Motorbike Licence for Foreigners in Vietnam

1. International Driving Permit (IDP) in Vietnam

Before exploring Vietnam by motorbike, make sure your driving licence is recognised here and covers the motorcycle you plan to ride. This guide explains the essentials of IDPs, ASEAN licences and the documents to prepare before setting off.

2. What Driving Licence Do You Need?

Foreign riders may use a valid Vietnamese motorcycle licence, a recognised 1968 Vienna Convention IDP together with their national licence, or a licence accepted under an applicable international agreement.

Your licence must cover the motorcycle you ride, including any engine-size or power restrictions. An IDP does not replace your national licence or add motorcycle entitlement to a car-only licence.

Do not assume a 1949 Geneva Convention IDP is accepted. Separate agreements may apply, so check with your issuing authority before travelling.

Driver's licence 1968

 
International driver's licence 1949

3. Do ASEAN Licence Holders Need an IDP?

A valid domestic motorcycle licence covered by the ASEAN recognition agreement may be used during a temporary stay in Vietnam without an additional IDP.

The licence must:

• Be a full licence—not a learner’s, temporary or provisional licence.

• Cover the motorcycle you intend to ride.

• Be accompanied by a certified English translation if it is not in English.

Recognition depends on the issuing country and licence type, not simply your nationality. These provisions do not automatically apply to every long-term resident.

4. Can You Convert a Foreign Licence?

Foreign residents living and working in Vietnam may be eligible to exchange a valid foreign licence for a Vietnamese licence in the corresponding category.

Eligibility depends on your residence documents and existing licence. Check the application requirements and processing time with the relevant licensing authority before arranging your riding plans.

5. Does Your Licence Cover Your Motorcycle?

For Vietnamese licences newly issued under the system introduced on 1 January 2025:

Older Vietnamese licences have transitional entitlements. For foreign licences and IDPs, check the actual vehicle categories and restrictions rather than assuming they match Vietnamese categories.

Automatic scooters also require the appropriate licence. For standard motorcycles, riders must be at least 18 and meet applicable health requirements.

A limited exemption applies to legally classified mopeds: riders must be at least 16, and the vehicle must meet both the engine or power limit and the maximum design-speed requirement. A “50 cc” label alone is not enough to establish this exemption.

6. What Should You Prepare Before Riding?

At collection, confirm that you have:

• Your valid motorcycle licence and IDP, where required.

• The required motorcycle registration documents.

• A valid compulsory motor vehicle insurance certificate.

• Any additional documents legally required for your vehicle.

Carry your national licence alongside a 1968 Convention IDP. Ordinary photocopies or phone photos do not automatically replace legally required documents.

Check that your personal travel insurance covers your planned motorcycle activities. For further preparation, read our guides to Travel Insurance for Motorbike Trips in Vietnam and Police Checkpoints and Traffic Rules in Vietnam.

Before booking, share your licence details and preferred motorcycle with Flamingo so we can discuss your plans. If your documents do not meet the requirements, choose an experience with a properly licensed rider.

Get your documents ready, choose the right motorcycle and explore Vietnam with Flamingo Travel.