Vietnam Motorbike License: Do You Need One & How to Get It

The short answer

Yes, you legally need a valid license to ride a motorbike in Vietnam. The question is which type — and that depends on how long you're staying and what you're riding.

Vietnam has been tightening enforcement since 2023, especially in tourist areas like Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hanoi. Police checkpoints are more common, fines are steeper, and — most critically — travel insurance companies now routinely deny claims from unlicensed riders.

What license do you need?

For tourists (under 3 months)

You need an International Driving Permit (IDP) with a motorcycle endorsement. The IDP must be based on a valid motorcycle license from your home country.

Important: Vietnam recognizes the 1968 Vienna Convention IDP format. If your country issues the 1949 Geneva Convention format (the US, for example), it's technically not valid in Vietnam — though in practice, most police and rental shops accept either.

For expats and long-term residents

If you're living in Vietnam on a work permit, business visa, or long-term visa, you should convert your foreign license to a Vietnamese license. This gives you full legal coverage and makes insurance claims straightforward.

For bikes under 50cc

Technically, no license is required for bikes under 50cc. However, almost no rental bikes fall into this category — a Honda Wave is 110cc, a Vision is 125cc. Don't assume you can ride without a license just because someone told you "small bikes don't need one."

How to get an International Driving Permit

An IDP is a translation of your domestic license into multiple languages. You must get it before leaving your home country — you cannot obtain one in Vietnam.

Where to get it

What you need

• A valid domestic driving license with motorcycle endorsement
• Passport-sized photos (usually 2)
• Application form
• The fee

Common mistakes

• No motorcycle endorsement: If your home license is car-only, your IDP won't cover motorbikes. You'll need to add a motorcycle class to your domestic license first.
• Expired IDP: IDPs are valid for 1 year. If yours has expired, it's as good as no license at all.
• Wrong format: Check if your country issues the 1968 or 1949 format. The 1968 version is what Vietnam officially recognizes.

How to convert your license in Vietnam

For expats planning to stay more than a few months, converting your foreign license to a Vietnamese one is the smart move. Here's the process:

Step 1: Get your documents ready

• Valid passport (original + copy)
• Valid visa or residence card (original + copy)
• Foreign driving license (original + notarized Vietnamese translation)
• Health certificate from an approved Vietnamese hospital
• 6 passport-sized photos (3x4 cm, white background)
• Application form (available at the testing center)

Step 2: Health check

Visit an approved hospital or clinic for a driving health check. This typically includes:

• Vision test
• Hearing test
• Blood pressure check
• General physical examination

Cost: 200,000–500,000 VND. Takes about 30–60 minutes.

Step 3: Submit your application

Go to the Department of Transportation in your city. In Ho Chi Minh City, this is the Sở Giao thông Vận tải on Nguyen Huu Tho Street in District 7.

Bring all your documents. Staff will review them and schedule your practical test.

Step 4: Practical test

The practical test is relatively simple:

1. Figure-eight course: Ride a motorbike through a figure-eight path without putting your feet down or going outside the lines.
2. Straight-line balance: Ride slowly along a narrow straight path.
3. Emergency braking: Accelerate to moderate speed and stop within a marked zone.

Most people with basic riding experience pass on the first attempt. If you fail, you can retake the test after 7 days.

Step 5: Receive your license

If you pass, you'll receive your Vietnamese driving license within 5–10 working days. The license is valid for 10 years for motorbikes under 175cc, and 5 years for bikes over 175cc.

Total cost

Expect to pay around 1,000,000–2,000,000 VND all-in (roughly $40–$80 USD), including the health check, application fees, and translation costs.

The insurance problem

This is the real reason licenses matter. If you're riding without a valid license and have an accident:

• Travel insurance will almost certainly deny your claim. Medical bills in Vietnam for serious injuries can reach $10,000–$50,000+ USD.
• Vietnamese liability insurance (BHTN) only covers third-party damage and has very low limits.
• The other party's insurance may come after you for damages if you're found at fault — and riding unlicensed is an automatic fault factor.

We've seen travellers face bills of $20,000+ because their insurance refused to pay after a motorbike accident. A $20 IDP or a $60 license conversion could have prevented all of it.

What about police checkpoints?

Police checkpoints happen, especially in cities. If you're stopped:

1. Stay calm and polite. Pull over when directed.
2. Show your license — IDP, Vietnamese license, or both.
3. Don't offer bribes. While "on-the-spot fines" are a known reality, officially you should ask for a receipt (biên lai) and pay at the police station.
4. Know your rights. Police can check your license and vehicle registration but cannot confiscate your passport.

Current fine levels (2026)

Let us handle the paperwork

Navigating Vietnamese bureaucracy in a foreign language isn't anyone's idea of fun. At 247 Motorbikes, we offer a license conversion service that handles the entire process for you — from document translation to hospital appointment to test-day support.

You show up, you ride the figure-eight, and we handle everything else.

Frequently asked questions

Can I ride with just my home country's license? No. A foreign license alone is not valid in Vietnam. You need either an IDP or a converted Vietnamese license.

Is an IDP enough for long-term stays? An IDP is valid for 1 year. If you're staying longer, convert to a Vietnamese license for proper legal coverage.

What if I only have a car license, not a motorcycle license? Then you cannot legally ride a motorbike in Vietnam, even with an IDP. The IDP only translates whatever categories your domestic license covers.

Can I take the test in English? The practical test doesn't require language skills — it's all riding. The written/theory test (for new licenses, not conversions) is available in Vietnamese only, but conversions typically skip the theory portion.

How long does the conversion process take? About 2–3 weeks from start to finish, including document preparation and the waiting period for your license card.

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