International Driving Permit for Vietnam
Vietnam drives on the right-hand side, and its roads are famous for dense, fast-moving waves of motorbikes that thread through every city. Foreign drivers must hold a valid IDP issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention, since the older 1949-style permit is not accepted here.
Do you need an IDP to drive in Vietnam?
To drive legally in Vietnam you need a 1968 Convention International Driving Permit recognised by Vietnam, used together with your home licence.
Quick facts
- Driving side
- Right
- Minimum driving age
- 18 years
- Region
- Asia
- IDP
- Required
Local languages: Vietnamese
Driving in Vietnam: key facts
- The legal blood alcohol limit is effectively zero, with strict police enforcement and heavy penalties for drink-driving.
- Helmets are compulsory for all motorbike riders and passengers, including on the country's ubiquitous scooters.
- Only a 1968 Vienna Convention IDP is valid in Vietnam, so permits issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention are not recognised.
How to get your IDP for Vietnam
Getting your International Driving Permit for Vietnam takes only a few minutes:
- 1Apply online
Complete a short application in about 2 minutes — no paperwork or appointments.
- 2Upload your documents
Add a photo of your national driving licence and a passport-style photo.
- 3Get your IDP instantly
Receive your digital International Driving Permit by email, ready to use in Vietnam.
Frequently asked questions about driving in Vietnam
Do I need an IDP to drive in Vietnam?
Yes, foreign visitors legally need a 1968 Vienna Convention IDP, carried with their national licence, to drive a car or motorbike in Vietnam.
Can I rent a car or motorbike in Vietnam with a foreign licence?
A foreign licence alone is not legally sufficient; you should pair it with a recognised 1968 Convention IDP, and many rentals require both.
What side of the road does Vietnam drive on?
Vietnam drives on the right-hand side of the road.
What is the minimum age to drive in Vietnam?
The minimum driving age in Vietnam is 18, and car rental companies often set a higher minimum age.
Other countries in Asia
International Driving Permit for Vietnam
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