viet Street, he ran a red light due to inattention and had his driver’s license confiscated by the traffic police.

Depending on the specific violation, Mr. Tuan’s license could be suspended for a certain period. After the suspension period, he needs to visit the relevant authorities to retrieve his license and resume driving.

For a clearer illustration, see the image below of a driver being checked by a traffic police officer for documents and driver’s license.
A truck driver is having his documents and driver's license checked by a traffic police officer.

Common Reasons for Driver’s License Suspension

There are many reasons why a driver’s license might be suspended in Vietnam, such as:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol: This is a serious offense and can result in license suspension from 10 months to 2 years, or even criminal prosecution if an accident occurs.
• Running a red light: Depending on the severity, you could be fined from 4 to 6 million VND and have your license suspended for 1 to 3 months.
• Speeding: Fines range from 600,000 VND to 12 million VND, with license suspension from 1 to 5 months depending on the speed exceeded.
• Not wearing a helmet: Fines range from 80,000 VND to 400,000 VND, with license suspension from 1 to 3 months.

And there are many other violations that can lead to driver’s license suspension.

Requirements for Retaking Your Driver’s License

So, when can you retake your driver’s license after suspension?

• Completion of the suspension period: This is a prerequisite.
• Payment of fines: You need to pay any fines for traffic violations at the State Treasury.
• Completion of a Traffic Law course: The course duration depends on the specific case. After completing the Traffic Law course, you will receive a certificate of completion.
  A certificate of completion for a Traffic Law course.

Steps to Retake Your Driver’s License After Suspension

After meeting all the requirements, you can apply to retake your driver’s license by following these steps:

1. Prepare the necessary documents: This includes an application for retaking the test, a copy of your ID card, a copy of your old driver’s license (if applicable), a health certificate, etc.
2. Submit your application: You can submit your application directly to the Department of Transportation or online through the Public Service Portal.
3. Take the written test: The written test is conducted on a computer.
4. Take the practical driving test: You need to pass four basic driving exercises to get your license.
   In the practical driving test, you’ll be assessed on your driving skills on a designated course with four basic exercises.
   A truck driver practicing on a driving test course.

Important Notes for Retaking Your Driver’s License

To ensure a smooth process, keep the following in mind:

• Review the Traffic Law thoroughly, especially the violations that led to your previous license suspension.
• Practice driving regularly to improve your skills.
• Stay calm and confident during the test.