Motorbike License/Insurance in VN for 2mo stints?

12POSTS

7 years ago

I've read that I can use my USA drivers license to get a VN drivers license of the same kind (i.e. I do NOT have a motorcycle permit on my USA licence, so I wouldn't have a VN motorbike license?) ... also I've read that I can't even apply & get a VN drivers license until after I've lived there for 3 years.

I have been to VN a lot these last 2 years.聽 I now plan to rent an apartment in HCM D1 & spend 2 months per quarter there.聽 But its likely that I'll never be there for 3 months in a row.

Is there really no legal/insured way for me to drive a motorbike there?聽聽I've done it a few times while on dates there & also on a tour in Da Nang, and I really enjoy city & country driving there on a motorbike.聽 If I can't get licensed to drive a motorbike there, and get good insurance to cover any accidents etc, then my only option is to keep getting taxi/grab cars (or the occasional Grab Bike when I'm in a hurry & willing to risk lice by putting on the nasty passenger helmet).

I'd love to buy a bike, rent my D1 apartment, & drive around when needed like the locals do.

Thoughts?

See also

Driving in Vietnam - Guide
Health insurance companies in Vietnam - Business
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Guest2023 Guest

0POSTS

7 years ago

Not sure where you read that you cant get a license unless you have been here for 3 years, but thats completely wrong. You can do a driving test and get a local license, but the license will expire the same time your visa does, unless they have changed the laws again.

surfsportz Member

12POSTS

7 years ago

Sorry. I had read 3 months 鈥�- that I would have to be there for 3 months before applying for a VN drovers license

Guest2023 Guest

0POSTS

7 years ago

I think it may have read that you need a 3 month visa to apply for a license.

surfsportz Member

12POSTS

7 years ago

No.聽 It was in another post from this forum. Said you had to be living in vietnam for at least 3 months before you can successfully apply (ie get approved) for a VN drivers聽 license.聽 It was in this website in VN forum.聽 Which is part of what I was asking.聽 But also asking if/how I can get a VN motorbike license even though my USA drivers license doesn鈥檛 allow me to drive motorcycles in the USA.

Brooky Member

24POSTS

7 years ago

One thing I would suggest is taking the motorcycle written exam when you're in your home state. Lets you a permit to ride in the US with very few restrictions. It's quick and easy to do. Just thinking that "might" help you some in Vietnam and any process there.

1 member reacted to this post

Wald0 Serial expat

335POSTS

7 years ago

They use to give you motorcycle license if you only had a car license, but that stopped few years back.

Guest2023 Guest

0POSTS

7 years ago

surfsportz wrote:
No.聽 It was in another post from this forum. Said you had to be living in vietnam for at least 3 months before you can successfully apply (ie get approved) for a VN drivers聽 license.聽 It was in this website in VN forum.聽 Which is part of what I was asking.聽 But also asking if/how I can get a VN motorbike license even though my USA drivers license doesn鈥檛 allow me to drive motorcycles in the USA.

As I mentioned before, go and do the test and you will obtain a VN license.