Vietnam Driving Age Requirements for Cars

“Experience makes a skilled driver” is a Vietnamese proverb emphasizing the importance of driving experience. However, besides experience, driving age in Vietnam is also crucial and clearly regulated by traffic laws. So, what are the specific age requirements for driving in Vietnam? Who is eligible to drive a car? Let’s delve into the details with Hanoi Truck.

Driving Age Regulations in Vietnam

According to current Vietnamese traffic laws, to operate motor vehicles, drivers must meet the driving age requirements in Vietnam and possess a valid driver’s license. Specifically, the driving age for cars is regulated as follows:

Driving Age for Passenger Cars (License Class B1, B2)

• Drivers must be at least 18 years old to operate passenger cars (with a maximum of 9 seats, including the driver’s seat).
• Example: After passing the B2 driving test at a driving school in Cau Giay District, Hanoi, 30-year-old Minh can confidently drive his family’s 7-seater car.

Driving Age for Trucks (License Class C, FC)

• Drivers must be at least 21 years old to operate trucks.
• Example: After completing a training course and passing the C driving test at a vocational center in Gia Lam District, Hanoi, 25-year-old Tuan can start his truck driving job for a freight company.

Driving Age for Passenger Buses (License Class D, FD)

• Drivers must be at least 24 years old to operate passenger buses with 10 or more seats (including the driver’s seat).
• Example: After gaining 3 years of experience driving tourist vehicles, 27-year-old Lan decided to take the D driving test and is currently a long-distance bus driver for a travel company in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.

Note on Driver’s License Upgrades

Upgrading a driver’s license also requires meeting the driving age requirements in Vietnam and having the necessary driving experience. For instance, to upgrade from a B2 license to a C license, you need at least 3 years of driving experience with a B2 license.

Driving a car

Why are Driving Age Requirements Necessary?

Regulating driving age for cars is essential due to the following valid reasons:

• Traffic Safety: Age directly impacts physical and psychological development, thereby affecting the ability to safely operate a vehicle.
• Legal Responsibility: Drivers who meet the legal age requirement possess the civil capacity to bear legal responsibility when participating in traffic.

Expert Advice

Mr. Nguyen Van A, a traffic safety expert at the Institute for Strategy and Traffic Safety, stated: “Complying with driving age regulations in Vietnam is crucial, contributing to ensuring safety for both drivers and the community. Moreover, honing safe driving skills and a sense of compliance with traffic laws are equally important factors.” (Excerpt from “Traffic Safety – A Guide for Life,” published by Transport Publishing House, 2023).

Truck on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the legal driving age for motorcycles in Vietnam?

According to current regulations, individuals aged 16 and above are permitted to operate motorcycles with engine displacements under 50cc.

Where can I find more information about regulations for upgrading a car driver’s license?

You can find detailed information on the website of the Vietnam Directorate for Roads or contact reputable driving schools directly for consultation.

Conclusion

We hope this article has provided comprehensive and helpful information about driving age requirements in Vietnam. Hanoi Truck encourages readers to always abide by traffic laws, drive safely and courteously to contribute to a safe traffic environment for everyone.