Vietnam’s traffic police warn against driving test cheat shortcuts that risk safety and cause immediate failure. Stay informed and pass correctly.
Vietnam’s Traffic Police Department (CSGT) has issued a public warning after discovering that some driving instructors are teaching candidates illegal shortcuts to pass the practical road‑test, especially the “wheel‑track and narrow‑perpendicular‑line” maneuver.
What the “cheat” involves
Instead of completing the full maneuver, instructors advise learners to drive only the final segment of the wheel‑track pattern, accepting a 10‑point deduction rather than the 25‑point loss that results from a complete miss. This “partial‑pass” tactic lets candidates appear to have finished the test while actually violating the official scoring rules.
Why the practice is illegal
The CSGT stresses that the shortcut undermines the purpose of driver‑training and safety assessment. The official regulations (Appendix 05 of Circular 12/2025) state that if either the front or rear left‑hand wheel fails to cross the designated wheel‑track zone, the automated scoring system will automatically deduct enough points to fail the candidate, and the examiner must halt the test immediately.
Enforcement measures
To preserve the integrity of the licensing process, the CSGT will direct local traffic‑police units to intensify monitoring of driving‑test venues. Any candidate caught using prohibited tricks will face immediate disqualification, and instructors who promote such methods may be subject to suspension or other disciplinary actions.
Impact on pass rates
During the recent “toughening” campaign (April 10 – May 17), the pass rate for the theoretical part of the car‑license exam fell to 74%, a 3‑percentage‑point drop from the previous year. While the practical “reverse‑parking” pass rate remained steady at 65%, the “road‑course” segment saw a steep 28‑point decline, with only 68% of candidates passing.
Advice for learners
- Choose a reputable driving school that follows the official curriculum.
- Practice the full wheel‑track and narrow‑line maneuver under supervision.
- Avoid shortcuts that promise quick results – they risk both safety and your license.
- Stay informed about the latest regulations by checking updates from the Traffic Police.
By adhering to proper training standards, future drivers can ensure they are truly road‑ready and avoid costly penalties.