What You Need to Know Before You Start
Getting a Vietnamese driver's license requires you to pass a written test and a practical driving test through your local Department of Transport. The process takes between two to four weeks from start to finish, though timing varies by province. You will need to be at least 16 years old for a motorcycle license or 18 for a car license, hold a valid passport or national ID, and have a Vietnamese address — either your own or a sponsor's.
The written test is given in Vietnamese, English, French, Chinese, or Russian depending on the testing center. The practical test happens on a closed course, not on public roads. Most foreigners use a driving school to prepare, which costs between 3 to 8 million Vietnamese dong (roughly $120 to $320 USD, though exchange rates vary) and typically takes two to three weeks.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit your provincial Department of Transport in person with your passport, a Vietnamese address, and a medical certificate stating you are fit to drive.
- The written test covers traffic signs, road rules, and safe driving practices, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
- The practical driving test takes place on a closed course and lasts about 15 to 20 minutes; you must complete a series of maneuvers without hitting cones or stalling.
- Most foreigners attend a driving school for two to three weeks before testing, which provides instruction in English and handles paperwork with the Department of Transport.
- Once you pass both tests, you receive your license on the same day or within a few days, depending on the province.
Step 1: Get a Medical Certificate
Before you can register for the written test, you need a medical certificate from a Vietnamese hospital or clinic stating you are physically and mentally fit to drive. This certificate must be issued by an approved medical facility — your driving school or the Department of Transport can tell you which clinics are authorized in your area.
The exam is straightforward: a doctor checks your vision, hearing, and reflexes, and asks basic health questions. The entire visit takes 15 to 30 minutes. Bring your passport and expect to pay between 200,000 to 500,000 Vietnamese dong (roughly $8 to $20 USD). The certificate is valid for one year, so if you do not pass the driving test within that time, you will need a new one.
Step 2: Enroll in a Driving School or Register Directly
You have two paths: attend a driving school or register directly with the Department of Transport. Most foreigners choose a driving school because instruction is available in English, the school handles paperwork, and you learn the specific test route and maneuvers. If you register directly, you must navigate Vietnamese bureaucracy on your own and find a private instructor or practice with a Vietnamese friend who holds a license.
To enroll in a driving school, bring your passport, medical certificate, and proof of a Vietnamese address (a rental contract, utility bill, or a letter from your sponsor). The school will give you a student ID and a schedule for theory classes and practical lessons. Theory classes cover traffic laws and road signs; practical lessons happen on the road and on the closed test course. Most schools require you to complete a minimum number of hours — typically 20 to 30 hours for a car license — before you can sit for the test.
Step 3: Complete Theory and Practical Training
Theory classes usually run for three to five days and cover Vietnamese traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. Classes are taught in English at most schools catering to foreigners. You will receive study materials and practice tests. The written test itself draws from this material, so pay close attention.
Practical training happens over two to three weeks. You will practice basic maneuvers — starting and stopping, turning, reversing, parking — on quiet roads first, then on busier streets and highways. Your instructor will also take you to the closed test course so you can practice the exact maneuvers you will face on test day. By the end, you should feel comfortable with the vehicle and confident on the course.
Step 4: Take the Written Test
The written test is administered at the Department of Transport and lasts 30 to 45 minutes. You will answer 35 to 40 multiple-choice questions on a computer or paper form, depending on the province. Questions cover traffic signs, road rules, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergencies. You must score at least 80 percent to pass.
Your driving school will schedule the test for you and tell you the date, time, and location. Bring your passport, medical certificate, and student ID. If you fail, you can retake the test after a waiting period — usually one to two weeks — and you will need to pay the test fee again. Most people pass on the first or second attempt if they have attended classes and studied the practice materials.
Step 5: Take the Practical Driving Test
The practical test happens on a closed course at the Department of Transport and lasts 15 to 20 minutes. You will be tested on your ability to start the vehicle, drive in a straight line, turn, reverse, park, and perform an emergency stop. The examiner sits beside you and watches for smooth steering, proper use of mirrors, correct gear changes, and safe braking. You must not hit any cones, stall the engine, or commit any serious traffic violations.
Your driving school will take you to the test course several times during your training so you know the layout. On test day, you will drive the same course with an examiner. If you pass, you are done. If you fail, you can retake the test after a waiting period — usually one to two weeks — and pay the test fee again. Most people pass on the first or second attempt if they have practiced on the course.
Step 6: Receive Your License
Once you pass both the written and practical tests, you will receive your Vietnamese driver's license on the same day or within a few days, depending on the province. The license is valid for 10 years. Your driving school will handle the paperwork and tell you when to pick up your license at the Department of Transport.
Your Vietnamese license is recognized throughout the country. If you plan to drive in other countries, you may want to obtain an International Driving Permit from your home country before you leave, though this is not required in Vietnam. Keep your license with you whenever you drive — police can stop you and ask to see it, and driving without a license is illegal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my home country driver's license to drive in Vietnam?
You can drive on your home country license for up to one year if it is valid and you carry an International Driving Permit. After one year, you must obtain a Vietnamese license. Some provinces enforce this rule more strictly than others, so it is safer to get a Vietnamese license as soon as you plan to stay longer than a few months.
What if I fail the written or practical test?
You can retake the test after a waiting period of one to two weeks. You will pay the test fee again. Most people pass on the second attempt if they study harder or practice more. Your driving school can help you identify weak areas and prepare for the next attempt.
Do I need to speak Vietnamese to pass the test?
No. The written test is available in English, French, Chinese, and Russian at most testing centers. The practical test does not require you to speak Vietnamese — the examiner will give you instructions in your chosen language or through gestures. Ask your driving school which languages are available at your local Department of Transport.
How much does the entire process cost?
Costs vary by province and driving school. A medical certificate costs 200,000 to 500,000 dong. Driving school tuition ranges from 3 to 8 million dong. Test fees are typically 500,000 to 1 million dong total. Budget 4 to 10 million dong (roughly $160 to $400 USD) for the complete process, though prices differ by location.
Can I get a motorcycle license and a car license at the same time?
Yes. You can take separate tests for each license class. Most driving schools offer combined packages that cover both motorcycle and car training. You will need to pass a written test and practical test for each license class, but you can do them in the same two to four week period.