From 01/01/2025; What is actually changing for Expats in Vietnam driving motorbikes?

In 2024, the Vietnamese Government has passed new Traffic Laws with some changements applying from 01/01/25. Source: Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety No. 36/2024/QH15

Summary:

All motorbike drivers are required to have at least an A1 driving license for driving 2-wheelers. And your A1 License issued in Vietnam from the 1st of January 2025 will allow you to drive motorbikes up to 125cc instead of 175cc originally. Exception made for electric bikes less powerful than 4kW and limited to ≤50 km/h.

FAQ:

“I have a Vietnamese A1 Driving License (DL). Is it okay to ride a motorbike over 125cc? Do I need to take any test?”

→ If your A1 driving licence was issued before the 01/01/25, then you can still drive motorbikes up to 175cc and you don’t have to take any test.

→ However, if your DL expires after the 01/01/25, then your new A1 DL will allow you to drive up-to 125cc motorbikes only. You will either need to obtain an A2 driving license or rent a 125cc motorbike.

“I drive a 50cc motorbike, do I need a driving license?”

For motorbikes under 50cc, it won’t be necessary. However, the Decree 151/2024/ND-CP is planning to require students to pass a test. It will surely apply to expatriates, but cannot find info on this yet.

“I drive an electric bike, what’s the new law saying about it?”

For electric motorbikes, now the law applies as follow:

• no driving license required if the e-scooter is ≤4kW and speed limitation is ≤50km/h (such as the VinFast Klara S V1 that we rent)
• required Vietnamese A1 Driving License for under 11 kW
• A2 for over 11 kW

“I drive with an international motorbike license, do I have to worry about these changes?”

According to our understanding, from the 01/01/2025, when renting a motorbike, you will need to follow what is written on your International Driving License. If you have an A1, it will allow you to drive up-to 125cc motorbikes, and A2, any model.

“I converted my home country driving license to a Vietnamese one, what can I drive?”

If you obtained a Vietnamese A1 Driving License, if you renew it after expiring, the new replacement license will be 125cc and not 175cc.

Conclusion

As a result of this law, on The Extra Mile website, we decided to add the driving license required for each motorbike model we rent so you can easily find the info.

For more generic information on what driving licenses are valid to drive in Vietnam, please see the related article here.

Check our entire list of motorbikes for rent in Vietnam for city commutes or road trips.