Circular No. 12/2017/TT-BGTVT on training, examination, and issuance of motor vehicle driver's licenses

CIRCULAR

Regulations on training, examination, and issuance of motor vehicle driver's licenses for road use

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On the basis of Decree No. 86/2012/NĐ-CP dated October 19, 2012, issued by the Government detailing and guiding implementation of certain provisions of the Metrology Law;

Pursuant to Decree No. 12/2017/NĐ-CP dated February 10, 2017, issued by the Government on the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Transport;

Based on Decree No. 65/2016/NĐ-CP dated July 1, 2016 of the Government stipulating conditions for operating automobile driving training services and driving examination services;

At the proposal of the Director of the Personnel Organization Department and the Director General of the Vietnam Highway Administration,

The Minister of Transport issues this Circular to regulate training, examination, and issuance of motor vehicle driver's licenses for road use.

Part I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Circular regulates training, examination, and issuance of motor vehicle driver's licenses for road use.

Article 2. Applicability

1. This Circular applies to agencies managing driving training, examination, and issuance of driver's licenses; driving training institutions, driving examination centers; organizations and individuals related to driving training, examination, and issuance of motor vehicle driver's licenses for road use throughout the country.

2. This Circular does not apply to driving training, examination, and issuance of driver's licenses for the public security and military sectors performing security and defense tasks.

Article 3. Explanation of Terms

In this Circular, the following terms are understood as follows:

1. Trucks, specialized trucks, and specialized vehicles are types of automobiles defined in standards TCVN 6211: 2003, TCVN 7271: 2003.

2. Tractors are road motor vehicles with four wheels powered by engines used to pull a trailer carrying goods.

3. Small tractors are road motor vehicles with four wheels powered by engines, connected to cargo bodies through couplings, steered by forks or steering wheels, and have four wheels (two from the tractor and two from the cargo body).

4. The load capacity of trucks used for practice driving refers to the designed load capacity of the original vehicle as specified by the manufacturer.

5. The designed load capacity of specialized trucks and specialized vehicles refers to the designed load capacity of similar trucks or equivalent models.

6. Driving experience time is the period during which a person with a driver's license has driven the type of vehicle indicated on the driver's license.

7. A professional driver is a person who earns a living by driving.

8. Driver's license serial number is a code set by the manufacturer of the license, printed on the back of the driver's license, consisting of two letters followed by numbers to identify the driver's license.

Part II

MOTOR VEHICLE DRIVER TRAINING FOR ROAD USE

PART I

MANAGEMENT OF DRIVER TRAINING

Section 1

STANDARDS, TASKS, AND LIMITATIONS OF DRIVING TRAINING INSTITUTIONS

Article 4. Management of driving training institution activities

1. Driving training institutions that also conduct driving examinations may use examination grounds for training purposes.

2. Instructors teaching practical driving must undergo training on practical driving instruction according to a program issued by the Vietnam Highway Administration.

3. Based on ensuring conditions for classrooms, practice fields, and instructor teams as prescribed in Decree No. 65/2016/NĐ-CP dated July 1, 2016 of the Government stipulating conditions for operating automobile driving training services and driving examination services (hereinafter referred to as Decree No. 65/2016/NĐ-CP), the training volume for each category of automobile driver's license is determined by multiplying the number of practice driving vehicles of that category (including automatic transmission vehicles) by the number of students allowed per vehicle and by a factor of two (two). The number of students practicing must not exceed the capacity of the training institution's practice driving vehicles of each category.

4. Driving training institutions for categories A1, A2, A3, A4 must report their training operation plans to the local Department of Transportation where the training is conducted to facilitate supervision and management.

Article 5. Tasks and Authorities of Driving Training Institutions

1. Organize admissions to ensure training conditions for students in accordance with the provisions of Article 7 of this Circular.

2. Enter into training contracts with automobile driving students in accordance with the provisions of the Vocational Education Law.

3. Publicize the admission regulations and management rules of the driving training institution.

4. Driving training institutions for categories A1, A2, A3, and A4 must maintain facilities and technical equipment in compliance with the technical and professional standards established by the Vietnam Highway Administration.

5. Organize new training and license upgrade training for automobiles according to the volume, duration, location, and license category specified in the driving training permit.

6. Conduct training for categories A1, A2, A3, and A4 in accordance with the approved training plan as stipulated in Appendix 10 issued together with this Circular.

7. Be permitted to conduct training on days off, holidays, and outside regular working hours for those who have needs, but must ensure the prescribed content, program, and time.

8. Register examination periods in accordance with the regulations.

9. Maintain and enhance facilities and equipment for teaching and learning to improve the quality of driving training.

10. Store relevant records and documents of the training course.

11. Ensure that instructors teaching practical driving wear the badge "Driving Instructor" and trainees practicing on the road wear the badge "Practical Driving Trainee." Badges are issued and managed by the driving training institution according to the models specified in Appendices 1a and 1b issued together with this Circular.

12. Organize examinations and issue初级级证书或培训证书给汽车驾驶学员和A4类别拖拉机驾驶学员。

13. Collect and use tuition fees for driving training in accordance with current regulations.

14. Hire, manage, organize professional training for practical driving instructors to ensure they meet the standards and report to the competent authority to apply for instructor certification in accordance with the regulations.

15. Report registration for examinations

a) For training in categories A1 and A2: the training institution shall prepare an examination registration report according to the model specified in Appendix 2 issued together with this Circular; the report must bear the stamp of the training institution;

b) For training in categories A3, A4, B1, B2, C, D, E, and F: the training institution shall prepare an examination registration report, a list of students (report 1), a list requesting verification of previously issued licenses (for license upgrades), and a training schedule for the course according to the models specified in Appendices 3a, 3b, 3c, and 4 issued together with this Circular, and submit them to the examination management and license issuing authority; the report must bear the stamp of the training institution;

c) Report 1 shall be sent via postal service and transmitted through the driver's license information system to the Vietnam Highway Administration or the Department of Transport within four working days before the examination for categories A1 and A2, immediately after the commencement of the course for categories A3 and A4, and not later than seven days after the commencement of the course for categories B1, B2, D, E, and F, and not later than fifteen days after the commencement of the course for category C; the head of the examination management authority shall check and sign each page.

Article 6. Training materials and training management documents of driving schools

1. Driving training textbooks that comply with the framework driving training textbooks issued by the General Department of Vietnam Roads.

2. Forms and record books used by automobile driving schools include:

a) Training plan according to the model prescribed in Appendix 4 attached to this Circular;

b) Progress of automobile driving training for various categories according to the model prescribed in Appendix 5 attached to this Circular;

c) Logbook for practical driving training according to the model prescribed in Appendix 6 attached to this Circular;

d) Attendance book, primary certificate issuance logbook, and training certificate issuance logbook as prescribed by the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs.

3. Driving schools for category A4 shall use the logbooks specified in points c and d of Clause 2 of this Article.

4. Driving schools for motorcycle categories A1, A2, A3 shall use the list of registered examinees as training management documents.

5. Retention period for records

a) Indefinite for training certificate issuance logbooks;

b) Two years for final examination papers and other remaining documents;

c) Destruction of expired documents in accordance with current regulations.

Section 2

STUDENT DRIVERS

Article 7. Conditions for student drivers

1. Vietnamese citizens or foreigners permitted to reside or work, study in Vietnam.

2. Age (as of the date of the driving license examination), health, and educational level as prescribed; for those upgrading their driving license, they may study ahead but can only take the examination when they meet the age requirement.

3. Those upgrading their driving license must have sufficient driving time or professional experience and safe driving distance as follows:

a) From B1 automatic to B1: at least one year of driving experience and over 12,000 kilometers of safe driving;

b) From B1 to B2: at least one year of driving experience and over 12,000 kilometers of safe driving;

c) From B2 to C, from C to D, from D to E; corresponding upgrades from B2, C, D, E to F; from D, E to FC: at least three years of professional experience and over 50,000 kilometers of safe driving;

d) From B2 to D, from C to E: at least five years of professional experience and over 100,000 kilometers of safe driving.

4. Those upgrading their driving license to categories D and E must hold a secondary school graduation certificate or equivalent or higher.

Article 8. Training Forms

1. Individuals seeking driving licenses for categories A1, A2, A3, A4, and automobile category B1 may self-study theoretical subjects but must register at authorized training institutions for review and testing; specifically, for categories A4 and B1, they must be tested and issued a training completion certificate.

2. Individuals seeking driving licenses for categories B2, C, D, E, and category F driving licenses must undergo centralized training at authorized training institutions and must be tested and issued a primary certificate or training completion certificate. Within one year from the date the training institution completes the examination and evaluates the graduation results, if no primary certificate or training completion certificate is issued, they must retake the course.

Article 9. Student Driver Records

1. First-time student drivers shall prepare one set of records and submit them directly to the training institution. The record includes:

a) Application form for training and examination to obtain a driving license according to the model prescribed in Appendix 7 attached to this Circular;

b) Copy of identity card or citizen identification card or passport still valid with the identity card number or citizen identification card number for Vietnamese citizens; passport still valid for overseas Vietnamese residents;

c) Copy of passport still valid for more than six months and temporary residence permit or permanent residence permit or diplomatic identification card or official identification card for foreign nationals;

d) Health certificate of the driver issued by a competent medical facility as prescribed.

2. Upgrading student drivers shall prepare one set of records and submit them directly to the training institution. The record includes:

a) Documents stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article;

b) Declaration of professional experience and safe driving distance according to the model prescribed in Appendix 8 attached to this Circular, and the individual must bear responsibility for the declared contents under the law;

c) Copy of secondary school graduation certificate or equivalent or higher for upgrading driving license to categories D and E (original must be presented during the examination);

d) Copy of driving license (original must be presented during the examination).

When submitting records, student drivers will be photographed directly by the training institution and retained in the driving license database.

Section 3

MANAGEMENT OF DRIVER TRAINING

Article 10. Vietnam Highway Administration

1. Uniformly manage driver training throughout the country.

2. Issue technical standards and specialized vocational criteria for driving schools for categories A1, A2, A3, and A4 motor vehicles.

3. Develop and adjust the network planning of driving schools for categories A1, A2, A3, and A4 motor vehicles within the scope of the Ministry of Transport's approval; develop forms, ledgers, and other materials to serve driver training work.

4. Inspect and audit management and driver training work.

5. Issue a framework curriculum for driver training and guide its uniform implementation nationwide.

6. Issue content and programs for instructor training in practical driver training and guide their uniform implementation nationwide.

7. Shall be responsible for responding to competent authorities during the process of issuing permits for operating driving service businesses according to Clause 3, Article 4 of Decree No. 65/2016/ND-CP regarding the suitability of the network planning of driving schools for automobiles.

Article 11. Department of Transport

1. Is responsible for managing driver training within the province or centrally-administered city.

2. Shall be responsible for responding to competent authorities during the process of issuing permits for operating driving service businesses according to Clause 3, Article 4 of Decree No. 65/2016/ND-CP regarding the suitability of the network planning of driving schools for automobiles.

3. Supervise and inspect driver training work, issue certificates to training institutions.

4. Issue new or renewed driver training licenses and send copies of issued driver training licenses along with inspection reports of training institutions to the Vietnam Highway Administration.

5. Issue learner vehicle permits; organize inspections and issue certificates for practical driving instructors according to prescribed content and programs.

6. Store the following documents:

a) List of practical driving instructors according to the model specified in Appendix VI of Decree No. 65/2016/ND-CP;

b) Record book for issuing learner vehicle permits according to the model specified in Appendix 9 attached to this Circular;

c) Inspection report of training institutions.

7. Receive, review, inspect, and announce on the Department of Transport’s electronic information website the list of driving schools for categories A1, A2, A3, and A4 that meet or do not meet the conditions for operation within the jurisdiction.

TRAINING PROGRAM FOR DRIVERS

Chapter II

Article 12. Training for categories A1, A2, A3, and A4

1. Duration of training

a) Category A1: 12 hours (theory: 10, practical driving: 2);

b) Category A2: 32 hours (theory: 20, practical driving: 12);

c) Categories A3 and A4: 80 hours (theory: 40, practical driving: 40).

2. Subjects for examination

a) Road traffic laws for categories A2, A3, and A4;

b) Practical driving for categories A3 and A4.

3. Program and allocation of training time

TRAINING OBJECTIVES AND CALCULATION INDICATORS

Article 13. Training for Categories B1, B2, and C Driver's Licenses

a) Category A1: 12 hours (theory: 10, practical driving: 2);

a) Category B1:

- Automatic transmission vehicles: 476 hours (theory: 136, driving practice: 340);

- Manual transmission vehicles (manual gear shift): 556 hours (theory: 136, driving practice: 420);

b) Category B2: 588 hours (theory: 168, driving practice: 420);

c) Category C: 920 hours (theory: 168, driving practice: 752).

a) Road traffic laws for categories A2, A3, and A4;

a) All subjects must be tested during the training process; for Category B2 trainees, the subjects of Vehicle Construction and Routine Maintenance and Transport Business Operations can be self-studied but must be examined by the training institution;

b) Upon completion of the course, issue a初级驾驶证书和培训结业证书，包括：道路交通法律理论科目（根据理论考试题库）；连续考试的实操科目，包括倒车入库和道路驾驶。

TRAINING OBJECTIVES AND CALCULATION INDICATORS

Article 14. Upgrade Training for Driver's License Categories

a) Category A1: 12 hours (theory: 10, practical driving: 2);

a) From Category B1 (automatic transmission) to B1: 120 hours (driving practice: 120);

b) From Category B1 to B2: 94 hours (theory: 44, driving practice: 50);

c) From Category B2 to C: 192 hours (theory: 48, driving practice: 144);

d) From Category C to D: 192 hours (theory: 48, driving practice: 144);

đ) From Category D to E: 192 hours (theory: 48, driving practice: 144);

e) From Category B2 to D: 336 hours (theory: 56, driving practice: 280);

g) From Category C to E: 336 hours (theory: 56, driving practice: 280);

h) From Category B2, D, E to F respectively: 192 hours (theory: 48, driving practice: 144);

i) From Category C, D, E to FC: 272 hours (theory: 48, driving practice: 224).

a) Road traffic laws for categories A2, A3, and A4;

a) Test all subjects during the training process;

b) Upon completion of the course, issue a training certificate for upgrades to Categories B1, B2, C, D, and E, including: Road Traffic Law according to the theory examination question bank; practical driving subject with continuous exams, reverse parking, and road driving;

c) Upon completion of the course, issue a training certificate for upgrades from Categories B2, C, D, and E to F respectively, including: Road Traffic Law according to the theory examination question bank; practical driving on the road according to the F category driving test procedures.

TRAINING OBJECTIVES AND CALCULATION INDICATORS

Article 15. Content and Detailed Allocation of Subjects

1. Training for Categories A1 and A2 Driver's Licenses

2. Training for Categories A3 and A4 Driver's Licenses

3. Training for Categories B1, B2, C Driver's Licenses

a) Traffic Law Course

b) Course on Construction and Routine Maintenance

c) Course on Transportation Operations

d) Course on Professional Ethics and Traffic Culture

e) Course on Driving Techniques

e) Practical Driving Course (to be conducted after the student has passed the Traffic Law and Driving Techniques courses)

4. Upgrading Driver's License Training

Part III

EXAMINATION AND ISSUE OF DRIVER'S LICENSE

PART I

SYSTEM OF DRIVER'S LICENSES

Article 16. Classification of Driver's Licenses

1. Class A1 is issued to:

a) Drivers operating two-wheeled motorcycles with cylinder capacity from 50 cm³³ to less than 175 cm³;

b) Persons with disabilities operating three-wheeled motorcycles designed for persons with disabilities.

2. Class A2 is issued to drivers operating two-wheeled motorcycles with cylinder capacity from 175 cm³³ and above, and the types of vehicles specified for Class A1 driver's licenses.

3. Class A3 is issued to drivers operating three-wheeled motorcycles, the types of vehicles specified for Class A1 driver's licenses, and similar vehicles.

4. Class A4 is issued to drivers operating small tractors with a maximum load capacity of up to 1,000 kg.

5. Class B1 Automatic is issued to non-professional drivers operating the following types of vehicles:

a) Automatic passenger cars up to 9 seats, including the driver's seat;

b) Automatic cargo trucks, including specialized automatic cargo trucks with a design load capacity under 3,500 kg;

c) Vehicles for persons with disabilities.

6. Class B1 is issued to non-professional drivers operating the following types of vehicles:

a) Passenger cars up to 9 seats, including the driver's seat;

b) Cargo trucks, including specialized cargo trucks with a design load capacity under 3,500 kg;

c) Tractors towing a trailer with a design load capacity under 3,500 kg.

7. Class B2 is issued to professional drivers operating the following types of vehicles:

a) Specialized cargo trucks with a design load capacity under 3,500 kg;

b) The types of vehicles specified for Class B1 driver's licenses.

8. Class C is issued to drivers operating the following types of vehicles:

a) Cargo trucks, including specialized cargo trucks, specialized cargo trucks with a design load capacity of 3,500 kg or more;

b) Tractors towing a trailer with a design load capacity of 3,500 kg or more;

c) The types of vehicles specified for Class B1, B2 driver's licenses.

9. Class D is issued to drivers operating the following types of vehicles:

a) Passenger cars from 10 to 30 seats, including the driver's seat;

b) The types of vehicles specified for Class B1, B2, and C driver's licenses.

10. Class E is issued to drivers operating the following types of vehicles:

a) Passenger cars over 30 seats;

b) The types of vehicles specified for Class B1, B2, C, and D driver's licenses.

11. Holders of Class B1, B2, C, D, and E driver's licenses may tow trailers with a design load capacity not exceeding 750 kg when operating corresponding vehicles.

12. Class F is issued to holders of Class B2, C, D, and E driver's licenses to operate corresponding automobiles towing trailers with a design load capacity greater than 750 kg, semi-trailers, articulated buses, as follows:

a) Class FB2 is issued to drivers operating vehicles specified in Class B2 driver's licenses towing trailers and operating the types of vehicles specified for Class B1 and B2 driver's licenses;

b) Class FC is issued to drivers operating vehicles specified in Class C driver's licenses towing trailers, tractor units towing semi-trailers, and operating the types of vehicles specified for Class B1, B2, C, and FB2 driver's licenses;

c) Class FD is issued to drivers operating vehicles specified in Class D driver's licenses towing trailers and operating the types of vehicles: articulated passenger buses and the types of vehicles specified for Class B1, B2, C, D, E, FB2, FD driver's licenses;

d) Class FE is issued to drivers operating vehicles specified in Class E driver's licenses towing trailers and operating the types of vehicles: articulated passenger buses and the types of vehicles specified for Class B1, B2, C, D, E, FB2, FD driver's licenses.

13. The classification of driver's licenses for sleeper coach drivers and city bus drivers (used for passenger transport business) shall be implemented according to the provisions of Clause 9 and Clause 10 of this Article. The number of seats on the vehicle is calculated based on the number of seats on sleeper coaches or vehicles of the same type or limited size only arranged with seating.

Article 17. Validity period of driving licenses

1. Driving licenses for categories A1, A2, A3 have no expiration date.

2. Driving licenses for category B1 are valid until the driver reaches 55 years old for females and 60 years old for males; in cases where the driver is over 45 years old for females and over 50 years old for males at the time of issuance, the driving license will be valid for 10 years from the date of issuance.

3. Driving licenses for categories A4, B2 are valid for 10 years from the date of issuance.

4. Driving licenses for categories C, D, E, FB2, FC, FD, FE are valid for 05 years from the date of issuance.

Chapter II

DRIVING LICENSE EXAMINATION

Section 1

DRIVING LICENSE TESTING CENTERS

Article 18. Responsibilities of driving license testing centers

1. Ensuring material infrastructure and equipment for examination and scoring in accordance with regulations to conduct testing sessions accurately and objectively; reporting to the Department of Transport and the Vietnam Highway Corporation when testing equipment and means malfunction, become unstable, or when changes occur in such equipment and means to address issues promptly.

2. Cooperating and creating all necessary conditions for training institutions to bring trainees for review and practice, and for examination boards to organize testing sessions conveniently and according to schedule.

3. Adhering to and cooperating with competent authorities in inspecting and standardizing driving license testing centers.

4. Publicizing the fee rates for testing and prices of other services.

5. Ensuring safety during driving license testing sessions; coordinating with relevant units and agencies to resolve incidents of accidents or safety breaches.

6. Implementing reporting and publicizing schedules for testing sessions on the center's electronic information website, storing test result files as prescribed.

7. Connecting management information systems with the Vietnam Highway Corporation and the Department of Transport.

Section 2

APPLICANTS FOR DRIVING LICENSE TESTING

Article 19. Application Documents for Driving License Testing

1. For first-time applicants for driving license testing

The training institution establishes one set of application documents, which are directly submitted to the Vietnam Highway Corporation or the Department of Transport. The documents include:

a) Documents specified in Clause 1, Article 9 of this Circular;

b) Primary certificate or training certificate for applicants for categories A4, B1, B2, and C;

c) List of proposed testing candidates from the training institution including the names of the applicants.

2. For applicants seeking to upgrade their driving license to categories B1, B2, C, D, E, and F categories

The training institution establishes one set of application documents, which are directly submitted to the Vietnam Highway Corporation or the Department of Transport. The documents include:

a) Documents specified in Clause 2, Article 9 of this Circular;

b) Training certificate for upgrading;

c) List of proposed testing candidates from the training institution including the names of the applicants for upgrading.

3. For applicants reapplying due to expired driving licenses

The driver establishes one set of application documents, which are directly submitted to the Vietnam Highway Corporation or the Department of Transport. The documents include:

a) Documents specified in points b, c, and d, Clause 1, Article 9 of this Circular;

b) Application form for renewal (replacement) of driving license as prescribed in Appendix 19 issued together with this Circular;

c) Copy of the expired driving license.

4. For applicants reapplying due to lost driving licenses

The driver establishes one set of application documents, which are directly submitted to the Vietnam Highway Corporation or the Department of Transport. The documents include:

a) Documents specified in points b, c, and d, Clause 1, Article 9 of this Circular;

b) Application form for renewal (replacement) of driving license as prescribed in Appendix 19 issued together with this Circular, noting the date of receipt of the application by the receiving authority;

c) Original file of the lost driving license (if available).

Article 20. Retention of Examination Results

An examinee has the right to retain examination results once within one year for the content of the previous examination that met the requirements, provided that they must meet the conditions prescribed for students under Article 7; submit the application form for examination as stipulated in Article 19 of this Circular, and their name must be recorded in the minutes of absence or failure of the previous examination board or examination team.

Section 3

EXAMINATION PROCEDURE FOR DRIVING LICENSES

Article 21. Content and Examination Procedure for Driving Licenses

1. The examination for issuing automobile driving licenses must be conducted at examination centers with sufficient operating conditions (hereinafter referred to as examination centers).

2. The examination for issuing driving licenses for categories A1, A2, A3, and A4 in cities classified as type 2 or higher must be conducted at examination centers with sufficient operating conditions; in other areas, it must be conducted at examination grounds equipped with basic construction items, theoretical examination rooms, examination grounds, and motor vehicles used for examinations according to the provisions of the National Technical Regulations on automobile driving license examination centers.

3. Content of the Examination for Issuing Driving Licenses

a) Theoretical examination: includes questions related to traffic regulations, driving techniques, as well as content related to vehicle structure and common repairs, transportation operations (for category A3, A4 driving licenses); vehicle structure and common repairs, driver ethics (for category B1 automobile driving licenses); vehicle structure and common repairs, transportation operations, and driver ethics (for automobile driving licenses from category B2 and above).

Examinees applying for category A1 driving licenses who already hold automobile driving licenses issued by the Transport Industry are exempted from the theoretical examination.

b) Practical examination in a simulated environment for categories A1, A2

Examinees must control motorcycles through four examination courses: driving in an 8-shaped figure, passing straight lines, passing lines with obstacles, and passing rough terrain.

c) Practical examination in a simulated environment for categories A3, A4

Examinees must control vehicles to pass through a chi-shaped figure and reverse in the opposite direction.

d) Practical examination in a simulated environment for categories B1, B2, C, D, and E

Examinees must follow the correct sequence and control vehicles through examination courses arranged at the examination center such as starting, stopping to yield to pedestrians, stopping and starting on inclines, passing tire tracks and perpendicular turns, passing intersections with traffic signal controls, passing winding roads, parking (category B1, B2, and C perform longitudinal parking; category B1, B2, D, and E perform lateral parking), temporarily stopping at railway crossings, handling dangerous situations, changing gears on flat roads, and concluding.

đ) Practical examination in a simulated environment for categories FB2, FD, and FE

Examinees must control vehicles through an examination course: advancing through a figure with five standard poles and returning.

e) Practical examination in a simulated environment for category FC

Examinees must control vehicles through two examination courses: advancing through a figure with five standard poles and returning; longitudinal parking.

g) Practical examination on public roads: examinees must control examination vehicles, handle situations on the road, and comply with the instructions of the examiner.

4. The organization of driving license examinations shall be carried out as follows:

a) Theoretical examination for category A1 in cities classified as type 2 or higher shall be conducted on computers; in other areas, it shall be conducted through paper-based multiple-choice tests or on computers; the theoretical examination room shall have cameras monitoring the examination process.

b) Theoretical examination for categories A2, A3, A4, B1, B2, C, D, E, and F shall be conducted on computers; the theoretical examination room shall have cameras monitoring and publicly displaying the examination process.

c) Practical examination in a simulated environment for categories A1, A2 in cities classified as type 3 or higher must use automatic scoring equipment; in other areas, if the distance to the city center classified as type 3 or higher is less than 100 kilometers, automatic scoring equipment must be used from July 1, 2018.

d) Practical examination in a simulated environment for categories F shall be conducted at driving license examination centers or examination grounds with sufficient conditions belonging to driving license examination centers.

đ) Practical examination in a simulated environment for categories B1, B2, C, D, E shall be conducted at examination centers equipped with automatic scoring equipment without an examiner sitting in the examination vehicle.

e) Practical examination on public roads applies to categories B1, B2, C, D, E, and F.

g) Practical examination on public roads for categories B1, B2, C, D, and E must use automatic scoring equipment and have one examiner on the vehicle.

5. The General Department of Roads of Vietnam shall provide specific guidance on the examination procedure for driving licenses.

Article 22. Preparation for the examination period

The examination management agency shall perform the following tasks:

1. For the examination period for driving categories A1, A2

a) Receive the registration report for the examination to issue motorcycle driving licenses of categories A1, A2 sent by the training institution;

b) Check the application files and conditions of the examinees according to Articles 19 and 20 of this Circular;

c) Submit to the Director General of the Vietnam Road Transport Administration or the Director of the Department of Transport for issuing the decision to organize the examination period; establish the Examination Team.

2. For the examination period for driving categories A3, A4, B1, B2, C, D, E, and F

a) Receive the registration report for the examination, list of trainees (report 1), and the list requesting verification of issued driving licenses from the training institution according to the forms prescribed in Appendices 3a, 3b, and 3c attached to this Circular;

b) Receive the examination organization request report with the list of candidates for the examination (report 2) from the training institution according to the forms prescribed in Appendices 11a and 11b attached to this Circular. Report 2 must be sent via postal service and data transmission through the driving license information system to the Vietnam Road Transport Administration or the Department of Transport seven working days before the examination date;

c) Check the application files and conditions of the examinees for issuing driving licenses of categories A3, A4, B1, B2, C, D, E, and F according to Articles 19 and 20 of this Circular, and the examinees must be listed in the trainee list (report 1), candidate list for the examination (report 2), and have a verified copy of the issued driving license (for upgrading driving license categories);

The person assigned to check and approve the application files of the examinees shall cooperate with the training institution to prepare the file inspection record according to the form prescribed in Appendix 11c attached to this Circular.

d) Propose the examination plan and notify the training institution and the examinees;

đ) Submit to the Director General of the Vietnam Road Transport Administration or the Director of the Department of Transport for approval and issuance of the decision to organize the driving examination period; establish the Examination Board and Examination Team according to the forms prescribed in Appendix 12a attached to this Circular and the list of candidates for the examination to issue driving licenses of various categories according to the forms prescribed in Appendices 12b and 12c attached to this Circular.

3. For the examination to reissue driving licenses due to expiration or loss

a) Review and check the conditions according to Article 36, compile the list of candidates for the re-examination according to the form prescribed in Appendix 13 attached to this Circular, submit to the Director General of the Vietnam Road Transport Administration or the Director of the Department of Transport for issuing the decision to organize the re-examination together with the driving examination period specified in Clauses 1 and 2 of this Article; if there is no suitable examination period, the Examination Board and Examination Team may be established according to regulations (the Examination Board and Examination Team shall not include members from the training institution);

b) In localities without a type 1 or type 2 examination center: if only theoretical examination candidates are present, the examination can be organized locally according to the examination questions or software provided by the Vietnam Road Transport Administration; if both theoretical and practical examinations are required, they must be conducted at another locality's examination center according to regulations.

Article 23. Examination Board

1. The Examination Board shall be established by the Director General of the Vietnam Highway Administration or the Director of the Department of Transport.

a) The Board must have at least two-thirds of its members present to conduct work, decisions are made by majority vote; in case of equal opinions among members, the decision will follow the conclusion of the Chairman of the Board;

b) The Examination Board shall dissolve itself upon completion of the examination period.

2. Composition of the Examination Council

a) The Chairman of the Board shall be a leader of the Department of Transport or a representative of the Examination Management Agency, holding a driver's license for automobiles, possessing knowledge on training, examination, issuance of driver's licenses, authorized by the Vietnam Highway Administration or the Department of Transport;

b) Members include: the Director of the driving examination center, the head of the driving training facility, the Head of the Examination Team, and the Secretary Member; the Secretary Member is from the Examination Management Agency under the Vietnam Highway Administration or the Department of Transport.

3. Duties of the Examination Board

a) Directing inspections and requiring completion of conditions for organizing the examination period;

b) Assign and schedule plans for implementing the examination period;

c) Publicize and guide regulations and examination rules, announce examination fees and driver's license issuance fees, and necessary regulations for examiners and examinees;

d) Organizing the examination period according to regulations;

đ) Record and handle violations according to the authority granted and report to the competent authority;

e) Require training facilities and examinees to compensate for damages if accidents occur (caused by the fault of the examinee) during the driving examination;

g) Summarize the results of the examination period and sign to confirm the record;

h) Send and store examination-related documents at the training facility, driving examination center, and Examination Management Agency.

Article 24. Examination Team

1. The Examination Team shall be established by the Director General of the Vietnam Highway Administration or the Director of the Department of Transport.

a) The Examination Team is directly supervised by the Examination Board. The Examination Team issuing Class A1 and A2 licenses is directly supervised by the Examination Management Agency;

b) The Examination Team shall dissolve itself upon completion of the examination period.

2. The Examination Team consists of the Team Leader and Examiners

a) The Team Leader is an Examiner and a member of the Examination Management Agency under the Department of Transport or the Vietnam Highway Administration; when performing duties during the automobile driving examination, they must hold an automobile examiner card;

b) Examiners are members of the Vietnam Highway Administration, the Department of Transport (except for inspectors and transport inspectors) and instructors from driving training facilities. Instructors from driving training facilities must have at least three years of teaching experience and continuous social insurance contributions, and may not examine students trained directly by their own facility.

3. Qualifications of Examiners

a) Good moral character;

b) Hold a college degree or higher. For Examiners who already had a card before this Circular takes effect, if they do not meet this standard, they must complete it within three years;

c) Hold a valid driver's license corresponding to the vehicle category being examined for at least three years;

d) Undergo training in examination procedures and be issued an Examiner Card by the Director General of the Vietnam Highway Administration.

4. The Examiner Card has a validity period of three years, following the model prescribed in Appendix 14 attached to this Circular.

5. Duties of the Examination Team

a) Inspect vehicles, scoring equipment, examination grounds, and safety measures during the examination process;

b) Require candidates to comply with examination rules; prevent unauthorized persons from entering the theoretical examination room or the examination ground;

c) Record and handle violations within the scope of assigned duties or report to the Examination Board;

d) Conduct examinations, compile results, evaluate the examination period, and report to the Examination Board or the Examination Management Agency (for Class A1 and A2 license examinations);

đ) Examiners are directly responsible for the examination results. The Team Leader of the Examination Team is responsible for the overall results of the examination period.

Article 25. Procedure for organizing examinations

1. Holding the Examination Board meeting and opening the examination period

a) Before organizing the examination, the Chairman of the Examination Board shall convene a meeting with the Examination Team, the Supervision Team (if any), and assign tasks to each member during the examination period;

b) Organize the opening ceremony of the examination period to announce the decision on organizing the examination period and disseminate relevant contents of the examination period to those participating in the examination.

2. Conduct examinations according to the examination content and procedures.

3. Conclusion of the examination period

a) For the examination periods for driving categories A3, A4, B1, B2, C, D, E, and F: The Chairman of the Examination Board shall convene a meeting with the Examination Board, the Examination Team, the Supervision Team (if any). The Head of the Examination Team shall report the examination results and agree to sign the consolidated record of examination results. The Chairman of the Examination Board shall sign and stamp the consolidated record of examination results for those who pass the examination according to the model specified in Appendix 15a issued together with this Circular;

b) For the examination periods for motorcycle driving categories A1 and A2: The Head of the Examination Team shall convene a meeting with members of the Examination Team, the Director of the Driving Training Center, the Supervision Team (if any) to review the examination results and agree to sign the consolidated record of examination results. The Head of the Examination Management Agency shall sign and stamp to confirm the consolidated record of examination results for those who pass the examination according to the model specified in Appendix 15b issued together with this Circular.

The consolidated record of examination results is the original file, handed over to those who pass the examination period for self-preservation.

Article 26. Supervision of the examination period

1. Based on actual circumstances, the Vietnam Highway Administration and the Department of Transport organize surprise supervision of the examination period.

2. Examination supervisors are inspection officials from the Vietnam Highway Administration or inspection officials and inspectors from the Department of Transport. The number of supervisors for motorcycle driving examinations is two people, and for automobile driving examinations, it is three people, including one inspector as the Team Leader.

3. When performing supervision duties for examination periods, supervisors must wear prescribed uniforms.

4. Tasks of the Supervision Team when conducting driving examinations at examination centers equipped with automatic scoring devices

a) Supervise the implementation of the examination content and procedures by the Examination Board and the Examination Team; ensure transparency, objectivity, and fairness during the examination process;

b) Supervise the identification check of those participating in the examination before entering the theoretical examination room, practical driving examination room in simulation, and on-road; those without assigned tasks are not allowed to enter the theoretical examination room;

c) Supervise the implementation of the permitted route for organizing on-road driving examinations; monitor and collect information related to the examination period;

d) Supervisors work independently, do not enter the theoretical examination room, do not board the examination vehicle, and do not perform the duties of an examiner.

5. Tasks of the Supervision Team when conducting driving examinations at examination centers not equipped with automatic scoring devices

In addition to the tasks stipulated in points a, b, and d of Clause 4 of this Article, supervise the preparation of the theoretical examination question bank in accordance with regulations, without being marked.

6. Authority of the Supervision Team

a) When discovering violations, they must prepare a record and request the Examination Board and the Examination Team to handle them promptly and in accordance with regulations;

b) Report to the Director-General of the Vietnam Highway Administration or the Director of the Department of Transport for consideration and handling.

7. At the conclusion of the examination period, the Team Leader of the Supervision Team shall submit a written report on the supervision results to the Director-General of the Vietnam Highway Administration or the Director of the Department of Transport.

Article 27. Recognition of Examination Results

The examination management agency shall review and consolidate the results, and submit to the Director General of the Vietnam Road Administration or the Director of the Department of Transport for issuing a decision recognizing the successful candidates of the examination period, accompanied by a list of successful candidates to be issued driving licenses according to the model prescribed in Appendix 16a and Appendix 16b attached to this Circular.

Article 28. Archiving Examination Result Files

1. After each examination period, the examination management agency shall be responsible for archiving the examination files, including:

a) List of trainees (report 1);

b) List of candidates participating in the examination (report 2);

c) Record of candidate file checks;

d) Decision on organizing the driving license examination period;

đ) Record of task assignments of the driving license examination board;

e) Record of task assignments of the driving license examination team;

g) Summary record of examination results;

h) List of absentees and unsuccessful candidates in the examination period;

i) Decision recognizing successful candidates in the examination period;

k) List of successful candidates to be issued driving licenses;

l) Other relevant documents related to the examination period.

2. Training institutions shall archive the examination files, including:

a) Documents at points a, b, c, d, g, h, i, k of Clause 1 of this Article;

b) Archive and preserve theoretical examination papers, practical driving examination records in simulation for each examination period, complete with signatures of the examinees and examiners;

c) Archive and preserve practical driving examination records on the road for each examination period, including: signatures of the examinees on the printed result sheet on the examination vehicle and the practical driving examination record on the road signed by the examiner.

3. Examination centers shall archive the examination files, including:

a) Documents specified at point d and point g of Clause 1 of this Article;

b) List and results of theoretical examinations;

c) List and results of practical driving examinations in simulation;

d) List and results of road driving examinations;

đ) Monitoring data from the theoretical examination room.

4. Examinees shall self-manage their driving license files.

5. Retention period for records

a) Indefinitely for the documents specified at point i and point k of Clause 1 of this Article;

b) Five years for the documents specified at points a, b, c, d, đ, e, g, h of Clause 1; points b, c, d of Clause 3 of this Article;

c) One year for the documents specified at point đ of Clause 3 of this Article;

d) Two years for final course graduation exams and remaining documents;

đ) Disposal of expired documents in accordance with current regulations.

Chapter III

MANAGEMENT OF EXAMINATIONS AND ISSUANCE OF DRIVING LICENSES

Article 29. Examination Management Agencies and Issuance of Driving Licenses

1. The Vietnam Road Administration shall be responsible for managing examinations and issuance of driving licenses nationwide; the Vehicle and Driver Management Division shall assist the Director General in performing the functions and tasks of examination management and issuance of driving licenses (referred to as the examination management agency).

2. Provincial Departments of Transport shall be responsible for managing examinations and issuance of driving licenses within their respective provinces and centrally-administered cities; the department assigned the task of training, examination, and issuance of driving licenses shall assist the Department Director in performing the functions and tasks of examination management and issuance of driving licenses (referred to as the examination management agency).

Article 30. Vietnam Highway Administration

1. Shall be responsible for responding to competent authorities during the process of issuing permits for operating driving examination services according to Clause 3, Article 4 of Decree No. 65/2016/ND-CP regarding the suitability of the network planning of driving examination centers.

2. Shall develop and adjust the network planning of driving examination centers for approval by the Ministry of Transport; shall establish a system of forms, ledgers, and specialized seals for managing business operations and serving the management of driving examinations and issuance of driver's licenses for approval by competent authorities to uniformly apply throughout the country.

3. Shall conduct surprise or regular inspections of driving examination centers to ensure the accuracy of automatic scoring devices as prescribed, and may temporarily suspend operations if necessary to address issues; shall inspect driving examination sessions at driving examination centers, handle or report violations to competent authorities for handling according to current regulations.

4. Shall study and apply information technology to business operations and management of driving examinations and issuance of driver's licenses; shall establish an information network connecting the Driving Examination Management Agency under the Vietnam Highway Administration with driving examination centers, Driving Examination Management Agencies under Provincial Departments of Transport, and driving training institutions.

5. Shall direct the implementation of training, examinations, and issuance of driver's licenses nationwide:

a) Provide professional guidance on establishing driving examination centers;

b) Implement and provide professional guidance for Provincial Departments of Transport to carry out public services for driver's license exchanges;

c) Direct business operations, guide, and supervise activities, calibrate vehicles, equipment, and facilities of driving examination centers as prescribed;

d) Guide and inspect business operations of Driving Examination Management Agencies under Provincial Departments of Transport;

đ) Develop training programs and plans, organize training sessions, issue examiner cards for the national team of examiners, and store examiner records as prescribed; directly manage the team of examiners under the Driving Examination Management Agency of the Vietnam Highway Administration;

e) Organize examinations and issuance of driver's licenses for students at driving training institutions assigned by the Ministry of Transport.

6. Shall receive and process information on driver's license exchanges transferred from Provincial Departments of Transport; shall organize the issuance and exchange of driver's licenses for the following groups:

a) Drivers of central agencies of the Party, State, mass organizations, and international and diplomatic organizations headquartered in Hanoi;

b) Drivers managed by the Vietnam Highway Administration.

7. Shall update violations of drivers into the Driver's License Information System provided by competent authorities that impose administrative penalties.

8. Shall perform other tasks related to driving examinations and issuance of driver's licenses assigned by the Director of the Vietnam Highway Administration.

9. Shall publicly announce the schedule and locations of driving examinations for the following month before the 25th day of the current month on the Vietnam Highway Administration’s official website.

Article 31. Provincial Department of Transport

1. Shall be responsible for responding to competent authorities during the process of issuing permits for operating driving examination services according to Clause 3, Article 4 of Decree No. 65/2016/ND-CP regarding the suitability of the network planning of driving examination centers.

2. Shall implement regulations of the Ministry of Transport and guidance of the Vietnam Highway Administration concerning business operations of driving examinations and issuance of driver's licenses.

3. Shall develop plans for training needs, capacity building, and directly manage and store records of the team of examiners.

4. Shall direct the establishment and management of driving examination centers in the locality.

5. Shall implement the connection of information networks with driving examination centers, training institutions in the locality, and the Vietnam Highway Administration.

6. Shall implement public services for driver's license exchanges.

7. Shall organize examinations for students at driving training institutions managed by the Provincial Department of Transport; in cases where examinations are organized at driving examination centers not directly under its management, it shall select appropriate plans for organizing examinations.

8. Shall receive and process information on driver's license exchanges, reissue expired driver's licenses transferred from the Vietnam Highway Administration or another Provincial Department of Transport; shall organize the issuance of new and replacement driver's licenses for lost ones and exchanges for drivers who need them.

9. Shall update violations of drivers into the Driver's License Information System provided by competent authorities that impose administrative penalties.

10. Shall perform other tasks related to driving examinations and issuance of driver's licenses assigned by the Director of the Provincial Department of Transport.

11. Shall publicly announce the schedule and locations of driving examinations for the following month before the 25th day of the current month on the Provincial Department of Transport’s official website.

Article 32. Sample of the driving license

1. The sample of the driving license shall be implemented in accordance with the provisions set out in Appendix 17 attached to this Circular.

2. The Vietnam Road Administration shall design for security, print, issue, guide, and manage the use of driving licenses throughout the country.

Article 33. Use and management of driving licenses

1. Driving licenses made of PET material issued to each individual must ensure a unique management number applicable to both unlimited-term and limited-term driving licenses.

2. Individuals who wish to integrate their driving licenses shall register for courses and examinations to obtain driving licenses as prescribed in Appendix 7 attached to this Circular, or follow procedures to exchange driving licenses as stipulated in Article 38 of this Circular.

3. Individuals holding integrated driving licenses for both limited-term and unlimited-term licenses, if they wish to separate their driving licenses, shall follow the procedures for separating driving licenses as stipulated in Article 38 of this Circular.

4. Holders of driving licenses may only drive vehicle types specified on their driving licenses.

5. When exchanging, reissuing, or upgrading driving licenses, the issuing authority shall cut the corner of the old driving license and hand it over to the driver for safekeeping.

6. Driving licenses must be carried by the holder when driving.

7. Driving licenses may be suspended or revoked according to the provisions of the law.

8. Individuals holding Class B1 driving licenses wishing to operate vehicles professionally or those seeking to upgrade their driving licenses must attend training courses and examinations to obtain new driving licenses.

9. Individuals holding Class B1 automatic transmission driving licenses are not permitted to drive manual transmission vehicles (stick shift); if they wish to drive such vehicles, they must undergo additional training and practical driving examinations to obtain a Class B1 driving license.

10. Foreign individuals or Vietnamese residing abroad who wish to drive in Vietnam shall proceed as follows:

a) If they hold a national driving license, they must apply to exchange it for a corresponding Vietnamese driving license;

b) In cases where international conventions on driving licenses to which Vietnam is a party provide different provisions, such convention provisions shall apply.

11. Individuals holding Class FD or FE driving licenses issued by the Transport Industry before July 1, 2009, who wish to operate trucks towing trailers or tractor-trailers may have their licenses upgraded to Class FC.

12. Driving licenses of Classes A1 and A2 issued by the Public Security Sector prior to August 1, 1995, and driving licenses issued by the Transport Industry that remain valid may continue to be used.

13. A valid driving license is a driving license issued by the Vietnam Road Administration or the Department of Transport, bearing a serial number matching the serial number in the driving license management information system.

14. Individuals who erase, alter information on driving licenses; use counterfeit driving licenses or driving license files; use reported lost driving licenses to operate motor vehicles; or engage in other fraudulent acts to obtain exchanges, reissues, or new driving licenses, in addition to having their driving licenses, original files, and management data updated in the driving license system revoked by the driving license management authority, they shall also bear legal responsibility and will not be issued driving licenses for five years from the date of discovery of the violation. If they wish to reissue driving licenses, they must study and take examinations as if obtaining a driving license for the first time.

Article 34. Verification of Driving Licenses

1. When receiving the list of requests for verification of issued driving licenses from training institutions and before approving the list of upgraded, renewed, or reissued driving licenses, the General Department of Vietnam Roads or the Department of Transport must search and print information about the driving license of the person requesting an upgrade, renewal, or reissue from the driving license management information system (the verification report on motor vehicle driving licenses); in cases where there is no information, they must request a verification report from the issuing authority; the application for verification of motor vehicle driving licenses according to the form prescribed in Appendix 18a attached to this Circular, and the verification report on motor vehicle driving licenses according to the form prescribed in Appendix 18b attached to this Circular.

2. Implementation of driving license verification

a) The verification of driving licenses must be conducted immediately via telephone, email, or fax, followed by a written confirmation;

b) In cases where there is no verification result of motor vehicle driving licenses, the General Department of Vietnam Roads or the Department of Transport shall not renew, reissue, or include the candidate in the list of those permitted to take the examination for a driving license.

3. Time limit for verification

a) From the date of receipt of the list of requests for verification of driving licenses or valid files as stipulated in Article 38 of this Circular, the General Department of Vietnam Roads or the Department of Transport must issue a request for verification of issued driving licenses;

b) Upon receiving the verification request, the General Department of Vietnam Roads or the Department of Transport must respond with the verification result of the issued driving licenses.

Article 35. Issuance of New Driving Licenses

1. Individuals who pass the examination will be issued a driving license corresponding to the category they have been admitted to; in cases of upgrading or reissuing due to exceeding the usage period as stipulated in Clause 1 of Article 36 of this Circular, the original driving license must be presented when collecting the new driving license.

2. Based on the decision recognizing admission to the examination, the Director of the General Department of Vietnam Roads or the Director of the Department of Transport will issue a driving license to the admitted individual.

The admission date recorded on the back of the driving license is the date of signing the decision recognizing admission to the examination.

3. The issuance of a driving license shall not exceed ten working days from the end date of the examination.

Article 36. Reissuance of Driving Licenses

1. Individuals holding expired driving licenses

a) From three months up to less than one year since expiration, must retake the theory examination to reissue the driving license;

b) One year or more since expiration, must retake both the theory and practical examinations to reissue the driving license.

The application for retaking the examination follows the provisions of Clause 3 of Article 19 of this Circular.

2. Individuals holding lost driving licenses that are still within their validity period or have exceeded it by less than three months may apply for reissuance of the driving license.

In cases of refusal, the State Bank will issue a document refusing approval to use foreign currency within the territory and clearly state the reasons.

a) An application for reissuance of a driving license according to the form prescribed in Appendix 19 attached to this Circular;

b) Original documents corresponding to the driving license (if available);

c) A health certificate of the driver issued by a competent medical facility, except for the reissuance of unlimited-term driving licenses for categories A1, A2, A3;

d) A copy of the identity card or citizen identification card or passport with the identity card number or citizen identification card number (for Vietnamese citizens) or a valid passport (for foreigners and overseas Vietnamese).

When submitting the reissuance procedures at the General Department of Vietnam Roads or the Department of Transport, the driver must submit one set of documents, take a direct photograph, and present the original documents mentioned above (except for those already submitted) for verification. After two months from the date of submission of complete documents, taking photographs, and paying the prescribed fees, if no driving license is found to be seized or processed by competent authorities, and the name appears in the examination management agency's records, the driving license will be reissued.

3. Individuals holding lost driving licenses that have exceeded their validity period by three months or more, whose names appear in the examination management agency's records, and who are not currently being processed by competent authorities, must retake the following examinations after two months from the date of submission of valid documents:

a) Exceeded validity period from three months up to less than one year, must retake the theory examination;

b) Exceeded validity period of one year or more, must retake both the theory and practical examinations.

The application for retaking the examination follows the provisions of Clause 4 of Article 19 of this Circular.

4. The authority reissuing driving licenses for lost cases must notify the cancellation of the old driving license to relevant agencies.

5. The admission date recorded on the back of the reissued (restored) driving license is calculated based on the admission date of the old driving license.

6. The time limit for reissuing a driving license is the same as for issuing a new one.

7. Candidates retaking the examination who wish to review can register with driving schools for guidance and must pay the review fee as prescribed, without having to retake the entire training program.

8. Individuals holding driving licenses still within their validity period but lacking original documents, whose names appear in the examination management agency's records, may request the restoration of original documents.

The driver must prepare one set of documents and submit them directly to the General Department of Vietnam Roads or the Department of Transport (where the driving license was originally issued). The documents include:

a) An application according to the form prescribed in Appendix 19 attached to this Circular;

b) A copy of the driving license, identity card, citizen identification card, or passport with a valid term.

The authority issuing the driving license will check, confirm, stamp, and clearly record: the number, category of the driving license issued, examination date (if applicable), and training institution name (if applicable) in the upper right corner of the application and return it to the driver for self-preservation as a substitute for the original documents.

Article 37. Exchange of Driver's Licenses

1. The exchange of driver's licenses from paper to PET material is encouraged to be completed before December 31, 2020.

2. Persons holding driver's licenses with expiration dates must exchange their driver's licenses before the end of their validity period; persons holding damaged driver's licenses that still have validity may exchange their driver's licenses.

3. Persons holding Class E driver's licenses who are 55 years old for males and 50 years old for females, if they wish to continue driving and meet the health requirements, may apply to exchange their driver's licenses to lower classes (Class D or below).

4. In cases where the year of birth, surname, given name, middle name recorded on the driver's license differ from those on the identity card or citizen identification card, the driver's license management agency shall process the issuance of a new driver's license consistent with the information on the identity card or citizen identification card.

5. Subjects eligible for exchanging driver's licenses:

a) Vietnamese citizens and foreigners trained, examined, and issued driver's licenses in Vietnam;

b) Persons holding damaged driver's licenses issued by the transportation sector;

c) Vietnamese citizens and foreigners residing permanently in Vietnam who have exchanged Vietnamese driver's licenses from foreign driver's licenses, and wish to exchange their driver's licenses upon expiration;

d) Persons holding military driver's licenses within their validity period when leaving military service (discharged, retired, transferred to other sectors, terminated employment contracts in defense enterprises...), if they wish to exchange their driver's licenses;

e) Police officers holding driver's licenses issued by the Public Security Sector after July 31, 1995, within their validity period, when leaving the sector or retiring, if they wish to exchange their driver's licenses;

f) Persons holding damaged motorbike driver's licenses issued by the Public Security Sector before August 1, 1995, listed in the registration book, if they wish to exchange their driver's licenses;

g) Foreigners residing, working, or studying in Vietnam, holding diplomatic identification cards, official identification cards, temporary residence cards, residence cards, stay cards, permanent residence cards for three months or more, and national driver's licenses within their validity period, if they wish to drive in Vietnam, may apply to exchange their driver's licenses for corresponding Vietnamese driver's licenses;

h) Foreign tourists driving vehicles registered abroad entering Vietnam, holding national driver's licenses within their validity period, if they wish to drive in Vietnam, may apply to exchange their driver's licenses for corresponding Vietnamese driver's licenses;

i) Vietnamese citizens (holding Vietnamese nationality) residing, studying, or working abroad, holding national driver's licenses issued by foreign countries within their validity period, if they wish to drive in Vietnam, may apply to exchange their driver's licenses for corresponding Vietnamese driver's licenses.

6. Driver's licenses will not be exchanged in the following cases:

a) Temporary foreign driver's licenses; international driver's licenses; foreign, military, or police driver's licenses beyond their validity period according to regulations, altered, torn, or lacking necessary elements for exchange, or having differences in identification; foreign driver's licenses not issued by authorized agencies;

b) Driver's licenses issued by the Transportation Sector but not recorded in the driver's license information system or the list of issued driver's licenses (management books);

c) Military discharge decisions exceeding six months from the date of application for exchange for military driver's licenses issued by the Ministry of National Defense;

d) Persons not meeting the health standards as prescribed.

7. Validity period and vehicle categories allowed to operate:

a) The validity period of Vietnamese driver's licenses exchanged for foreigners corresponds to the duration recorded in their entry visa or temporary residence permit, and matches the validity period of their foreign driver's licenses but does not exceed the prescribed validity period of Vietnamese driver's licenses;

b) The validity period of Vietnamese driver's licenses exchanged for foreign tourists driving vehicles registered abroad entering Vietnam corresponds to the duration of their stay in Vietnam (from entry to departure) but does not exceed the prescribed validity period of Vietnamese driver's licenses.

For foreign tourists driving vehicles into Vietnam without the opportunity to present passports and foreign driver's licenses, when exchanging driver's licenses, the application can be based on the immigration records of the Ministry of Public Security and a translation of the driver's license (accompanied by a copy of the foreign driver's license), issuing driver's licenses for the number of registered individuals. Driver's licenses are only issued to those actually entering Vietnam after verifying the foreign driver's license and passport;

c) National driver's licenses allowing operation of multiple categories, when exchanged, allow operation of corresponding categories of Vietnamese driver's licenses;

d) Active military driver's licenses allowing operation of multiple categories, when exchanged, allow operation of corresponding categories of Transportation Sector driver's licenses; military driver's licenses of Class F may be exchanged for Class C driver's licenses issued by the Transportation Sector.

8. Time limit for exchanging driver's licenses:

a) Not exceeding five working days from the date of receiving complete application files as prescribed;

b) When exchanging driver's licenses, the issuing agency cuts the corner of the old driver's license (except for foreign-issued driver's licenses), and hands it over to the driver for safekeeping.

Article 38. Procedure for exchanging driving licenses issued by the Transport Ministry

The driver shall prepare one set of application documents and submit them directly or through online declaration to the General Department of Vietnam Roads or the Provincial Transport Departments. The application package includes:

1. An application form for exchanging driving license according to the model prescribed in Appendix 19 attached to this Circular.

2. A health certificate of the driver issued by a medical facility authorized under the regulations, except for the following categories:

a) Drivers holding Class A1, A2, A3 licenses;

b) Drivers requesting to separate driving licenses with validity periods from those without validity periods.

3. A copy of the driving license, identity card, citizen identification card, or passport still valid and bearing the number of the identity card or citizen identification card (for Vietnamese citizens) or a still valid passport (for foreigners and overseas Vietnamese).

When coming to process the exchange of driving license, the driver must have their photograph taken at the issuing authority and must present the original copies of the above-mentioned documents (except for those already submitted) for verification.

Article 39. Procedure for exchanging military driving licenses issued by the Ministry of National Defense

The driver establishes one set of application documents, which are directly submitted to the Vietnam Highway Corporation or the Department of Transport. The documents include:

1. An application form for exchanging driving license according to the model prescribed in Appendix 19 attached to this Circular.

2. A copy of the Decision on leaving military service within six months from the date signed by the battalion-level commander or higher, or the decision to terminate the labor contract, within six months from the date signed by the competent authority of the defense enterprise.

3. A health certificate of the driver issued by a medical facility authorized under the regulations, except for the case of exchanging Class A1, A2, A3 licenses.

4. A copy of the military driving license still valid, identity card, citizen identification card, or passport still valid and bearing the number of the identity card or citizen identification card (for Vietnamese citizens).

When coming to process the exchange of driving license, the driver must have their photograph taken at the issuing authority and must present the original copies of the above-mentioned documents (except for those already submitted) for verification.

The application package for exchanging military driving licenses is the original file including the documents mentioned in Clause 1 and Clause 2 of this Article and the military driving license that has been corner-cut, handed over to the driver for self-preservation.

Article 40. Procedure for exchanging driving licenses issued by the Public Security Ministry

1. Application package for exchanging motorcycle driving licenses issued by the Public Security Ministry before August 1, 1995:

The driver shall prepare one set of application documents and submit them directly to the General Department of Vietnam Roads or the Provincial Transport Departments. The application package includes:

a) An application form for exchanging driving license according to the model prescribed in Appendix 19 attached to this Circular;

b) A copy of the driving license, identity card, citizen identification card, or passport still valid and bearing the number of the identity card or citizen identification card (for Vietnamese citizens);

c) Original documents (if available);

When coming to process the exchange of driving license, the driver must have their photograph taken at the issuing authority and must present the original copies of the above-mentioned documents (except for those already submitted) for verification.

2. Application package for exchanging driving licenses issued by the Public Security Ministry from August 1, 1995:

The driver establishes one set of application documents, which are directly submitted to the Vietnam Highway Corporation or the Department of Transport. The documents include:

a) An application form for exchanging driving license according to the model prescribed in Appendix 19 attached to this Circular;

b) A copy of the Decision on leaving the profession or retirement issued by the competent authority;

c) A health certificate of the driver issued by a medical facility authorized under the regulations, except for the case of exchanging Class A1, A2, A3 licenses;

d) A copy of the driving license issued by the Public Security Ministry still valid, identity card, citizen identification card, or passport still valid and bearing the number of the identity card or citizen identification card (for Vietnamese citizens).

When coming to process the exchange of driving license, the driver must have their photograph taken at the issuing authority and must present the original copies of the above-mentioned documents (except for those already submitted) for verification.

The application package for exchanging Public Security driving licenses is the original file, including the documents mentioned in point a and point b of Clause 2 of this Article and the Public Security driving license that has been corner-cut, handed over to the driver for self-preservation.

Article 41. Procedures for Changing a Driving License or Foreign Driving Permit

1. The driver shall prepare one set of application documents and submit them directly to the General Department of Vietnam Transportation or the Department of Transport of the province/city where they are registered, residing, temporarily residing, or permanently settling. The application package includes:

a) An application form for changing a driving license (for Vietnamese citizens according to the model prescribed in Appendix 19 issued together with this Circular, and for foreign citizens according to the model prescribed in Appendix 20 issued together with this Circular);

b) A certified Vietnamese translation of the foreign driving permit, guaranteed by a Notary Public or Embassy/Consulate in Vietnam where the translator works, affixed with a stamp on the copy of the driving permit; in case of doubt, the issuing authority shall request the Embassy/Consulate of the country issuing the driving permit in Vietnam to verify;

c) A copy of the passport (including the passport number, name, photo, validity period, and entry visa page), identity card or citizen identification card, diplomatic or service passport issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, or a copy of residence card, temporary residence card, temporary stay card, permanent residence card, or long-term settlement certificate for foreigners; in case of doubt, the issuing authority shall request the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Exit and Entry Administration under the Ministry of Public Security, or the Exit and Entry Police Department under the provincial/municipal police to verify.

When coming to process the exchange of driving license, the driver must have their photograph taken at the issuing authority and must present the original copies of the above-mentioned documents (except for those already submitted) for verification.

2. The original application package for changing a driving license, managed by the driver, consists of the documents specified in Clause 1 of this Article and the foreign driving permit.

3. The application package for changing a driving license of foreigners not permanently settled in Vietnam shall be retained by the issuing authority for one year, including the documents specified in Clause 1 of this Article.

Article 42. Application Package for Changing a Driving License or Foreign Driving Permit Issued to Foreign Tourists Driving in Vietnam

1. The driver shall prepare one set of application documents and submit them directly to the Department of Transport. The application package includes:

a) An application form for changing a driving license according to the model prescribed in Appendix 20 issued together with this Circular;

b) A certified Vietnamese translation of the foreign driving permit, guaranteed by a Notary Public or Embassy/Consulate in Vietnam where the translator works, affixed with a stamp on the copy of the driving permit; in case of doubt, the issuing authority shall request the Embassy/Consulate of the country issuing the driving permit in Vietnam to verify;

c) A certified copy of the immigration record from the Ministry of Public Security or a copy of the passport including the passport number, name, photo, validity period, and entry visa page;

d) One color photograph measuring 3 cm x 4 cm with a blue background, in the format of an identity card or citizen identification card.

When collecting the driving license, the driver must present the original copies of the above-mentioned documents (except those already submitted) for verification.

2. The management authority issuing the driving license must record in the management file that the driving license has been changed once.

Part IV

TRAINING AND TESTING FORCERTAIN SPECIAL CASES

Article 43. Driver Training

1. Training for persons with disabilities to operate three-wheeled motorcycles for persons with disabilities to obtain a Class A1 driving license: Students may self-study theory and practice; in cases where they require concentrated study, they must register with the training institution to follow the prescribed curriculum and program.

2. Training to issue a Class B1 automatic transmission driving license for persons with disabilities who meet the conditions to operate a Class B1 automatic transmission training vehicle at the training institution

a) The student must meet the conditions and submit the required documents as stipulated in Articles 7 and 9 of this Circular, must register for study at a permitted training institution, must complete the prescribed duration and content of the training program, can self-study theoretical subjects, but must be tested and issued a training certificate;

b) The training institution must use Class B1 automatic transmission vehicles that meet the conditions set by the institution for training purposes.

3. Training to issue a Class B1 automatic transmission driving license for persons with disabilities who do not meet the conditions to operate a Class B1 automatic transmission training vehicle at the training institution

a) The student must meet the conditions and submit the required documents as stipulated in Articles 7 and 9 of this Circular, must register for study at a permitted training institution, must complete the prescribed duration and content of the training program, can self-study theoretical subjects, but must be tested and issued a training certificate;

b) The training institution may use the person's own automobile for training purposes; the person's automobile must have a structure suitable for operation by the person with disabilities, ensuring the conditions specified in points d, e, i, and k of Clause 2, Article 6 of Decree No. 65/2016/NĐ-CP on business conditions for driver training services and driving examination services.

4. Driver training for Class A1 motorbikes for ethnic minority groups with very low educational levels: The Department of Transport shall develop and submit to the People's Committee of the province or centrally governed city for issuance of appropriate training forms based on local actual conditions.

Article 44. Driving Examination

1. Examination to issue a Class A1 motorbike driving license for persons with disabilities and ethnic minorities with very low educational levels: Based on the examination content and procedures already issued, the Department of Transport shall develop examination content and organization plans suitable for the situation, submit to the People's Committee of the province for consideration and decision.

2. Examination to issue a Class B1 automatic transmission driving license for persons with disabilities who meet the conditions to operate a Class B1 automatic transmission examination vehicle at the examination center

a) The examinee must have complete documentation, and comply with all examination content and procedures as prescribed at the examination center meeting the conditions;

b) The examinee must use a Class B1 automatic transmission vehicle meeting the conditions of the examination center for both road and simulated driving examinations.

3. Examination to issue a Class B1 automatic transmission driving license for persons with disabilities who do not meet the conditions to operate a Class B1 automatic transmission examination vehicle at the examination center

a) The examinee must have complete documentation, comply with all examination content and procedures as prescribed at the examination center meeting the conditions, and have two examiners seated in the vehicle directly scoring the road and simulated driving examination content;

b) The examinee must use their own automobile for the examination; the person's automobile must have a structure suitable for operation by the person with disabilities, ensuring the conditions specified in points d, e, i, and k of Clause 2, Article 6 of Decree No. 65/2016/NĐ-CP on business conditions for driver training services and driving examination services.

Part V

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 45. Report on Driver Training, Examination, and License Issuance Work

Annually, in January and July, the Department of Transport shall review and summarize the local driver training, examination, and license issuance work (including a consolidated report on the issuance and renewal of driver licenses according to the form prescribed in Appendix 21 attached to this Circular), and submit the report to the Vietnam Road Administration for consolidation and reporting to the Ministry of Transport.

Article 46. Inspection and Audit

1. The Vietnam Road Administration shall conduct inspections and audits of driver training, examination, and license issuance nationwide.

2. The Department of Transport shall inspect, audit, and supervise driver training and examination work at training institutions and examination centers under its management.

3. Inspections and audits of driver training, examination, and license issuance shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the law.

Article 47. Transitional Provisions

Driver training licenses for categories A1, A2, A3, and A4 issued before the effective date of this Circular remain valid until their expiration date as stated on the license; upon expiration, training institutions for these categories shall comply with the provisions set forth in Clause 4, Article 4 of this Circular.

Article 48. Effectiveness and Responsibility for Implementation

1. This Circular takes effect from June 1, 2017, replacing Circular No. 58/2015/TT-BGTVT dated October 20, 2015, issued by the Minister of Transport regarding driver training, examination, and license issuance for motor vehicles.

2. The Vietnam Road Administration and the Departments of Transport of provinces and centrally governed cities are responsible for organizing the implementation of this Circular.

3. The Director of the Ministry's Office, the Inspector General of the Ministry, the Heads of Departments, the Director of the Vietnam Road Administration, the Directors of the Departments of Transport of provinces and centrally governed cities, the Heads of agencies, organizations, and individuals related to this matter are responsible for implementing this Circular./.