License and IDP Rules for Tourists Riding Motorbike Legally in Vietnam
So you are a tourist and looking forward for a motorbike ride in Vietnam, but before everything else, you’ll need to know the rules around how to ride a motorcycle legally, what you need to carry, licensing and IDP and here I am, Hamid, and I will be haring my handy guide which is an updated one based on Sep 2026.
To ride a motorbike legally in Vietnam, tourists must carry their original home-country motorcycle license (with a motorcycle/Category A endorsement) alongside a valid International Driving Permit (IDP).
Here, I will be specifically sharing the in-depth details on countries recognized the IDP 1968 and what if your country isn’t included.
Quick Guide: Vietnam Motorbike License for Foreigners: The 2026 Legal Guide
| Option | Pros | Cons / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Ride a 50cc Scooter You do not need a license to ride a bike under 50cc. |
Legal for everyone. | Very underpowered. These bikes are dangerous in the mountains (no engine braking) and struggle to carry an adult up steep hills. We strongly advise against taking 50cc bikes on the Ha Giang Loop. |
| 2. Ride Pillion (Guided Tour) This is the safest and most stress-free way to explore. You sit on the back of a licensed guide’s bike or ride in a support jeep. |
100% Legal, insured, and you get to enjoy the scenery. | View our Guided Tour Options |
| 3. Get a Vietnamese License (Expats Only) If you live in Vietnam (Work Permit/Residence Card), you can convert your home car license to a Vietnamese one and take the A1 practical test. |
The “Gold Standard” for legality. | Available to expats who live in Vietnam and meet the requirements. |
What Motorcycle License You’ll Need to Ride in Vietnam
You need a valid 50cc or under scooter without a license, or an A1/A2 Vietnamese license or a 1968 International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your home motorcycle license for larger bikes.
Having the correct driving licence for Vietnam, such as a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) matching your vehicle class alongside your home licence, or a local Vietnamese licence (applies only for expats), is critical because driving without it voids your travel and vehicle insurance, exposes you to some fines or vehicle impoundment in case of a serious accident, and can result in criminal liability during accidents.
However, before any of these, Northern Vietnam is sme to twisty bending mountain roads, rain can pour at anytime and if you do not have a prior motorcycle riding experience, I encourage you to not to attempt for a self-ride, I know, I know, you heard, saw YouTube videos and shared a talk with a fellow backpackers that they rented a bike in Hanoi and ride it for 1 month and nothing has happened.
The Question is: Can You Legally Ride a motorcycle in Vietnam?
Yes, you can ride a motorbike in Vietnam, but legality depends strictly on your license type and engine size. To ride anything over 50cc, you need a valid Vietnamese motorcycle license or your home-country motorcycle license paired with a 1968 Vienna Convention International Driving Permit (IDP). Bikes of 50cc or less do not require a license. And, if you are an ASEAN member country, your home-issued license will work in Vietnam (Best to carry a notarized translation of it).
Read this carefully: If you have a valid car license, does not means you’ll good to ride a motorbike in Vietnam. Additionally, an IDP will not add a motorcycle entitlement that is missing from your original licence.
What international driving permit is valid in Vietnam?
Vietnam officially recognises International Driving Permits (IDPs) issued under both the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. Visitors must carry their valid IDP alongside their original national driving license that is endorsed with the type of teh bike you’re going to ride in Vietnam.
The 1926 or 1949 IDP is not a valid and not recognized in Vietnam (They’re recognized in Thailand Though).
An IDP is simply a legal translation of your home-issued licence, and must always be carried with you.
- Your IDP must be the 1968 Convention version from an authorised issuer.
- Your original local licence must be valid.
- Category A must be shown on the IDP.
- Carry both original documents whenever you ride.
Head up about Online Websites claim to issue IDP under 10 minutes
The fake International Driving Permits: How to Spot them online. Many websites sell fake documents like “International Driving Licences,” “International Driving Documents,” or instant online IDPs convertor. I am 100% sure and guarantee that these websites have zero legal standing.
- According to the notes from Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile these cannot replace a legally recognised IDP.
This sort of online issued documents are not recognized by the Vietnamese cops and they have no value, your insurer does not recognize them as well.
To get a legitimate IDP Use your country’s authorised issuer found through the official AIT/FIA International Driving Permit directory. If your authorised national issuer cannot provide a 1968 IDP, a commercial website cannot legitimately create one for you.
You can check and validate through your country’s issuer, find out here: https://internationaldrivingpermit.org/
1968 IDP Requirements for Riding in Vietnam
If your country issues 1968 Convention IDPs (such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK):
- Your domestic licence must include motorcycle entitlement.
- Your official 1968 IDP must show category A.
- You must carry both original documents.
A note for UK Travellers
British licence holders can get a 1968 IDP for Vietnam through participating UK PayPoint stores. You must carry it alongside your UK licence, which must include motorcycle entitlement. Car-only licences do not permit motorcycle riding.
1949 IDP Restrictions for Riding in Vietnam
If you are a rider from one of the countries bellow that issue IDPs under the 1949 Geneva Convention instead of the 1968 Vienna Convention. Your country’s issued IDP is not recognized in Vietnam.
Check the table down bellow for a quick comparison:
| Convention Type | Status in Vietnam | Common Countries |
|---|---|---|
| 1968 Vienna Convention | Recognised | UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain |
| 1949 Geneva Convention | Not Recognised | USA, Australia, Canada, NZ, Japan, India |
Riding with ASEAN Issued Driving Licences in Vietnam
You can since Vietnam participates in the ASEAN Agreement on the Recognition of Domestic Driving Licences, allowing a valid locally issued motorcycle licence from another ASEAN country to be recognised without an IDP.
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- Indonesia
- Laos
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
- The Philippines
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Timor-Leste
- Vietnam
| Requirement | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Licence Status | Must be full and valid for the motorcycle you ride. Temporary licences are excluded. |
| Language | If not in English, carry a certified English translation. |
| Roadside Note | Some local officers may request a 1968 IDP. A misunderstanding does not make fake or 1949 permits valid. |
| Preparation | Confirm requirements with your national transport authority and insurer before travel. |
| Documentation | Carry your original licence, any translation, and a copy of the ASEAN agreement if practical. |
How to: Converting Your Foreign Licence in Vietnam
Foreign expats, teachers, and students can exchange a valid foreign licence for a Vietnamese category if they have qualifying residence documentation, such as a permanent residence card (PRC) or a temporary residence card (TRC) valid for more than three months.
| Requirement Item | Details / Notes |
|---|---|
| Exchange Application | Official application for licence exchange. |
| Original Licence | Your original foreign licence. |
| Translation | A certified Vietnamese translation of the licence. |
| Identification | Valid residence and identity documents. |
| Medical Certificate | A medical certificate where required. |
| Verification | Verification by Vietnamese authorities. |
| Eligibility Note | This converts an existing licence rather than creating a new motorcycle entitlement. Generally not practical for short-term tourists or e-visa visitors. |
Ride Northern Vietnam on a guided tour
The license requirements sounds complicated and seriously saying, this is good as it protect you and your rights. However, joining a guided tour, riding across the amazing trails of Vietnam is something anyone with a little motorbike skills would always want it.
Discuss your plan with IRTouring and let me deign a planned guided adventure that blow your mind away. Check out Guided motorbike tours in Vietnam
