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Expat Exchange - Getting a Driver's License in Vietnam
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Vung Tau, Vietnam


Getting a Driver's License in Vietnam

By Betsy Burlingame

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Summary: Here's a primer on how to get your driver's license in Vietnam.

Sometimes when you're new to a country a task like getting your driver's license can make you feel like you're 16 years old again trying to pass your driver's test. Here's an overview of the process of getting your driver's license in Vietnam.

In Vietnam, foreigners are required to have a Vietnamese driving license to drive legally. This applies to both cars and motorcycles. To obtain a Vietnamese driving license, a foreigner must hold a valid passport and a valid visa that is long-term (three months or longer). They must also have an international driving permit or a driving license from their home country. These documents will be translated into Vietnamese and notarized before being submitted to the Vietnamese Department of Transportation.

Foreigners can apply for a Vietnamese driving license conversion if they already have a valid driving license from their home country. The process involves a written test, but no practical driving test is required. However, if they do not have a driving license, they will need to take both a written and practical driving test in Vietnam.

It's important to note that the driving rules and regulations are the same throughout the country. There are no specific requirements that differ based on the city, state, or region in which a foreigner lives in Vietnam. However, traffic conditions can vary greatly between urban and rural areas, so it's essential for foreigners to familiarize themselves with local driving conditions and practices.

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Vung Tau, Vietnam

SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

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