Driving in Vietnam: A Guide for Foreigners

Are you a foreigner living and working in Vietnam and want to drive yourself around? Owning a car offers convenience and freedom, making your work and personal life easier. However, the procedures and laws regarding driving in Vietnam for foreigners might differ from your home country.

This article provides detailed and up-to-date information to help you understand the regulations and necessary steps to legally drive in Vietnam. Let’s explore with Xe Tải Hà Nội!

1. Requirements for Foreigners to Drive in Vietnam

To legally drive in Vietnam, foreigners must meet the following requirements:

1.1. Possessing an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a Vietnamese Driver’s License

International Driving Permit (IDP):

• Must be valid and issued by a country or territory that is a member of the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic.
• Must be accompanied by a legally certified Vietnamese translation.
• Allows driving for 3 months from the date of entry.

Vietnamese Driver’s License:

• Foreigners with an IDP can convert it to a Vietnamese Driver’s License without taking a driving test.
• Foreigners without an IDP can register for driving lessons and take the driving test at licensed driving centers in Vietnam.

Note: Vehicles such as trucks, buses, and specialized vehicles require specific driver’s licenses.

1.2. Meeting Health Requirements

Foreigners must meet the health requirements for driving as stipulated by Vietnamese law.

1.3. Complying with Vietnamese Traffic Laws

Similar to Vietnamese citizens, foreigners driving in Vietnam must strictly adhere to the Road Traffic Law.

2. Procedures for Converting an IDP to a Vietnamese Driver’s License

For long-term driving convenience in Vietnam, you should convert your IDP to a Vietnamese Driver’s License. The conversion process is quite simple; you just need to prepare the necessary documents and submit them to the relevant authority.

Required Documents:

• Application for Driver’s License Conversion.
• Copy of a valid International Driving Permit.
• Notarized Vietnamese translation of the International Driving Permit.
• Copy of Passport or passport replacement valid for at least 6 months.
• Health certificate issued by a competent medical facility.
• Two 3x4cm photos (taken within the last 6 months).

Submission Location: Department of Transport in the province/city where the foreigner resides.

Processing Time: Approximately 5 working days.

Fee: 135,000 VND.

3. Important Reminders When Driving in Vietnam

Here are some essential reminders to keep in mind while driving in Vietnam:

• Always carry required documents: Driver’s License, Vehicle Registration Certificate, and Compulsory Civil Liability Insurance of Motor Vehicle Owners.
• Drive on the right side of the road and overtake on the left.
• Strictly obey traffic signs and signals.
• Pay close attention and reduce speed when passing through populated areas, schools, and hospitals.
• Do not consume alcohol or stimulants before driving.
• Do not use mobile phones while driving.