Driving licence in Vietnam: what tourists need and whether foreign licences are valid
To ride a motorbike or drive a car in Vietnam you need your national licence plus a 1968 Convention International Driving Permit of the same category. Russian licences, scooters, fines and insurance.
Short answer: to drive in Vietnam, a tourist needs two documents together — a national driving licence and an International Driving Permit issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. The category must match: A1 for motorbikes up to 125 cc, A for anything bigger, B for cars. Vietnamese law doesn't mention the 1949 Geneva Convention permit, so don't rely on one. Riding without a licence costs 2–4 million dong (up to 125 cc) or 6–8 million (larger), and the bike is impounded.
What licence do you need in Vietnam?
| What you drive | Documents | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Motorbike up to 125 cc (scooter) | national licence + 1968 Convention IDP | A1 |
| Motorbike over 125 cc | national licence + 1968 Convention IDP | A |
| Car | national licence + 1968 Convention IDP | B |
The basis is Article 57 of Road Traffic Order and Safety Law No. 36/2024/QH15: a foreigner with a 1968 Convention IDP may drive in Vietnam, but only together with a national licence of the same category.
Is a Russian licence valid in Vietnam?
Not on its own: a Russian licence alone isn't enough. You need the Russian licence plus an international permit. Vietnam has acceded to the 1968 Vienna Convention, so it recognises international permits issued under that convention. Before you travel, check that your IDP refers to the 1968 Convention, and carry both documents.
Do you need a licence for a scooter in Vietnam?
Yes. A scooter up to 125 cc is category A1 — not "no licence needed". The main trap: an IDP doesn't add categories. If your national licence has no motorcycle category, the international permit won't create one, and you're not entitled to ride even with it in your pocket.
What happens if you ride without a licence?
Fines under Decree 168/2024/NĐ-CP (Article 18): 2–4 million dong for a bike up to 125 cc, 6–8 million for a larger one. The bike is impounded, and the owner who lent it to an unlicensed rider is fined too. That's what happened in May 2026 in Nha Trang: a patrol on Trần Phú checked foreigners' international permits and took away bikes from those without. In July 2026 Khanh Hoa police opened a criminal case against a hotel receptionist who lent a bike to an unlicensed Russian tourist — after a fatal crash. So a proper rental will photograph your licence and write its number into the contract. More in motorbike rental in Nha Trang.
Will insurance cover a crash without a licence?
Usually not. Many travel policies exclude riding a motorbike without the right licence category or without a helmet. Check your policy before you go. More in travel insurance for Vietnam.
Where to get an International Driving Permit?
At home, before the trip: an IDP is issued by the country that issued your national licence. If you're staying a while and want to avoid the risk, take a car with driver or a taxi — taxis in Vietnam by city.
FAQ
What licence do you need in Vietnam? A national licence and a 1968 Vienna Convention IDP, together and of the same category.
Can you drive in Vietnam on a Russian licence? Only together with a 1968 Convention international permit.
Is a 1949-format international permit valid? Vietnamese law only mentions the 1968 Convention — don't rely on a 1949 permit.
Do you need a licence for a scooter? Yes, category A1 for bikes up to 125 cc.
If my licence only has category B, can I ride a motorbike? No: an IDP doesn't add categories.
What's the fine for riding without a licence? 2–4 million dong for a bike up to 125 cc, 6–8 million for larger; the bike is impounded.
Is a helmet compulsory? Yes, for rider and passenger. Other rules — motorbike rental in Nha Trang.
Sources and checks
Licence requirements and categories — Law No. 36/2024/QH15, Article 57 (2026 consolidated text on the government portal), VOV. Vietnam's accession to the 1968 Vienna Convention — Báo Chính phủ. Fines — Decree 168/2024/NĐ-CP, Article 18. Checks and the criminal case in Nha Trang — Tuổi Trẻ, 14 May and 31 July 2026. Checked 12 November 2026. Advice on insurance and where to get a permit is ours. This isn't legal advice: if in doubt, ask your country's consulate.