Driving in Nha Trang with a Korean License
On June 23, 2023, during President Yoon Suk-yeol's state visit to Vietnam, the Korea-Vietnam Mutual Recognition Agreement on International Driving Permits came into effect. Korean citizens can now obtain an International Driving Permit and drive freely in Vietnam according to vehicle categories within the validity period (1 year from issuance). However, there are important precautions to note.
Essential Conditions for Using an International Driving Permit
You must verify that the international permit's validity period falls within your stay in Vietnam and that it authorizes both car and motorcycle driving. Pay special attention when driving motorcycles.
Motorcycle Driving Requirements:
- To operate a motorcycle, your international permit must have a stamp in Class A. While holders of Korean 1st or 2nd class licenses can operate bikes up to 125cc in Korea, your international permit requires a Class A stamp. To obtain a Class A stamp, you must hold a Korean 2nd class small motorcycle license.
- Car Driving: Vehicle operation requires a Class B stamp. Generally, holders of 1st or 2nd class Korean driving licenses can obtain this stamp.
Documents Required During Traffic Stops: Present your international driving permit and passport to police. In principle, you must carry both your passport and international permit at all times while driving.
Converting a Korean Driving License to a Vietnamese License
When Conversion is Necessary
While South Koreans' international driving permits are recognized, they are generally valid only for short-term stays of less than 3 months. For long-term stays, converting to a Vietnamese license is mandatory. Additionally, the international permit is technically valid for only the first 3 months of stay, so conversion to a Vietnamese equivalent is required.
Basic Eligibility Requirements for Conversion
According to new regulations, converting a foreign driving license to a Vietnamese one requires a Temporary Residence Card (TRC). Your foreign license must be valid, and the types of licenses you can obtain in Vietnam are determined by the vehicle types you can legally operate in your home country.
Conversion Procedure (Based on Korean License)
First, obtain notarization of your Korean license from the Korean Embassy in Vietnam. Then submit the notarized Korean license to the Vietnamese Ministry of Transport to apply for conversion. You will need your Korean license, notarized documents, passport copy, and valid Vietnam residence visa. The Vietnamese license typically takes 1-2 weeks to issue.
Required Documents Checklist:
- Original Korean driving license and copy
- Notarization documents from the Korean Embassy
- Passport copy (including visa validity period)
- Vietnam residence certificate, Temporary Residence Card (TRC), or residence card copy
- Application form (provided by Vietnam Ministry of Transport or online)
- Specific health certificate (issued by medical institution, including vision, limbs, and drug testing)
Processing Time and Fees
- Processing Time: 7–10 working days.
- Fees: For accurate fees, contact your local Ministry of Transport or an authorized agency. Some foreigners use licensed representatives (law firms, establishment offices) due to language barriers and complex procedures, which may incur additional costs.
Obtaining a License Locally in Vietnam
License Acquisition Through Testing
Applicants must have resided, worked, or studied in Vietnam for at least 3 months. Practical exams include manual transmission operation for B1 (car) licenses, semi-automatic transmission for A1 (motorcycle) licenses, and manual transmission for A2 (150cc+ motorcycle) licenses.
Test Fees:
- Motorcycle theory test: approximately 60,000 VND
- Car theory test: approximately 90,000 VND
- Motorcycle practical test: approximately 70,000 VND
- Car practical test: approximately 300,000 VND
Note: All tests are conducted in Vietnamese, and interpreters are not provided.
Precautions When Driving Motorcycles and Cars
New Regulations (Effective January 1, 2025): All motorcycle riders must hold at least an A1 license. Vietnamese A1 licenses issued after January 1, 2025, permit operation of motorcycles up to 125cc only. (Previously issued licenses retain their original validity.)
Risks of Unlicensed Driving: Driving without a license voids your travel insurance. If caught or involved in an accident, you face fines, bike confiscation, denied insurance coverage, and full financial liability.
Practical Tips for Nha Trang
- Short-term Tourism (Under 3 Months): Always carry your Korean-issued international permit (verify Class A or B stamp) and passport while driving.
- Long-term Stay (3+ Months): After obtaining a residence visa and Temporary Residence Card, conversion to a Vietnamese license is recommended. Korean Embassy notarization is handled at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Vietnam (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Nha Trang–Da Nang consultation offices).
- Using Authorized Representatives: If procedures and documentation are complex, consulting with local legal advisors or establishment agencies can save time.
- Verify Latest Regulations: Vietnamese traffic regulations change periodically. Before driving, confirm current requirements with local traffic police (Công an Giao thông) or official channels.
Conclusion
If you plan to drive a motorcycle or car in Nha Trang, it is crucial to prepare the correct documents based on your stay duration and license type. While international permits are convenient, carefully verify validity periods and eligibility conditions. For long-term residence, converting to a local license ensures legal security. For uncertain matters, contact the Korean Embassy in Vietnam or local transport authorities directly—this is the safest approach.
Verify Latest Information
Bank services, visas, communications, and contract terms vary by institution, branch, and time. Always confirm current conditions through official channels and local representatives.