What License Do Foreigners Need to Ride a Motorbike in Vietnam

Many international visitors arriving in Nha Trang want to rent a motorbike but are unsure whether their home license is valid in Vietnam. It is an important question: riding legally not only saves you from fines, it also directly affects whether your travel insurance will pay out. Here is a practical summary from Bike Nha Trang — keep in mind that regulations change, so always verify the current rules from official sources before your trip.

Which licenses are recognized in Vietnam?

• Vietnam is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention on road traffic. Foreigners may ride using an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1968 Convention, carried together with the valid original license, and the IDP must include category A (motorcycles) to ride anything above 50cc.
• IDPs issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention are NOT recognized in Vietnam. This catches out many travelers from the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, whose countries issue only the 1949 document.
• A foreign domestic license on its own (without a 1968 IDP) is not valid for riding in Vietnam.
• Long-term residents can convert their license to a Vietnamese one — a sensible route if you are staying for several months.

The under-50cc rule

Under current Vietnamese regulations, motorbikes with an engine capacity below 50cc do not require a driving license — the rider only needs to be at least 16 years old. This makes a 50cc scooter a realistic option for visitors without a 1968 IDP with category A, and Bike Nha Trang keeps 50cc automatic scooters in the fleet for exactly this reason. Note that Vietnam introduced a major update to its traffic law from January 1, 2025, so double-check the latest rules before you rely on this.

Renting a bike and riding it legally are two different things

At Bike Nha Trang, the rental paperwork itself does not require a driving license — foreign guests simply leave a passport or cash deposit. But be clear about this: being able to rent a bike does not mean you are legally entitled to ride it. On the road, your license status is your own responsibility, and we always encourage guests to carry a valid license while riding.

One point deserves special emphasis: many travel insurance policies will refuse to pay if you have an accident while riding without a valid license for that vehicle class. That financial risk is usually far bigger than any traffic fine.

Helmets and riding safety

• Helmets are compulsory for both rider and passenger — you can be fined without one, and more importantly, it is genuinely dangerous.
• Vietnamese traffic is dense and flows differently from what most Western riders are used to: ride slowly, watch a wide field, and use a light horn tap when overtaking — that is simply local road culture.
• Avoid riding at night on poorly lit roads, and never ride after drinking — Vietnam enforces a strict zero-alcohol rule for drivers.
• In the rainy season (September–December) roads get slippery: slow down and brake earlier than usual.

Our practical advice

1. If your country follows the 1968 Convention (most of Europe, Russia, and others), get an IDP with category A before your trip.
2. If you only have a 1949 IDP, consider renting a 50cc scooter or using other transport for longer journeys.
3. Always wear a helmet and carry your license and the bike's papers while riding.
4. Check the current regulations from official sources before your trip — the rules do evolve.

With the right paperwork, a good helmet, and an unhurried riding style, exploring Nha Trang on two wheels is one of the best experiences Vietnam offers. Not sure which bike suits your license situation? Message Bike Nha Trang on WhatsApp or Telegram — we are happy to help you choose.