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Driving in Vietnam

Foreign driver licenses, even when accompanied by an international driving permit, are not valid in Vietnam. Even though a driver's license from an ASEAN country may be recognized in certain circumstances as valid in Vietnam, it is still advised to obtain a local Vietnam driver's license if you wish to drive legally in Vietnam

How to be legal with a Vietnamese License

It is possible for non-Vietnamese to transfer their home car or motorbike license to a Vietnamese one and get like for like. It is also possible to take the driving test for motorbikes (not cars, as far as I am aware) and to get either an A1 or an A2 license. However, you will need a Temporary Residency Permit (TRC), which is only obtainable for long term visitors (anyone with a visa for more than three months) and not tourists, in order to do this.

These are two most water tight options. Transferring is not particularly difficult, but taking the driving test can be difficult to achieve.

As a long term resident (anyone with permission to stay longer than 3 months), you will need to convert your home license to a Vietnamese one.

3rd Party Insurance is Mandatory

It is illegal to drive a motorbike/car without the mandatory 3rd party insurance. As an owner of a vehicle you will need to buy this and as a renter (who, hopefully, has all the other documentation required) you can ask the rental firm to provide proof and photocopies of this document.

Vehicle Registration

It is illegal to drive a motorbike/car without the vehicles registration documents. As an owner you will need to carry this at all times and as a renter you will need to ask the rental firm to provide proof and photocopies of this documentation.

@callaway4000

Any one can operate an under 90cc motorbike without a license. As for safe deposit box depends on the quality of your hotel or apartment, the under 500k vnđ hotel might not have the safe avail. You can keep your important document in your suitcase with lock or have the hotel mgmt keep if for you in their safe box. Relax and enjoy.

@callaway4000
Any one can operate an under 90cc motorbike without a license. ... - @brianAFSER73

That's incorrect. The maximum displacement where a license is not required is 50cc.

@callaway4000
Any one can operate an under 90cc motorbike without a license. ... - @brianAFSER73
That's incorrect. The maximum displacement where a license is not required is 50cc. - @Aidan in HCMC

How do you chaps go on with electric bicycles? Indonesia allows anything with pedels and limited speed to be used on the road by anyone.

It might be an interesting option for readers of the Vietnam forum.

Mine looks like this

@callaway4000
Any one can operate an under 90cc motorbike without a license. ... - @brianAFSER73

That's incorrect. The maximum displacement where a license is not required is 50cc. - @Aidan in HCMC

How do you chaps go on with electric bicycles? Indonesia allows anything with pedels and limited speed to be used on the road by anyone.
It might be an interesting option for readers of the Vietnam forum.
- @Fred

Same applies here.

Electric with pedals, limited power/speed = no license required

@callaway4000 Any one can operate an under 90cc motorbike without a license. ... - @brianAFSER73 That's incorrect. The maximum displacement where a license is not required is 50cc. - @Aidan in HCMCHow do you chaps go on with electric bicycles? Indonesia allows anything with pedels and limited speed to be used on the road by anyone.It might be an interesting option for readers of the Vietnam forum. - @Fred Same applies here. Electric with pedals, limited power/speed = no license required - @Aidan in HCMC

I bought mine a while ago and it's gold.

It's short range (mabye 40 km trip) and it isn't fast, but it costs nothing to run and I don't have to bother with a license , tax, or anything else.

It will take a dispenser size bottle of water on the foot platform, and can be parked pretty much anywhere.

If you care about looking cool, don't buy one but, if you want cheap local transport with minimal hassle, these things are for you.

@Fred

what is the average cost used or new if you converted it to USD or CDN $$ ?  you don't need insurance for them? just your own if its stolen or damaged I guess?

@Fred what is the average cost used or new if you converted it to USD or CDN $$ ? you don't need insurance for them? just your own if its stolen or damaged I guess? - @callaway4000

Member Fred is located in Indonesia, and so may not have information regarding Vietnam costs/requirements to answer your questions.

Here in Vietnam, my neighbour just last week purchased one (new) for ~10 million VND (~$525 CDN). She loves it.

No insurance required. To the best of my knowledge there is no insurance policy available in VN against theft, nor any comprehensive full-coverage policy.

Motorbikes/motorcycles requiring licensing must be covered by the gov't liability insurance program, at a cost of ~$6 US/year.   Yes, you read that right. Six US $ per year.

@Fred

It would seem security would be a bigger concern, especially with the E-bikes which look more like trad bikes.

I would imagine having a cable to lock it to a pole would be needed?

How would a prospective buyer of such items look up the reviews or rating on the many brands unknown to most foreigners?

I have the same experience with buying tools or similar items where you dont know the hiarachy of quality between brands.

@Fred It would seem security would be a bigger concern, especially with the E-bikes which look more like trad bikes. I would imagine having a cable to lock it to a pole would be needed? - @Dannyroc3

I don't know about the crime rates in Vietnam,  but it's a minor concern here.

However,  wheel locks for motorcycles will fit the front wheel, and every e-bike I've seen has an alarm as standard.

How would a prospective buyer of such items look up the reviews or rating on the many brands unknown to most foreigners?
I have the same experience with buying tools or similar items where you dont know the hiarachy of quality between brands. - @Dannyroc3

I looked at who was riding what. I bought the one I:

saw the most of

found was the most comfortable on a test ride.

Not having a lithium battery reduces range, but also cost. That and a thermal runaway isn't going to happen.

Mine has proven to be a beaut - I hope you have the same luck.

How would a prospective buyer of such items look up the reviews or rating on the many brands unknown to most foreigners?
I have the same experience with buying tools or similar items where you dont know the hiarachy of quality between brands. - @Dannyroc3

Probably by doing something that most foreigners don't:

First, Translate your search into Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt)

I recommend searching in Google Chrome, because of the built-in translation function.

Not directing this at you, but it amazes me how many people come here and tell me they have "searched everywhere" but couldn't find the information or the thing that they need.

There's a huge repository of info about Vietnam available, if only people are willing to search in the Vietnamese language