Driving permit. You must have a valid Vietnamese driver's licence to drive or ride in Vietnam. This includes for motorcycles of 50cc or more. An International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in Australia is not recognised in Vietnam. Authorities may fine you for driving without a valid licence. More information: Australian embassy, Hanoi. Road travel
If you drive without a current and valid licence, you risk: receiving an infringement fine of $400. receiving a fine of up to $1000 if summonsed to court (this would likely follow persistent offending) being forbidden to drive by police. having your vehicle seized on the roadside and impounded for 28 days. being declined vehicle insurance.
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individual who holds a license to teach or provide driver education issued under Section 1001.251. (6-b) "Driver education provider" means an in-person
Late fee: $5 late fee for an unpaid bill; issued if a toll bill is not paid in full by the due date. Civil penalty :$40 civil penalty for each unpaid toll trip; issued if tolls are still unpaid 80 days after you travelled. Vehicle registration hold: Failure to pay a civil penalty within 20 days may lead to a hold on the vehicle registration.
cash. Crime Most visits to Vietnam are trouble free but you should take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings in big cities and tourist areas. Donât hand over your passport to third parties as a guarantee to motorcycle rental shops, landlords as there have been many instances of companies holding on to passports against claimed damage. You should remain alert and take care of your belongings, particularly in crowded areas and places visited by tourists where pick pockets and bag snatchers operate, including on motorbikes. Consider splitting key items between bags. British nationals have reported a number of personal attacks, including rape and sexual assault in areas popular with expatriates and tourists. When reporting such attacks in Vietnam, compared to the UK there is a high burden of proof on the victim to demonstrate that the sexual relations were not consensual, especially when the victim had consumed alcohol or where the alleged attacker was known to the victim. There have also been some reports of foreign women being victims of indecent assault and harassment including inappropriate touching and groping, particularly while walking alone. You should take sensible precautions. There have been reports of arguments over hotel, restaurant or taxi bills turning violent or abusive. It is well worth researching places to stay before you arrive. To avoid potential disputes, make sure you are clear about the level of service you can expect to receive and any associated charges. Local travel A number of British and foreign visitors have died or been injured in Vietnam while engaged in adventure tourism in rural and mountainous areas. Some terrain can be hazardous and remote from rescue services of any kind. And the rainy season - see Natural Disasters - can quickly and significantly increase risk, especially for localised flooding, navigating swollen streams and rivers and landslides. Safety standards are generally lower than in the UK and compliance varies. Donât stray off main routes and, where required, take a reputable guide. Always follow safety guidelines, check local authoritiesâ websites for adventure tourism companies that are approved and meet safety standards and check local weather forecasts before travelling. You should avoid illegal tour guides who have been known to offer tours and activities prohibited under local regulations. In some areas local regulations require the use of a guide. Make sure your travel insurance covers your planned activity fully. Travel is restricted near military installations and some areas of Vietnam are fairly inaccessible. If you wish to visit a village, commune or ward that is close to the border you may need to get permission from the provincial police department. Contact the relevant local authority for more information. Unexploded mines and ordnance are a continuing hazard in former battlefields, particularly in central Vietnam and along the Laos Border, formerly traversed by the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Mined areas are often unmarked. Undertake any leisure activities that include firearms at your own risk and make sure you are supervised by a reputable guide. There have been reports of hearing loss from those close to these activities. Road travel Travelling by motorbikes in Vietnam carries significant risk. There are frequent road traffic accidents and fatal crashes. According to World Health Organisation statistics, you are over 8 times more likely to be killed in a road traffic accident in Vietnam than in the UK an estimated deaths per 100,000 people in Vietnam compared to per 100,000 people in the UK. A number of British nationals have died in motorbike accidents in Vietnam, and many more have been involved in accidents, with some injured very seriously. Before choosing to drive a motorbike in Vietnam, it is essential that youâre an experienced motorbike rider, check your motorbike thoroughly and rent from a reputable organisation, have a good quality motorbike helmet, understand the roads on which you plan to travel and that your travel insurance covers your planned activity. Compliance with local road regulations is poor. Youâre advised to keep your speed down and to be prepared for the unexpected. If youâre planning on travelling as a passenger on a motorbike, you should wear a good quality helmet and make sure your medical insurance is comprehensive. Itâs illegal to be on a motorbike without a helmet. If youâre involved in a traffic accident, you could face criminal charges and you may need to pay compensation to the injured person even if the injuries are minor. If youâre involved in an accident or subject to an investigation, offer the police your full co-operation and inform the British Embassy in Hanoi or Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City. If you wish to drive cars or ride motorbikes in Vietnam you will need to present your UK driving licence and a UK-issued International Driving Permit IDP. If youâre a long term resident in Vietnam, you can qualify for a Vietnamese driving licence with a diplomatic ID, temporary residence card or residence card validity for 3 months or more and also a valid UK driving licence or UK-issued IDP. Applications for a Vietnamese driving licence can be made at the local offices of the Department of Public Works and Transportation. You should also make sure you have third-party insurance as required by Vietnamese law. Donât use your passport as a deposit for hiring vehicles or in place of a fine in the event of a traffic offence. Metered taxis from larger firms are generally reliable. There are many taxi operators and meters are set at different prices. The meter should start at around 8,000 to 20,000 VND, depending on the size of the taxi and the taxi company. Where possible get hotels or restaurants to book you a reputable taxi. Always make sure the driver identifies themselves before setting off. If you book a taxi online or through an app, make sure the details of the vehicle and driver match those provided by the company. Overcharging for taxi journeys in and around the tourist hotspots in the Old Quarter of Hanoi and at Hanoi Airport is regularly reported. The same occurs at Ho Chi Minh Cityâs airport and popular tourist attractions. Check the published fares near the taxi stands or an online app before starting your journey or consider booking a taxi or ordering one via an online app. Bus and coach crashes are not unusual and increase in regularity at night. Vehicles are often poorly maintained. When travelling by bus, be vigilant against petty theft as there have been reported cases of people losing passports and personal belongings while travelling on night buses. Be cautious about offers of free transfers to hotels unless organised in advance, as these may be bogus. Driving cars or riding motorcycles when your blood alcohol concentration is more than zero is illegal. This is enforced rigorously. Rail travel Rail travel in Vietnam is generally reliable. Be aware of the risks of petty theft, particularly while asleep on overnight trains. Sea travel Safety regulations and standards vary greatly and are not at the same level as the United Kingdom. Check with your tour guide about the safety record and registration of boats, and the certification of personnel before setting off. Make sure you receive a full safety briefing when joining any boat. Consider safety standards carefully before taking an overnight boat trip on Halong Bay as some boats have sunk quickly and without warning. Piracy in coastal areas off Vietnam is very rare. Mariners should, however, report all incidents to the coastal and flag state authorities. See Piracy and armed robbery at sea. Political situation Vietnam has a single party political system, which does not welcome dissent. Some protests in recent years have turned violent, or been violently suppressed by the authorities. You should avoid all protests. Consular assistance Providing prompt consular assistance can be difficult outside Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam is a large country and some areas donât have well developed infrastructure or frequent flights.
Posted by douluvme49 on 7/2/2011 at 2229 Hi There, My boyfriend and I want to rent/buy We havent decided yet 2 motorbikes in Ho Chi Min City and ride up to Hanoi on our own. I don't have a Canadian drivers lisence though. I have an identification card.... I read online that if we do it as a tour I dont need a lisence as we are with a guide. What are the chances of getting 'pulled over' and having our lisences checked??? What could happen???? Any suggestions? My boyfriend has his lisence, and we both ride dirtbikes in Canada ... we don't need a lisence for this as we aren't driving on the street. Any info would be great!! 1 douluvme49 has been a member since 4/2/2011. Posts 33 Posted by Vietnam720 on 8/2/2011 at 0743 The worst that can happen after being pulled over is to have your bikes confisicated and kept for 30 days. A fine will be issued rightfully about US$15. But still you can't take the fine untill after 30 days. 2 Vietnam720 has been a member since 26/8/2009. Location Singapore. Posts 46 Posted by Randy on 8/2/2011 at 0855 Here are some tips for motorbike travelling lovers in VN. Chances of being get pulled over by Vietnamese cops excluding accidents Rate from most to least as...1/ Operate motorbike on wrong side of road, or opposite direction in one-way street...2/ Operate motorbike WITHOUT licence plate...3/ Operate motorbike WITHOUT helmet...3/ Operate motorbike with MORE THAN 2 PERSONS in a bike...4/ Overspeed...5/ Operate motorbike with supicious goodswatch out at areas which are closed to border passes...6/ Operate motorbike in ...impaired manners such as drunk, high on pot..7/ Racing with Vietnamese undercovered cops Undercovered cops have no right to stop you in vn, only traffic cops...8/ Operate a motorbike which is BIGGER than 125cc...9/ Minor contact into...cop bike on the road...10/ Carry more than 2 little kids in a bike. The end. 3 Randy has been a member since 3/2/2011. Posts 28 Posted by douluvme49 on 8/2/2011 at 1028 will i be able to get bike insurance with out a lisence if we happen to buy bikes? I guess both bikes could go in my boyfriends name, and i just ride the one. thanks for the info. by the sounds of it i will be okay riding a bike as long as i am not an idiot!! 4 douluvme49 has been a member since 4/2/2011. Posts 33 Posted by caseyprich on 8/2/2011 at 1201 Remember that your travel insurance will most likely not cover you if you get in a motorbike accident without having an intentional drivers licence. Not sure how it is in Vietnam, but your biggest concern will probably be livestock - not police. 5 caseyprich has been a member since 3/3/2010. Location China. Posts 1,281 Posted by goonistik on 8/2/2011 at 1311 See part 9. It seems that Vietnam doesn't recognize foreign drivers licenses nor international driving permits. What a bummer. More info here 6 goonistik has been a member since 7/1/2010. Location Philippines. Posts 563 Posted by 69bertie on 8/2/2011 at 1746 douluvme49 newbie Posts 2 will i be able to get bike insurance with out a lisence if we happen to buy bikes? I guess both bikes could go in my boyfriends name, and i just ride the one. thanks for the info. by the sounds of it i will be okay riding a bike as long as i am not an idiot!! Waste of time buying any bike insurance in Vietnam, as without a license it's invalid as is the case with any motor vehicle insurance worldwide. $2000USD is about max payout anyway. might be for a car but you'll find a lot of Vn insurance companies are the same when it comes to the maximum payout figure ..... 50million vnd is $2500 USD 7 69bertie has been a member since 22/12/2009. Posts 90 Posted by burnthisnow on 11/2/2011 at 1309 Hi, we operate a Vespa tour company in Saigon, and it's definitely true that travel insurers will not cover you if you are driving a vehicle in Vietnam without a Vietnam-issued drivers licence. However, you are covered if you're only riding pillion behind another driver or a guide doesn't matter if it's with a tour or not. If you're thinking of buying a motorbike in HCMC and riding up to Hanoi, that's a great trip. As several people have said here, traffic laws - such as they are in Vietnam - are irrelevant to whether you get pulled over by police and fined. The police will cook up any excuse to pull you over if they feel like it, not much you can do about it. If you are pulled over, 99% of the time the police will simply insist on a money payment on the spot a bribe without issuing a ticket. This can be anywhere from 150,00-500,000VND $8-25 US. Simplest thing is just pay it and be on your way. Still, a foreigner getting pulled over by police and truly hassled over traffic laws is very, very rare here. Also, it's not difficult to get a VN license if you already have one in Canada. You can do it here in a single day. Drop us a note if you have any more questions patrick and please stop by Zoom Cafe in Pham Ngu Lao when you arrive in HCMC. Lots of people there can tell you about doing this trip and how best to buy a bike, etc. Cheers, Patrick 8 burnthisnow has been a member since 24/5/2008. Posts 16 Posted by 69bertie on 13/2/2011 at 0926 You can get a Vn license in a day??? Took me a week, Had to have my UK driving license translated took two days, 3 months visa as a minimum, residential address. Hand the paperwork in at District 3. License signed for and picked up 7 days later. Bargain of a price....30000 vnd .... ÂŁ1. 9 69bertie has been a member since 22/12/2009. Posts 90 Posted by AbgAcid on 13/2/2011 at 1527 No licence, dont ride. My advice, dont do it. Forget about fines, or pull over by police. Think of the consequences of running somebody on the road. Futhermore if the accident is a fatal one, it will be very very very messy. AA 10 AbgAcid has been a member since 28/11/2009. Location Malaysia. Posts 162 Posted by douluvme49 on 15/2/2011 at 0318 Burnthisnow - If I do not have a canadian lisence will i have issues, or if i just pay the bribe i should be ok? 11 douluvme49 has been a member since 4/2/2011. Posts 33 Posted by burnthisnow on 15/2/2011 at 1119 If you have your passport you should be fine. All they care about is the bribe. They'll tell you what you've done 'wrong,' then they'll suggest you give them money 200,000 or 300,000 VND. They'll pretend that this is for a ticket/fine, but it just goes in their pockets. You can try to bargain if you like, it's common. Or you can just pay it and be on your way right away. Best thing is to be friendly and pleasant about the whole procedure, if it happens. That's how all the Vietnamese handle it. 12 burnthisnow has been a member since 24/5/2008. Posts 16 Posted by hmdliven on 19/2/2011 at 2251 hi, This is not a good Idea to even rent a motor-bike in Vietnam, in a land which no one care about himself even. i was in HCMC and a motor bike driver catch my foot when i wanted to cross the street , maybe you go and do it with yourself and nothing happend to you But generaly advice is not to do it, cuz nobody is familiar with vietnamese driving culture expect themselves Have fun 13 hmdliven has been a member since 19/2/2011. Posts 9 Posted by Positivetravel on 9/3/2011 at 0115 We travelled through Vietnam ofr 2 months and bought a motorbike in Hanoi and made our way through the country down to Saigon. We only had 1 bike a 125cc Suzuki for the 2 of us with both our backpacks strapped on we got custom racks made and it was great. It may seem like too much for one bike but we never broke down once, but we did get her checked out by mechanics along the way. We never had any problems with police. I think a lot of that had to do with the fact we bought a less powerful bike, so we didn't stick out like a sore thumb while we were riding. My fiance only rode the bike and even though it is illegal for foreigners to own a bike in vietnam, we bought one with a Vietnamese persons name on it. Yes, there is a risk in doing this, but like I said because we bought a less powerful bike, we only road about 4 hours a day and were careful, I think that really helped us in not getting pulled over by the police. As for the crazy driving everyone talks about-yes it is busy in the cities, but it is doable. Have a practice riding first, keep up with the flow of the traffic, when on highways keep over to side of the road as much as possible. Also the Vietnamese use their arms a lot to indicate and to tell people where they are moving too. It may seem strange but I started doing this while on the back of the bike when we were turning left etc i would stick out my left had and shake it a bit and I think that really helped. Doing what they do and know worked well. A lot of the road rules etc from your own country don't really apply in Vietnam-work with what they do! Feel free to email us directly if you have any other questions admin [at] positiveworldtravel [dot] com Cheers! Elise 14 Positivetravel has been a member since 8/3/2011. Posts 17 Posted by stephenpham on 19/6/2012 at 0227 Not easy to bike from South to North of Vietnam, if you are foreigner 15 stephenpham has been a member since 12/6/2012. Posts 8 Posted by JonMyers on 25/6/2012 at 0502 I've lived in Saigon for 3 months now, and will be here another 3 or 4 months. I have a motorbike, and I don't have a license. I used to have a motorcycle endorsement back in the states, but I'm a perma-traveler, and my drivers license expired. Anyhow, you won't have any problems with police as long as you don't take the risks, which others have outlined. You shouldn't be anyways. That said, there are a lot of traffic nuances, which are unique to Saigon. For example, the motorbikes generally all stay on the right hand side, and cars stay on the left. Obviously, there is a lot of cross-over in lanes from both vehicle types. Especially when turning or when a taxi driver gets excited and spots a fare on the side of the road. You'll have to learn not to panic. Also, be very careful about where you park your motorbike. It could get stolen. When you go out only park it with security. Never just leave it on the sidewalk, which is an invitation for theft. My advice is to get here, and wait a few days, and take in the city on the back of a motorbike taxi. See it how feels, see the flow of traffic, and take in all the craziness that goes with it. Also, be very careful about the motorbike you rent. DON'T rent a bike from Chi Cafe, which is recommended on this site. I ended up returning 3 different motorbikes from there. They were all horribly maintained, and downright dangerous from bad brakes to second gear only working to rickety loose bearings in the steering head. I found a lady on Craig's List by the name of Thamle who rents motorbikes that are well maintained. She'll also drop it off at your house/ apartment or hotel. Her number is 090-3177407. I'm paying $1,000, month $50 bucks for a newer Sym Attilla, which is an awesome bike. One last thing, which I haven't seen anyone mention is this - expect to surrender your passport or at least a driver's license from your home country to whomever you're renting from. I rent an apartment here, so I gave the lady I rented from a copy of my rental agreement proof, and gave her my driver's license from back home, and held onto my passport. A lot of places will demand you give it up. 16 JonMyers has been a member since 11/10/2010. Location United States. Posts 1 Posted by SikKelowna on 25/6/2012 at 1711 Hey there, I can tell you first hand that i travelled from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City just over a year ago, there were 4 of us all from Canada, we bought the chinese copy bikes in Sapa and made our journey from Hanoi down. It was the most amazing trip i have ever done, my girlfriend who was on her own bike did get stopped but as soon as she started speaking english they let her go on her way. Yes the traffic can be intimidating at first, it is ridiculously busy in the main cities but it all flows and works, rules of the road are few and far between with everyone picking their own path and turning whenever they feel like but you just use that little horn button on your bike every 5 seconds and keep a good eye on everything around u and you should be safe. The big danger isnt the other bikes but the buses and big trucks on the main highway! They dont care about any of the rules of the road so stay out of their way and stick to the side of the road!! Most of your trip will be on the ho chi minh highway and smaller roads but unfortunately you have to take the main highway at some point in your trip. No insurance for any of us and although we made it safe and sound through vietnam, it is a big risk and you have to be extra careful and attentive as to avoid the many dangers while on the road. But...it is the most amazing way to see vietnam!! and will surely be an unforgettable trip!! Be safe and wear a helmet that will actually protect your head! 2 of my friends wore the baseball cap style helmet that provides zero protection! Chris 17 SikKelowna has been a member since 4/5/2011. Posts 7 Posted by Randy on 26/8/2012 at 1715 Hints for riding motorbike in Vietnam for ForeignersSupplemental....1/Only Vietnamese cops or Custom staffs/or Highway robbers riding motorcycle which is bigger than 125cc in Vietnam..2/ It is EITHER illegal OR RARE for any individual, Foreigner or Vietnamese to own and ride a motorbike which is ..BIGGER 175cc..3/ It's very easy to obtain Vietnamese Motorbike licence as long as you will be ready for the test in VIETNAMESE WRITINGS...3/ To Foreingers, the helmet NOT ONLY PROTECT YOUR HEAD but also help you to blend in in with the main flow of Vietnamese traffic and..NOT TO BE STUCK OUT and CAUGHT ATTENTION by Vietnamese cops for pulling over. The end.... 18 Randy has been a member since 3/2/2011. Posts 28 Posted by Vietnam720 on 26/8/2012 at 1859 Wearing face mask and jackets will help you to blend into the crowd too 19 Vietnam720 has been a member since 26/8/2009. Location Singapore. Posts 46 Posted by Randy on 27/8/2012 at 0756 PULLED OVER BY VIETNAMESE COPS WHILE RIDING MOTORBIKE IN VIETNAM. Well, back to the topic, the answer is IT IS RARELY. Reason Before 2006, no one has a licence to ride a motorbike in Vietnam. Vietnamese people, also cops have been thinking like that for....the first day there was presence of motorbike in VN. Figure it out, Buddy. No adventure then no fun. Think like a Vietnamese cop Why bother a white guy/girl when he or she couldn't speak the language? The fact that a Foreigner who couldn't speak the language and having the ball to ride motorbike in VN that is cool enough to....LET HE or SHE goes without hassles. Myself, paying bribe ONCE and no accident for + 2thousands of kilometers riding motorbike in Vietnam-Again, no insurance, no licence and sometimes...no helmet either....Use your common sense and be careful for...big trucks, buses because on the HWs of VN, these monsters somtimes pass you as of there is no presence of you on the road. 20 Randy has been a member since 3/2/2011. Posts 28 Posted by Randy on 27/8/2012 at 2357 I believe it is about 1700kilometers b/t HCMC and Hanoi. Bicycling would take you a whole month, non-stop. That's not mention about Mekong Delta region of VN. Cycling tour of VN like you think? Better prepare to live in Vietnam for ...6 months on a row, Buddy! 21 Randy has been a member since 3/2/2011. Posts 28 Posted by clayinAsia on 30/8/2012 at 0448 Motorcycles can be purchased and sold by foreigners. Manytravelers opt to buy their own bike and drive it throughout the country. A lotof drivers prefer to start in Hanoi and drive to Saigon on the world-famous HoChi Minh trail popularized by the British "Top Gear" series. Manypeople are unsure about the legality of purchasing bikes in it is illegal for foreigners to own bikes in Vietnam without theproper documentation. However, this law is not enforced and thousands flock toVietnam annually to buy bikes and ride them all over the country. It ispossible to convert your driving license from your home country to a Vietnameselicense, but few people go through this trouble. It is a well-known fact amongriders that the police in Vietnam are highly unlikely to carry out routinetraffic stops on foreigners. As long as the driver cares for his or her ownsafety and the safety of other motorist they can go the entire trip withouthassles. Most vendors do not sell bikes they only rent them. There are sometrusted companies selling bikes in Hanoi with good track records. Contact the foreign owned and operated Vietnam Motorbikes 0084-1285-963559 22 clayinAsia has been a member since 25/8/2012. Posts 4 Posted by ncsuang on 19/10/2012 at 0704 So I came across this thread after just being stopped north of Ha Giang a few hours ago. Let me first say that I'm an asian American and people mistake me for Vietnamese all the time so the idea of wearing full face helmets and big jackets might do more harm than good. They were stopping almost everyone. I didn't do enough research to find out you need a license and insurance to drive in Vietnam, stupid I know. Anyways, I'm hoping it doesn't happen again. They wanted 600,000 dong but then dropped it to 200,000 but then eventually they let me go. One guy was nice, the other guy not so much. I don't know how common these check points are but I am very close to the military area near the Chinese border. 23 ncsuang has been a member since 19/10/2012. Posts 2 Posted by Drybones on 9/5/2013 at 0221 I will be going to Vietnam in June 2013 and wish to obtain a Vietnamese drivers licence. I noticed that a company called An Khang is offering this service on Travelfish post no 23 - 30/8/12. Has anyone heard of this company and/or used the service? This seems to be an easy way to get a licence - I have a full UK driving car and motorbike licence. The VN licence will be sent to my UK address via DHL additional cost or I could collect it in Ho Chi Minh city. The cost will be $75 and I am wondering if this is legal or a scam as I do not have to make a personal appearance in any VN office. 24 Drybones has been a member since 6/5/2013. Posts 6 Posted by BanzaiSchnitzel on 27/5/2013 at 1354 Eagerly awaiting an answer to the above post on this company too 'An Khang' if its legit and i don't have to post original documents i'm well up for paying 75bucks. I have a UK bike and car license and have previously driven all over India without proper legality, but would rather drive legally if its straightforward enough to sort out, and If its possible to have a Vietnamese license pre-prepared that'd be great. I'm going for 3 weeks in August and won't have time to sort this out on the ground when i arrive there.... Any experience with this company anyone, please let us know!! 25 BanzaiSchnitzel has been a member since 27/5/2013. Posts 4 Posted by douluvme49 on 27/5/2013 at 1533 hey banzai from what i understand, it is illegal for a foreigner to ride a bike or car in vietnam. I know people that live in Vietnam , and have lived their for years and they do not hold any kind of Vietnamese lisences. I'm assuming what An Khang is trying to sell you isn't real, but I dont know. We rode all over the country and had no problems, nor did people we spoke with. We passed by many police and never were stopped They would say hello and let us be on our way. We checked into our International Drivers lisences, but even those aren't valid in Vietnam. Are you riding a motorbike in Vietnam? is that your plan? Are you renting or buying? Best way to travel Vietnam, hands down , was by motorbike! Well scooter... lol.' Have a blast. 26 douluvme49 has been a member since 4/2/2011. Posts 33 Posted by BanzaiSchnitzel on 27/5/2013 at 1619 Hey douluvme Thanks for the reply [img]smileys/ Yeh from what I've read international bike/car licenses aren't valid in VIetnam. If you want to be 100% covered getting a Vietnamese license is possible without a test but it takes at least 9 days on the ground.. I agree the An Khang site could be anything from a fake to a fraud, or a legit remote service.. There's really no way to tell unless its been tested... The plan is to fly Into Saigon because its cheaper, then fly straight to Hanoi as I wanna spend time In the north., then rent or buy a Minsk to see the hills on if i can find one. I'll need to be back in Saigon 3 weeks later.. So No idea where it could take me, im super super exited... Ultimately license or no license its being done! I've always been conscious enough on the roads, and I have enough experience with bikes to know their hazards, so I'm confident it'll be great if I use my head. keep a pocket full of dong handy [img]smileys/ and hope the police are as friendly as everybody is saying! A real license would just give me full peace of mind though. Regardless of how I conduct myself I can't fully account for anybody else, especially children or wildlife. I agree too the best way to see everywhere is by bike Any tips on the north? Special places? 27 BanzaiSchnitzel has been a member since 27/5/2013. Posts 4 Posted by douluvme49 on 27/5/2013 at 1626 I didn't even have a drivers lisence when we went... if your looking to buy a bike go to Hanoi backpacker Hostel the new one, sorry i cant remember street names. Ask at the front desk, a lot of the times ppl trying to sell them make posters there. We heard a lot of bad things about Minsk. I'd go with the Honda Winn they aren't real honda winns ,prob chinese... but easy for parts... we heard the minsks break down a lot. We didn't spend a lot of time in the North as we fell in love with a place called phong nha farmstay. We spent the majority of our time at a place called Phong Nha Farmstay. The owner Ben is super fun, its beautiful to ride around. Lots of caving, trekking, and just roads that go on for days with beautiful scenery. Again, not a ton of tourists but really nice. His wifes name is Bich. If you are easy going, not high maintenance... its a great place. Ppl that are expecting high high end hotels end up being let down. But, for 2 of us we spent approx 50-70$ a day when staying here. Great food, great drinks, lots of laughs and fun! Our friend Minh another local from the North .. when we were there had started his own hotel in his hometown, about 2 hours from Hanoi. No tourists, very real, pretty etc. I dont know what he charges , or if he charges anything... we just paid for our meals and offered to fill up the bike with gas we had already sold ours so he came and picked us up... but theres lakes and chickens and... just a fantastic experience. If you have facebook, look up Minh Nguyen Quang and tell him Kristin told you to contact him. He actually came to Sapa with us for fun. im so jelous. i would go back in a heartbeat. Actually, a friend we made at the Farm local vietnamese is here visiting us now Canada! Another place we realy enjoyed was called Jungle Beach. Its a little further south. but a great place to relax. meals included. and if you have a bike its easy to get too. Find me on fb if you have any questions. Kristin Johnson My profile pic is of me and my boyfriend in thailand standing on a beach in front of a big rock. Cheers 28 douluvme49 has been a member since 4/2/2011. Posts 33 Posted by Drybones on 28/5/2013 at 1000 Further to my post 25 on 9/5/13 I decided to go ahead and use the services of An Khang. They have been very prompt in answering my many queries. I had to send a copy of my UK licence, passport, photo and visa I have a 5 year visa exemption certificate . Within 12 days I received an email showing both sides of my Vietnamese Driving licence VDL together with the 'official' stamps on the documents I sent. The VDL shows that, despite having a full motorbike and car UK licence, I can only drive a 2 wheeler up to 175ccs. However it allows me to drive up to a 9 seater car! When I asked about sending money to them I was told that I could collect theVDL at their office and that they would collect the fees on the day of my departure from VN. I will post details of how this works out later. One thing I did learn was that, as from 1st January 2013, the VN government changed the law for foreigners requesting a VDL - the VDL is only valid for the duration of the visa - if you have a 90 day visa you only get a 90 day VDL. A VDL cannot be renewed - the whole process must start again. In my case my exemption certificate expires on 1/2/14 - so will my VDL. When I get a new exemption certificate I will have to apply for a new VDL - this will expire in 5 years. 29 Drybones has been a member since 6/5/2013. Posts 6 Posted by BruceHaydon on 28/5/2013 at 2151 Fist rule in Vietnam No rule . Go ahead and do it . In the North of Vietnam , you must visit Mucangchai wonderful rice paddies , Sapa , Bac Ha , Hagiang Dong Van , Meo Vac Babe Lake , Ban Gioc Water Fall . There is wonderful route to ride . The Hostel someone mention before stay at number 6 Luong Ngoc Quyen Streets , and you can buy a bike there at the motorbike shop on number 5H same streets . Tips Bike a buy from mechanic guys , it could be a bit more expensive but at least they serviced the bike . They also can give you lots of advice for the road , accommodations ....etc. Ride like a local , use the horn , wear helmet and don not over the speed limit then you will be ok . Have Fun ! 30 BruceHaydon has been a member since 18/5/2013. Posts 6 Posted by BanzaiSchnitzel on 30/5/2013 at 0513 Hey guys Thanks very much for for your replies! Douluvme- that's cool thank you! We'll see if we can reach out to your friends too Drybones- that's awesome! I'm gonna see if I can do this when we have our visas - do you know if a certain type of visa is required for the application?? 1/3 month?? Bruce- thanks too! You seem to know the north well, we may reach out to you for more advice if that's okay? Can't wait to see the north, is it easy to get into Laos by road too? How long might journeys take, I was interested in Luang Prabang for one thing? Any more advice would be great! My girlfriend and I will fly to Saigon early Aug then I think straight up north to Hanoi, our schedule isn't set yet but we have basically 3 weeks and are more interested in the north and central areas so will look to spend most of this time up there... One complication is that we'd love to see Phu Quok island in the south for a few days. Either we use many internal flights to achieve this or we try to motorcycle south. We were going to travel over land from the north to hoi an area anyway. But is it too ambitious to take a bike all the way from north back to Saigon? If anyone has an idea on how long this might take I'd be interested to hear from you! The reason I was interested in a Minsk is because me and my girlfriend will be traveling on one bike, potentially with two bags, so we'll need something with a little more power. We are super exited and can't wait!! 31 BanzaiSchnitzel has been a member since 27/5/2013. Posts 4 Posted by douluvme49 on 30/5/2013 at 0805 We were running low on time so we arranged to take our scooters on the bus overnight. They put it in the under carriage. I think we paid an extra 60$ ... maybe more, I can't remember.. to take the bike. If you stop at Phong Nha Farmstay in Central Vietnam they can help arrange to put the bikes on the bus to somewhere close to Phu Quok. I know its possible to ride to Laos, our friend did it... but I dont know much about it... other then that the border ppl gave him a bit of a hard time. He's Vietnamese descent but from Canada...so I'm not quite sure how it would be being a traveller. Most ppl do the whole trip North to South Hanoi to Saigon in 3 weeks. Thats a lot of riding though, and not much time to stop and see everything. Hoi An's super cute! You'll love it! Drive safe! 32 douluvme49 has been a member since 4/2/2011. Posts 33 Posted by Drybones on 2/6/2013 at 0711 Re my post 30 on 28/5/13 I am led to believe that in order to get a VDL it is required to have a visa of at least 90 days. Meanwhile my plans have changed slightly. I will now be returning to the UK via Hanoi as we intend to visit Halong Bay. I guess I will pay An Khang for my VDL on arrival their office is only about 7 km from the airport instead of paying on departure - I suppose it would be unreasonable to expect them to go to Hanoi for their fee - 33 Drybones has been a member since 6/5/2013. Posts 6 Posted by Drybones on 24/6/2013 at 1940 Update on my licence application - I went to An Khang's office in HCM city and was given my VDL by an assistant. He told me to phone An Khang to arrange the collection of the fee $75 when I return to UK from Hanoi on 12 July. I think that this is very trusting of him. Apparently he wants to ensure that I know the VDL is genuine. So I am the proud owner of a Vietnamese driving licence that so far has cost me nothing! 34 Drybones has been a member since 6/5/2013. Posts 6 Posted by BanzaiSchnitzel on 15/7/2013 at 0410 Hey Drybones, I've been all over the place the last month and just read your post.. Firstly how was your trip? Back in one piece? Any particularly awesome places you visited that you didn't want to leave? Me and lady fly out early August and can't wait, I have a few weeks to sort out my license app' but I wanted to check back with you first. Did the whole licensing business work out? My biggest question is Whether you were stopped by police and did they accept the license as valid? This is the whole point for me so any experience would be valuable. I think you are the first to do the remote application and write about it remote VDL pioneer! Haha Secondly, what bike did you have? Rent/buy? And did you also have some insurance? Tell us about it if you have a moment mate! Cheers Will 35 BanzaiSchnitzel has been a member since 27/5/2013. Posts 4 Posted by Drybones on 15/7/2013 at 0600 Re post 36 I checked with the police and the licence is valid. When we returned from Cambodia we spent a couple of days in Saigon. I decided to visit An Khang office to pay the $75 rather than in Hanoi . The office is genuine & well established. I received a receipt for the money and didn't actually check it until I received a call from Mr Khang saying I paid too much$120. He was very keen to return the excess despite me telling him I paid the correct amount. Anyway after much discussions & phone calls it turned out the receptionist had made a mistake on my receipt - she put $120. I was very impressed with Mr Khangs honesty. Renting a bike was a bit of a problem in Soc Trang but ok in Vung Tau. My travel insurance covered me for small motorbikes, as long as I had a valid licence. I did not attempt to rent in Hanoi or Saigon, you will understand why when you get here We did the trip to Halong Bay - the 3 hour drive there and 3 hours back was a bit tiring. The tour guide, Mike, was excellent. 4 hours on the boat with kayaking & cave visiting thrown in was fine for us. Some people may prefer overnighting on the boat. BTW we used Vietnam Airlines from the UK and were upgraded to business class using Optiontown - I definitely recommend this as the way to go. We were also upgraded on the flight from Saigon to Hanoi. 36 Drybones has been a member since 6/5/2013. Posts 6 Posted by gecktrek on 28/7/2013 at 1808 Did a 3 weeks motorbike trip in Feb/Mar through the central highlands; Ho Chi Minh, Binh Chau, Mui Ne, Da lat, Nha Trang, Buon Ma Thuot, Gia Nghia, Phuoc Long & Ho Chi Minh, all up about 1500kms... didn't have a VN driving license, but did have my local and an international licenses, which enabled me to get travel insurance for my time riding motorcycles whilst in VN... luckily, didn't get pulled over by any police or have any accidents, awesome experience! 37 gecktrek has been a member since 24/3/2013. Location Australia. Posts 183 Posted by travworld on 3/8/2013 at 0820 Been driving here for 2 years , never been stopped, were a helmet use your signals , no one bothers you , have a accident and its your fault, expect to pay a couple million dong for damage . Police can be bought for a small price . I am from USA . Drive safely . 38 travworld has been a member since 9/7/2007. Location United States. Posts 23 Posted by Blackartemis on 4/8/2013 at 0222 Anyone know if I can ride legally and get insured while riding on a Thai/ASEAN Motorcycle DL, supposedly I am now legal to ride in 10 countries. As for "just doing it" that is horrible advice, sure it works out fine if you never have or cause and accident. But in SEA countries there are tons of stories of tourists out a ton of $ due to accidents without insurance. On top of that, most tourists suck are riding even a scooter and have no idea how to ride without endangering themselves and others. If you cause the death of a local and do not have a DL or insurance, have fun paying your way out of that one. 5+ years of riding in Thailand has shown me too many horror stories to back such advice... 39 Blackartemis has been a member since 16/7/2011. Posts 36 Please login to add your reply You need to be a Travelfish member to be able to add a post to the forum. After logging in you'll be returned to this page automatically to add your post. 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Find out about getting a Vietnamese driving licence and learning to drive a car or motorbike in Vietnam... Anyone of legal age in Vietnam who wants to drive a vehicle with an engine capacity of 50cc or larger must possess a Vietnamese driving licence. Motorbikes and scooters with an engine capacity of less than 50cc do not require a driving licence and are legal to operate if the driver is at least 16 years of age. If a foreigner does not have a valid foreign licence, or if they wish to have an additional endorsement, such as a licence that allows for the operation of both an automobile and a motorcycle, the procedures to get a Vietnamese driving licence are much more complicated than those for converting a foreign licence to a Vietnamese one. A foreigner who is at least 18 years of age may apply for a Vietnamese driving licence if they have a valid passport and a resident card or visa with no less than three, or in some provinces, no less than six monthâs validity. Applicants applying for a new driving licence in Vietnam will have to pass both a written test and a practical driving test. How to apply Foreigners in Hanoi may pick up an application form for a driving licence from the Department of Transportation and Public Works. Department of Transportation Traffic and Public Works At 16 Cao Ba Quat Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi Tel 04 39422715 At 2 Phung Hung, Ha Dong District, Hanoi Tel 04 433824404 In Ho Chi Minh City, applications can be obtained from the Office of Transportation. Office of Transportation At 63 Ly Tu Trong Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel 08 38223760 Elsewhere in Vietnam, the local city or provincial police can provide information on how to find the transportation office in their area that processes driving licence applications. However, since some documents will need to be verified through the foreignerâs embassy or consulate, most foreigners will need to go to either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to apply for a new driving licence. Additionally, as the offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City process the largest number of foreigner applications they are more accustomed to working with the needs and questions of foreigners. Translation and verification After the form is completed, but before it is signed, the applicant will need to take the application to their embassy or consulate for verification. The embassies of almost every country in the world can be found in Hanoi, and there are consulates of many countries located in Ho Chi Minh City. There are a few consulates in Hai Phong and Danang, as well. Embassy staff will need to verify the information on the application, as well as witness and notarise the applicantâs signature. Costs will vary according to the policy of the embassy, but may exceed VND 500,000. The applicant should be prepared to present the following to consular officials Passport Vietnam visa or residency permit with no less than three months validity Six or more current colour passport photos. Check to verify the size and number of photos the local Department of Transportation office requires as this can vary significantly depending on the location. Applicants will need to undergo a simple health and vision check, which can be done either at the test centre or at most Vietnamese hospitals. There is a charge of VND 160,000 for the medical exam. Documents required Once the application is completed, the next step is to return it to the officials at the same location from which they obtained the application. The following items will need to be presented Completed application, officially certified and notarised by the foreignerâs embassy, consulate, or other recognised and authorised certifying authority Two or more officially certified and notarised copies of the applicantâs passport At some locations, or under certain circumstances, an officially authorised translation and legalization of the applicant's passport into the Vietnamese language may be requested and must be done by a translation service recognised by Vietnamese authorities At least three colour passport photos; Check to verify the size and number of photos the local Department of Transportation office requires as this can vary significantly depending on the location. The applicant's original passport must be shown for verification when the documents are submitted You may be asked to take a written letter of introduction in Vietnamese from your employer, school administrator or other respected authority that explains who you are, where you are from and why you want or need a Vietnamese driving licence A completed health certificate The Tests Applicants will need to take a theory test. The test is available in English, but English testing is not done regularly. The local driving licence departments can advise when and where the next English test is scheduled. The theory test for an automobile licence consists of 450 questions. The theory test for a motorcycle licence consists of 150 questions. Training programmes that take about three months to complete are offered to those who need to take the theory test. Prices for the programme start at around VND 400,000. The Department of Transportation can advise applicants on where to go for a training programme. There is also a required practical driving test that must be successfully passed before a new driving licence will be issued to either automobile or motorbike drivers. These tests are given at various testing centres located throughout Vietnam. Foreign applicants are required to bring their original passports with them to take the test. The cost of the test is VND 70,000. The exact amount is required. Test centres will not give change. Practical driving and written tests are given at the same test centre. Applicants must go to the test centre, present their passports and valid Vietnam visas, then take the written test, followed by the driving test. Once all documentation is in place and the applicant has passed both the written and driving tests, a fee will need to be paid to the office handling the licence. A driving licence costs VND 70,000 at this time. Estimates vary for the total cost of obtaining a new licence, depending on any translation and notary fees that are imposed, as well as the cost of passport photos and testing fees. Costs will probably not exceed VND 1 million. The actual processing time for the licence may take anywhere from five days to three months. Types of Driving Licence The Ministry of Justice has complete information about the different classes of driving licences available as recorded in the National Assembly Law on Road Traffic, Number 23/2008/QH12. For an English-language translation of this information Click here. The relevant information can be found in Chapter V, Article 59, Section 2 clauses a through c and Section 4 clause b The major driving licence classifications are the Category A1, A2 and A3 licences, which are granted to drivers of motorcycles and three-wheeled motor vehicles. These licences have unlimited validity if the driver has a permanent Vietnamese licence â they never expire. Drivers of passenger cars will be issued Category B1 licences that are valid for five years. Driving licences are valid nationwide. Penalties and Fines Vietnam imposes harsh penalties for drivers who do not possess a valid Vietnamese licence. In addition to fines, an unlicensed driver could face a prison sentence of up to three years, and an unlicensed driver who causes an accident could be sentenced to up to ten years in a Vietnamese prison. If the accident results in death, the penalty can be up to 20 years. The actual penalty would be determined on a case by case basis by the police and by the courts. If a driver is stopped by the police and is unable to show a valid licence, the police are authorised to impound the vehicle for 90 days. The Ministry of Justice sets forth the laws for driving in Vietnam and the penalties for breaking the law. Here are some important laws to know A driver of any motor vehicle will be fined VND 80,000 to 120,000 when driving without proof of civil liability insurance A driver of any motor vehicle will be fined VND 60,000 to 80,000 when driving without a driving licence or registration certificate A fine of VND 400,000 to 600,000 will be assessed for drivers of cars that do not have civil liability insurance A driver of any motor vehicle will be fined VND 300,000 to 400,000 for driving with a licence that has expired within the past 6 months A driver of any motor vehicle will be fined VND 2 to 3 million if the driver does not have a valid Vietnamese driving licence Further Information Ministry of Transport
Vietnam is a popular destination in Southeast Asia as a great âmotorbiking tripâ. Vietnamâs Hai Van Pass which can be found in the central of Vietnam, between Hue and Hoi An, was popularised by the British show Top Gear. Motorbike is also one of the common modes of transportation for the local either for a short trip, cities to cities or even from north to south of the country, a motorbike is always an option for many. Vietnamâs big cities and even countrysides are filled with small alleys that no car can fit through. Driving a motorbike is easier and more convenient for daily life here. MUST-READ Vietnam motorbiking routes and affordable Vietnam motorbike tours IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT DRIVING IN VIETNAM Before I walk you through how to convert a driving license in Vietnam, letâs discuss things that you should know before you start the process. What Side Of Road Does Vietnam Drive On Vietnam drive on the right side. Although there are four countries in Southeast Asia that drives on the left; Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore Can I Use My International Driving License In Vietnam While motorbiking throughout Vietnam is such a big thing for tourists and expats, what most foreigners donât know is that even having an international driverâs permit, you still need to convert this to a Vietnamese driving license. Besides your IDP, see other things should pack when you move to Vietnam and the current requirements for entering. Driving in Vietnam Without A Valid License It is illegal to drive in Vietnam without a valid driverâs license. You will get fined and have your motorbike or car confiscated if you get caught. You should also check with your travel insurance if you will be covered in case of an accident if you driver without a valid license in Vietnam. Many foreigners fail to get claim or coverage for accidents in Vietnam if you are driving without holding the right driverâs license. Can You Convert a Driverâs License in Vietnam Short answer is yes. Although you will have to apply for it and do a test both paper and actual. How Long is the License Valid Once your driverâs license is convereted, you should see the expiry date at the front. The license is only valid as long as your current visa during the application date. If you are on a tourist visa, then your converted license will expire as the same time as your visa. Same goes for business visa, TRC, etc. Requirements To Convert Your Driverâs License Here are the requirements you need to prepare before you start the process of converting your driverâs license your driverâs license â some people would say it has to be an international driverâs license but thatâs not true, as long as itâs still valid, itâs good enoughpassport photos â white background, although this is a confusing requirement some applications say that you donât need it since your photo will be shot when you submit your paper but some people still had to bring their own passport photos, itâs best to be preparedpayment â bring Vietnamese cash, you donât need to pay more than VND including the notarization and translation If you are ready to get a valid driverâs license in Vietnam, hereâs the step-by-step guide on how to convert your current license Photocopy Your Passport and Driverâs License You have to make a photocopy of all pages of your passport together with front cover and pages that donât have any visa/stamp in it. You should also photocopy both sides of your driverâs license. Get Your Driverâs License Translated and Notarised You need to have your driverâs license translated and notarized first. Often, whichever government office you will go to submit your application, there is a notarization and translation office there or you can also use any private offices that offer this service. Get two copies just in case or so you donât need to do it again in the future. You will probably have to leave your driverâs license for a day and come back the next day to pick it up. It shouldnât cost more than VND per set. Look for signs that says âVÄn PhĂČng CĂŽng Chứngâ which mean notarize office. Bring These Documents To the Right Office/Department Once you have your driverâs license translated and notarized, itâs time to bring it to the Department of Transport License Conversion Department. Simply say to the receptionist that you are here to convert your driverâs license and show your paper, they will point you which window to go. In this part, you will be explained which vehicle you will be allowed to drive or which type of vehicle they can list on your Vietnamese driverâs license. Once you agree, your photos will be taken together with your documents. You will also be asked to pay the fee here, it should be more or less VND but not more than VND. Take the Written and Driving Test Most likely, you should be able to take your written and driving test the same day you submitted your application. There is a very confusing part here. Depends where you are getting your driverâs license converted, you may or may not have to take any test. In Ho Chi Minh City, some foreigners only had to do a written test, some said they only required to do the driving test while others claim you didnât had to do either test. Another confusing thing is, some people said that the written test is in Vietnamese, if you donât speak the language, thereâs no way you can pass it while some locals said you should be able to ask to take the written test in English. Apparently, there are locals you can bribe to mark the answers in Vietnamese written test or you can simple hire a visa agent or local law firms to assist you in getting these done. Pick Up Your Converted Driverâs License Assuming you had to take the written and driving test, the same day, you will be told if you passed it and if you did, you can come back the next day to finally get your Vietnamese driverâs license or come back 3 days later if they are a bit backed up. In your license, it should say if A1 for those who want to drive a motorbike or B1 for an automatic car. It should say A1 and B1 if you can drive both. You will pay another VND when you pick up your Vietnamese driverâs license. SAMPLE OF CONVERTED VIETNAMESE DRIVING LICENSE valid for driving automatic car B1 back of the B1 driverâs license valid for driving a motorbike/motorcycle A1 GOVERNMENT OFFICES WHERE YOU SUBMIT YOUR VIETNAMESE DRIVERâS LICENSE CONVERSION Here is a list of offices where you can submit your application to convert your license into Vietnamese. You should also be able to get your current driverâs license translated and notarised Hanoi 16 Cao BĂĄ QuĂĄt, Äiá»n BĂ n, Ba ÄĂŹnh, HĂ Ná»i â Google map Da Nang 270 ÄÆ°á»ng Tráș§n PhĂș, PhÆ°á»c Ninh, HáșŁi ChĂąu, ÄĂ Náș”ng â Google map Nha Trang 4 Phan Chu Trinh, XÆ°ÆĄng HuĂąn, ThĂ nh phá» Nha Trang, KhĂĄnh HĂČa â Google map Da Lat 36 ÄÆ°á»ng Tráș§n PhĂș, PhÆ°á»ng 4, ThĂ nh phá» ÄĂ LáșĄt, LĂąm Äá»ng, â Google map Ho Chi Minh City 252 LĂœ ChĂnh TháșŻng, Quáșn 3, Ho Chi Minh City â Google map WHERE ELSE CAN YOU USE YOUR VIETNAMESE DRIVERâS LICENSE Just like a TRC temporary residence permit, you can fly domestically with a driverâs license, given that itâs still valid. Some expats said thereâs an exception flying to Phu Quoc and that you cannot use your driverâs license to fly there, but based on my experience, I was able to fly in and out of Phu Quoc using my converted driverâs license. I hope this guide on how to convert a driving license in Vietnam has been useful. If you have questions or tips based on your own experience in doing this process, let us know in the comment section below.
Recommended Posts Share Can't make a new license as the ministry is closed. Wonder what the penalty is for driving without a license these days? Wasn't there talk of making the penalty tougher? 1 Link to post Share on other sites Share Do you mean driving licence or licence plates? There is currently problem with issuing both. Driving licences don't have to be renewed until further notice. Driving without driving licence having issued one at all is usually 400 Baht. Until you cause an accident, then all hell will break lose. 1 Link to post Share on other sites Share From another thread. This is the latest news I am aware of Quote Jirut also added that the DLT would allow licences that had expired since January 2 to be temporarily valid during the period of the emergency decree and has accordingly notified Royal Thai Police Headquarters and Office of Insurance Commission to enforce related laws accordingly in case of police screening or insurance claims. So you are safe from prosecution or insurance denial in case of expired license. 2 Link to post Share on other sites Share From personal experience a few years ago now i got caught at a checkpoint one time. I had my IDP but had left it on the big bike and was on the scooter when I hit the checkpoint. Had to go inside an pay the ticket for driving without a license - 200 baht. Called my buddy, thinking he'd have to come pick up the scooter. He asked if I had the receipt from paying the ticket and then told me I was good to go and could ride around for a week without my license as long as I had that receipt. As it seems they are considering extending the Emergency Decree until the end of June now, you should be OK until then at least. The DLTs may open before then as well. Link to post Share on other sites Share With all the talk of opening the bars sooner than planned as things are so tickety-boo, I find it hard to understand why the DLT offices are still closed. Immigration, banks, shops, restaurants and now malls are all open, and implementing measures to protect their staff, so why is the DLT shut? Link to post Share on other sites Share Just make sure you have insurance. regards worgeordie 2 Link to post Share on other sites Share 5 hours ago, AndyAndyAndy said Do you mean driving licence or licence plates? There is currently problem with issuing both. Driving licences don't have to be renewed until further notice. Driving without driving licence having issued one at all is usually 400 Baht. Until you cause an accident, then all hell will break lose. We had new car license plates issued last month and exchanged for the red plates. No problem. 1 Link to post Share on other sites Share 1 hour ago, Kerryd said From personal experience a few years ago now i got caught at a checkpoint one time. I had my IDP but had left it on the big bike and was on the scooter when I hit the checkpoint. Had to go inside an pay the ticket for driving without a license - 200 baht. Called my buddy, thinking he'd have to come pick up the scooter. He asked if I had the receipt from paying the ticket and then told me I was good to go and could ride around for a week without my license as long as I had that receipt. As it seems they are considering extending the Emergency Decree until the end of June now, you should be OK until then at least. The DLTs may open before then as well. "What Is The Penalty For Driving Without A License In Thailand? The penalty for driving a scooter in Thailand without a license is 1 000 Baht USD EUR, GBP." Link to post Share on other sites Share 10 minutes ago, andersonat said Under the old law, the maximum penalty was 1,000 baht. I believe that's what you could face if it went to court. It seems the Traffic Police can issue tickets for lesser amounts. In 2018 they were proposing to increase the maximum fine to 50,000. Not sure if that happened yet. Link to post Share on other sites Share Tell the copper your 12 years old, worked for my son, no problem. 1 Link to post Share on other sites Share 6 hours ago, AndyAndyAndy said Do you mean driving licence or licence plates? There is currently problem with issuing both. Driving licences don't have to be renewed until further notice. Driving without driving licence having issued one at all is usually 400 Baht. Until you cause an accident, then all hell will break lose. Itâs only driving license that are affected. 1 Link to post Share on other sites Share Due to the virus, no fine until one week after licence registration reopens again. All the past experiences given are not applicable at this time. Keep your insurance valid is good advice Link to post Share on other sites Share 11 hours ago, FruitPudding said Wonder what the penalty is for driving without a license these days? I used to have a Thai licence, but found it cheaper NOT to have one! Just pay the BiB on the spot rather than waste time going to the police station, which will cost more. I will never forget the expression on the Thai policemanâs face when I told him he could keep the licence. Amazing Thailand. Edited May 21, 2020 by DaRoadrunner Link to post Share on other sites Popular Post Popular Post Share 1 minute ago, DaRoadrunner said I used to have a Thai licence but found it cheaper not to have one! Just pay the BiB on the spot rather than waste time going to the police station. Amazing Thailand. and if your involved in a serious accident and someone dies ? 3 Link to post Share on other sites Share 23 minutes ago, steven100 said and if your involved in a serious accident and someone dies ? Poster has very big savings 1 Link to post Share on other sites Share 10 hours ago, KhunBENQ said Yes,but try to stay out of trouble. Link to post Share on other sites Share 1 hour ago, steven100 said and if your involved in a serious accident and someone dies ? Thai or farang you always pay! Even not your fold! Or go to court and watch what happen! Farang pay more! Edited May 21, 2020 by 2 is 1 Link to post Share on other sites Share 10 hours ago, KhunBENQ said At least up until a week after the lock-down is eased and the DLT reopens. 1 hour ago, DaRoadrunner said I used to have a Thai licence, but found it cheaper NOT to have one! Just pay the BiB on the spot rather than waste time going to the police station, which will cost more. the 'it won't happen to me' approach has caught plenty of people out in the past. It voids your insurance, you are on the road illegally etc etc... have an accident where someone is seriously hurt or killed and you could find yourself on a very sticky wicket. Link to post Share on other sites Share On Koh Samui it is 500 baht. That was two weeks ago. They are out pulling all tourists over demanding they show licence. I forgot my international licence that day and had to pay 500 tea money. It's lean times for the cops these days and they need to eat too. Edited May 21, 2020 by cheapcanuck Link to post Share on other sites Share 13 hours ago, AndyAndyAndy said Until you cause an accident, then all hell will break lose couldn't have said it better đ Link to post Share on other sites Share Link to post Share on other sites Share 15 hours ago, richard_smith237 said At least up until a week after the lock-down is eased and the DLT reopens. the 'it won't happen to me' approach has caught plenty of people out in the past. It voids your insurance, you are on the road illegally etc etc... have an accident where someone is seriously hurt or killed and you could find yourself on a very sticky wicket. It voids your losses. but covers the damage you caused, as in Drink or drugs etc. Link to post Share on other sites Create an account or sign in to comment You need to be a member in order to leave a comment Sign in Already have an account? Sign in here. Sign In Now
penalty for driving in vietnam without license
