Starting June 1st, 2024, Circular No. 5/2024 by the Ministry of Transport will come into effect, amending and supplementing a number of articles in previous circulars related to road transport, vehicles, and drivers. This circular introduces several notable changes to driver training and licensing that should be highlighted.
Online Theory Learning
For driver’s licenses in categories B2, C, D, E, and F, Circular 5/2024 allows learners to choose online learning (distance learning) as an alternative to traditional in-person theory classes at training facilities. This is in addition to the existing options of in-person and blended learning.
However, certain theoretical topics, such as vehicle construction and basic repair, fire prevention and fighting skills, rescue skills, and driving techniques, must be taught in person at the training facility. Practical training will also continue to be conducted in person.
Night Driving Training
Night driving is an essential component of driver training. According to the previous Circular 4/2022 by the Ministry of Transport, learners were required to have a minimum of four hours of night driving practice. The new circular specifies that night driving training hours are calculated from 6:00 p.m. of the previous day to 5:00 a.m. of the following day.
Circumstances for License Revocation
The circular outlines circumstances that can lead to the revocation of a driver’s license by the authorities. These include instances of fraud or deception in obtaining the license, tampering with or altering license information, or allowing another person to use one’s license.
Additionally, if a licensing authority issues a license to an unqualified individual or makes errors in the license information (name, date of birth, nationality, residence, etc.), or if the driver is found to be under the influence of drugs, the license will be revoked.
VNeID Licenses are Valid
The new regulations clarify that a valid PET-material driver’s license is one issued by the competent authority, with a serial number, issue date, and expiration date that match those in the driver’s license management information system or have been authenticated on VNeID. VNeID is an electronic identification application by the Social Order Administration Police Department (Ministry of Public Security).
As of June 1st, 2024, a driver’s license authenticated on VNeID will be considered equivalent to a physical license. Previously, only licenses made of PET material and issued by the competent authority were recognized as valid.
From June 1st, 2024, driver’s licenses authenticated on VNeID will also be valid.
The price to get a driver’s license in Vietnam rises by 5 – 10 million VND.
According to Decree 123/2021/ND-CP, individuals who operate a vehicle without a valid driver’s license can be fined between 10 and 20 million dong.
