Explore the latest Vietnam traffic law changes effective July 2024, from driver‑license test updates to lifted pickup restrictions and new child‑seat fines. Stay informed—read now!
Driver‑License Test Overhaul
Starting 1 July 2024, applicants for a car driving licence no longer need to complete the simulated‑drive exam. The new process requires three separate tests: theory, maneuvering (“sa hình”), and on‑road driving, taken in that exact order. Candidates must pass the theory part before moving on to the practical sections.
More Theory Questions & Longer Time Limits
The number of multiple‑choice questions in the theory exams has risen across all vehicle categories:
- Motorbike A / A1: 25 → 40 questions, time 19 min → 27 min. Passing score 36/40.
- Motorbike B1 (three‑wheelers and A1‑type bikes): 25 → 50 questions, time 20 min → 33 min. Passing score 45/50.
- Car licence (Category B): 30 → 50 questions, time 20 min → 33 min. Passing score 45/50.
In addition, the on‑road test route must now cover at least 5 km and include a variety of traffic scenarios such as T‑junctions, four‑way intersections, lane changes from secondary to primary roads, roundabouts, traffic lights, and pedestrian crossings.
Child‑Safety Seat Penalties Revised
From 1 July to 14 August 2024, drivers who transport children under 10 years old and under 1.35 m without an approved safety device face a fine of VND 800,000 – 1,000,000.
Effective 15 August, the penalty for non‑compliance in the rear seats (excluding passenger‑transport businesses) drops to a warning. However, carrying a child under the same age and height in the front seat (unless the vehicle has only a single row) still incurs the original fine range.
Pickup Truck Restrictions Lifted
Decree 241/2026, which came into force on 1 July, removes almost all previous limits on double‑cab pickup trucks and light‑duty vans weighing up to 3.5 t. These vehicles are now treated the same as passenger cars for traffic‑management purposes, eliminating former city‑center time‑of‑day bans and route restrictions.
Simplified Registration for Genuine Parts
Vehicle owners installing factory‑approved exterior components—such as front/rear bumpers, grilles, side skirts, mudguards, rear spoilers, or optional wheel trims—no longer need to file a modification certification, provided the parts match the original dimensions (no more than 100 mm deviation) and stay within national technical standards.
What Drivers Should Do Next
Review the updated test schedules, ensure any child passengers are secured with approved seats, and verify that any new parts fitted to your vehicle comply with the size limits. Staying ahead of these changes will help you avoid fines and keep your driving experience smooth.