Circular No. 15/2011/TT-BGTVT amends and supplements certain Articles of Circular No. 07/2009/TT-BGTVT dated June 19, 2009, issued by the Minister of Transport on training, examination, and issuance of motor vehicle driver's licenses.

CIRCULAR

Amending and supplementing certain articles of Circular No. 07/2009/TT-BGTVT dated June 19, 2009

of the Minister of Transport on training, examination, and issuance of motor vehicle driver's licenses

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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 the Vocational Training Law dated November 29, 2006;

Pursuant to Decree No. 51/2008/NĐ-CP dated April 22, 2008 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Transport;

The Minister of Transport hereby promulgates as follows:

Article 1. Amending and supplementing certain articles of Circular No. 07/2009/TT-BGTVT dated June 19, 2009 issued by the Minister of Transport on training, examination, and issuance of motor vehicle driving licenses.

1. Repeal Point b Clause 11 Article 5.

2. Amend Article 10 as follows:

"Article 10. Documents of learners

1. For initial learners, prepare one set of documents to be submitted directly to the training institution. The documents include:

a) Application for training, examination, and issuance of a driving license according to the model prescribed in Appendix 13;

b) A copy of the national identity card or passport within its validity period;

c) Health certificate issued by a competent medical facility as prescribed.

2. For learners upgrading their license category, prepare one set of documents to be submitted directly to the training institution. The documents include:

a) Documents specified in Clause 1 of this Article;

b) Declaration of driving time and safe mileage according to the model prescribed in Appendix 14, and the declarant shall bear responsibility for the contents declared under the law;

c) Certified copy of secondary school graduation certificate or equivalent for those upgrading to categories D or E;

d) Copy of driving license (present original when taking the examination and receiving the driving license)."

3. Supplement Articles 13a and 13b after Article 13 as follows:

"Article 13a. Procedures for issuing certificates for practical driving instructors

1. Individuals wishing to apply shall submit one set of documents directly to the Department of Transport or Vietnam Highway Corporation. The documents include:

a) Application form according to the model prescribed in Appendix 15a;

b) Driving license (photocopy with original for verification);

c) Secondary school graduation certificate or equivalent (photocopy with original for verification);

d) Health certificate issued by a competent medical facility as prescribed;

đ) Teaching qualification certificate (photocopy with original for verification);

e) Two color photographs measuring 3 x 4 cm in the format of a national identity card.

2. The Department of Transport or Vietnam Highway Corporation will accept and check the documents, and notify the date of the practical driving instructor training course;

3. The Department of Transport or Vietnam Highway Corporation will organize training for individuals meeting the requirements and assess the training results. In cases where individuals do not meet the training requirements, they must be informed in writing with specific reasons.

Within no more than three working days from the date of passing the training assessment, the Department of Transport or Vietnam Highway Corporation will issue a practical driving instructor certificate, record it in the tracking book according to the model prescribed in Appendix 15c. The individual receiving the certificate must present a valid national identity card or passport for verification upon collection.

Article 13b. Procedures for issuing learner vehicle permits

1. Training institutions shall prepare one set of documents to be submitted to the Department of Transport or Vietnam Highway Corporation for review and issuance of the permit. The documents include:

a) List of vehicles applying for learner vehicle permits according to the model prescribed in Appendix 15b;

b) Vehicle documents for applying for learner vehicle permits including: vehicle registration certificate (photocopy with original for verification), safety technical inspection certificate within its validity period (photocopy), compulsory civil liability insurance certificate within its validity period (photocopy).

2. Within no more than three working days from the date of receipt of complete documents as prescribed, based on the inspection results, the Department of Transport or Vietnam Highway Corporation will issue learner vehicle permits to the training institutions. If the permit is not issued, a written response must be provided with specific reasons."

4. Amend Article 14 as follows:

"Article 14. Procedures for issuing new driving school training permits

1. Approval of the proposal to establish a new driving school

a) Organizations or individuals with the need, sufficient land capability (confirmed by the competent authority) and financial capacity shall submit a written request along with the construction plan directly to the Department of Transport;

b) Based on the actual training needs of the locality, the Department of Transport shall submit a written request to Vietnam Highway Corporation to consider and approve the investment proposal to establish a new driving school in accordance with the planning orientation. If no request is made or approved, the Department of Transport and Vietnam Highway Corporation shall provide a written response to the organization or individual with specific reasons.

2. New driving school training permit application documents shall be prepared by the training institution and submitted directly to Vietnam Highway Corporation. The documents include:

a) Letter of request accompanied by a report requesting the issuance of a driving school training permit according to the model prescribed in Appendix 16.

b) Approval document from Vietnam Highway Corporation (photocopy);

b) Within ten working days from receiving complete files according to regulations, the Department of Transport will organize an on-site inspection of the driving school in collaboration with the local vocational training management agency. The inspection report form is specified in Appendix 17a of this Circular;

c) Within five working days from the end of the inspection, if the conditions are met, the Department of Transport will issue a new driver training permit to the driving school. If the permit is not issued, a written response must be provided stating the reasons;

đ) Vehicle registration certificate (certified copy), safety technical inspection certificate within its validity period (photocopy), learner vehicle permit (photocopy).

3. Within no more than ten working days from the date of receipt of complete new permit application documents as prescribed, Vietnam Highway Corporation shall coordinate with relevant agencies to conduct an on-site inspection of the training institution. The inspection record model is prescribed in Appendix 17a;

4. Within no more than five working days from the end of the inspection, Vietnam Highway Corporation shall issue a new driving school training permit to the training institution.

5. If the permit is not issued or denied, a written response must be provided with specific reasons and any necessary corrective actions required. The Department of Transport responsible for management shall urge and guide implementation and report to Vietnam Highway Corporation.

Within no more than three working days from the date of receipt of the confirmation document from the Department of Transport regarding the completion of corrective actions, Vietnam Highway Corporation shall issue a new driving school training permit to the training institution. If the permit is not issued, a written response must be provided with specific reasons."

5. Supplement Articles 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d after Article 14 as follows:

"Article 14a. Procedures for reissuing driving school training permits

1. Documents for reissuing driving school training permits

a) In case of reissuance upon expiration: Thirty days before the driving school training permit expires, the training institution shall prepare one set of application documents to request reissuance and submit them to the Department of Transport. The documents include the components specified in points a, d, đ of Clause 2, Article 14 (except for contents related to instructors and practice vehicles, which only supplement changes compared to the most recent issuance time).

b) In case of reissuance upon adjustment of vehicle categories: The training institution shall prepare one set of documents and submit them to the Department of Transport. The documents include the components specified in points a, d, đ of Clause 2, Article 14 for the adjusted vehicle categories.

c) In case of reissuance upon increasing the training capacity of the training institution by more than 20%: The training institution shall prepare one set of documents and submit them to the Department of Transport. The documents include the components specified in points a, d, đ of Clause 2, Article 14.

2. Within no more than five working days from the date of receiving complete reissuance application documents, the Department of Transport shall cooperate with the local vocational management agency to conduct on-site inspections of the training institution and prepare inspection records according to the model specified in Appendix 17b for cases of reissuance upon expiration or adjustment of vehicle categories; and according to Appendix 18 for cases of adjustment of training capacity.

3. Within no more than three working days from the end of the inspection, the Department of Transport shall send a letter and the inspection record to the Vietnam Highway Corporation.

4. Within no more than five working days from the date of receiving complete reissuance application documents, the Vietnam Highway Corporation shall reissue the driving school training permit for the training institution. If the permit is not issued, it must be replied in writing with specific reasons.

Article 14b. Procedures for Adjusting Training Capacity up to 20%

1. The training institution shall prepare one set of documents and submit them to the Department of Transport. The documents include the components specified in points a, d, đ of Clause 2, Article 14. The Department of Transport shall organize inspections, prepare adjustment records for driving school training capacity according to the model specified in Appendix 19, and issue adjustment documents for the training institution.

2. Within no more than three working days from the date of receiving complete adjustment application documents, the Department of Transport shall organize on-site inspections of the training institution.

3. Within no more than three working days from the end of the inspection, the Department of Transport shall issue adjustment documents for driving school training capacity for the training institution. If the adjustment is not made, it must be replied in writing with specific reasons.

Article 14c. Procedures for Issuing New Driving School Training Permits for Categories A1, A2, A3, and A4

1. The training institution shall prepare one set of documents and submit them directly to the Department of Transport. 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 accompanying letter with a report requesting issuance of a driving school training permit according to the model specified in Appendix 16;

b) A decision establishing the vocational training institution with the function of driving school training by the competent authority (certified copy);

c) Certificates of practical driving instructors (photocopies);

d) Vehicle registration certificates for practice vehicles for categories A3 and A4 (photocopies).

2. Within no more than five working days from the date of receiving complete application documents, the Department of Transport shall conduct on-site inspections of the training institution and prepare inspection records according to the model specified in Appendix 20.

3. Within no more than five working days from the end of the inspection, the Department of Transport shall issue driving school training permits for categories A1, A2, A3, and A4 to the training institution. If the permit is not issued, it must be replied in writing with specific reasons.

Article 14d. Procedure for Reissuing Driving School Training Licenses for Categories A1, A2, A3, and A4

1. Fifteen days before the driving school training license expires, the training institution shall submit one set of application documents to the Department of Transport requesting reissue of the license. The documents include:

a) A letter accompanied by a report requesting reissue of the driving school training license according to the model prescribed in Appendix 16;

b) A certificate of practical driving instructor for instructors (photocopy);

c) Driving practice vehicle permit for categories A3 and A4 (photocopy).

2. Within no more than five working days from the date of receiving complete application documents, the Department of Transport shall conduct on-site inspections of the training institution and prepare inspection records according to the model specified in Appendix 20.

3. Within no more than five working days from the date of completion of the inspection, the Department of Transport shall issue driving school training licenses for categories A1, A2, A3, and A4 to the training institution. In case of non-issuance, a written response must be provided with clear reasons.

6. Amend Article 22 as follows:

Article 22. Validity Period of Driving Licenses

1. Category A1, A2, A3: unlimited.

2. Category A4, B1, B2: ten years, from the date of issuance;

3. Category C, D, E, FB2, FC, FD, FE: five years, from the date of issuance.

7. Amend Article 24 as follows:

Article 24. Procedure for Issuing New Certificates for Driving Test Centers of Type 1 and Type 2

1. Agreement on Principle

a) Organizations and individuals with requirements shall send a request letter accompanied by a summary report of the project to build a driving test center to the Provincial People's Committee;

b) Based on the request of the Provincial People's Committee and the planning orientation, the Ministry of Transport (for driving test centers of Type 1), the General Department of Highways (for driving test centers of Type 2) shall issue a letter agreeing to the principle of building a driving test center and send it to the Provincial People's Committee and organizations and individuals. In case of non-agreement, a written response must be provided with clear reasons.

2. Agreement on Overall Layout and Size of Examination Area

a) Organizations and individuals shall send a request letter accompanied by three sets of documents to the Department of Transport. The documents include: investment project for construction; overall layout plan; certified copy of construction permit; examination area size design documents; list of types of motor vehicles and automatic scoring equipment used for examinations;

b) Within no more than five working days from the date of receipt of complete documents as prescribed, the Department of Transport shall forward three sets of documents and the request letter to the General Department of Highways for consideration and agreement on the overall layout and size of the examination area of the driving test center. In case of non-request, a written response must be provided with clear reasons;

c) Within no more than five working days from the date of receipt of complete documents as prescribed, the General Department of Highways shall issue a letter of agreement to the Department of Transport and organizations and individuals. In case of non-agreement, a written response must be provided with clear reasons.

3. Inspection and Issuance of Certificate

a) After completion of construction, the Driving Test Center shall send a request letter to the Department of Transport for inspection and issuance of a certificate confirming that the center meets the conditions for operation;

b) Within no more than fifteen working days from the date of receipt of complete documents as prescribed, the Department of Transport shall inspect and request the General Department of Highways to conduct an actual inspection and issue a certificate confirming that the center meets the conditions for operation. In case of non-request, a written response must be provided to the organization or individual with clear reasons;

c) Within no more than twenty-five working days from the date of receipt of complete documents as prescribed, the General Department of Highways shall organize an inspection and issue a certificate. In case of non-issuance of the certificate, a written response must be provided with clear reasons.

8. Add Article 24a and Article 24b after Article 24 as follows:

Article 24a. Procedure for Issuing New Certificates for Driving Test Centers of Type 3

1. Organizations and individuals with requirements shall send a request letter for approval of the principle of building a driving test center of Type 3 to the Provincial People's Committee (for new construction cases) or the Department of Transport (for upgrading from a driving practice field);

2. After completion of construction, organizations and individuals shall send a request letter accompanied by application documents to the Department of Transport for inspection and issuance of a certificate confirming that the center meets the conditions for operation. The documents include: approval letter of principle, investment project for construction, certified copy of construction permit, overall layout plan, examination area size design documents, types of motor vehicles used for examinations;

3. Within no more than five working days from the date of receipt of complete documents as prescribed, the Department of Transport shall organize an inspection and issue a certificate. In case of non-issuance of the certificate, a written response must be provided with clear reasons.

Article 24b. Procedure for Reissuing Driving License Examination Center Certification

1. Type 1 and Type 2 Driving License Examination Centers

a) The Driving License Examination Center shall submit a written request for inspection to reissue the certification of a driving license examination center meeting the operational conditions to the Department of Transport.

b) Within no more than 15 working days from the date of receiving all required documents as prescribed, the Department of Transport shall inspect and issue a written request to the Vietnam Highway Corporation to inspect and issue the certification of a driving license examination center meeting the operational conditions. In case of non-recommendation, a written response with detailed reasons must be provided.

c) Within no more than 25 working days from the date of receiving all required documents as prescribed, the Vietnam Highway Corporation shall organize inspections and issue the certification. In case of non-issuance of the certification, a written response with detailed reasons must be provided.

2. Type 3 Driving License Examination Centers

a) Based on the request of the Driving License Examination Center, the Department of Transport shall inspect and reissue the certification of a driving license examination center meeting the operational conditions.

b) Within no more than 05 working days from the date of receiving all required documents as prescribed, the Department of Transport shall inspect and reissue the certification. In case of non-reissuance, a written response with detailed reasons must be provided.”

9. Amend Article 26 as follows:

Article 26. Documents Required to Participate in Driving License Examinations

1. For First-time Participants:

The training institution shall prepare one set of documents and submit it directly to the Vietnam Highway Corporation or the Department of Transport. The documents include:

a) Documents specified in Clause 1 of Article 10 of this Circular;

b) Professional certificate or graduation certificate for those participating in driving license examinations for categories A4, B1, B2, and C;

c) List of participants proposed for examination by the training institution, including the names of the participants.

2. For Participants Seeking to Upgrade Their Driving License Categories to B2, C, D, E, and F:

The training institution shall prepare one set of documents and submit it directly to the Vietnam Highway Corporation or the Department of Transport. The documents include:

a) Documents specified in Clause 2 of Article 10 of this Circular;

b) Professional certificate or graduation certificate for upgrading category;

c) List of participants proposed for examination by the training institution, including the names of the participants seeking to upgrade their categories.

3. For Participants Seeking to Retake the Examination Due to Expiry of the Driving License Validity Period:

The driver shall prepare one set of documents and submit it directly to the Vietnam Highway Corporation or the Department of Transport. The documents include:

a) Documents specified in points b and c of Clause 1 of Article 10 of this Circular;

b) Application form for replacement or reissue of driving license according to the model specified in Appendix 29;

c) Photocopy of expired driving license.

4. For Participants Seeking to Retake the Examination Due to Loss of Driving License:

The driver shall prepare one set of documents and submit it directly to the Vietnam Highway Corporation or the Department of Transport. The documents include:

a) Documents specified in points b and c of Clause 1 of Article 10 of this Circular;

b) Application form for replacement or reissue of driving license according to the model specified in Appendix 29, indicating the date of receipt of the application by the receiving authority;

c) Original primary documents corresponding to the lost driving license (in cases where original primary documents exist).

5. For Participants Seeking to Retake the Examination Due to Suspension of Driving License Without Time Limit:

The driver shall prepare one set of documents and submit it directly to the Vietnam Highway Corporation or the Department of Transport. The documents include:

a) Documents specified in points b and c of Clause 1 of Article 10 of this Circular;

b) Application form for replacement or reissue of driving license according to the model specified in Appendix 29, indicating the date of receipt of the application by the receiving authority;

c) Original primary documents corresponding to the suspended driving license (in cases where original primary documents exist);

d) Decision on suspension of driving license;

đ) Certificate of completion of Traffic Law and Driver Ethics course issued by a training institution meeting the requirements.

10. Amend Clause 6 of Article 37 as follows:

“6. Receive and process information on driving license replacements transferred by the Department of Transport; organize issuance and replacement of driving licenses for the following groups:

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

b) Drivers managed by the Vietnam Highway Corporation.”

11. Amend Clause 2 of Article 38 as follows:

“2. Receive and process information on driving license replacements transferred by the Vietnam Highway Corporation or other Departments of Transport; organize issuance and replacement of driving licenses for drivers who have such needs.”

12. Amend Clause 7 and Clause 10 of Article 40 as follows:

“7. Holders of Category C driving licenses issued before July 1, 2009, who are currently operating tractor-trailers may continue to operate such vehicles until June 30, 2011.

10. Individuals who falsely report loss or tamper with, alter, or forge information on driving licenses; use counterfeit driving licenses or driving license documents; or engage in other intentional fraudulent acts to obtain replacement or reissue of driving licenses, in addition to having their driving licenses and original documents revoked by the driving license management authority, they must also bear legal responsibility and will not be issued a new driving license for five years from the date of discovery of the violation.”

13. Amend Article 41 as follows:

"Article 41. Verification of Driving Licenses

1. When replacing or issuing new driving licenses, the receiving authority shall submit a written request to the Vietnam Highway Corporation or the Department of Transport to verify the previously issued driving license according to the model specified in Appendix 28; if verification has not been received, then replacement or issuance shall not proceed, and the applicant shall not be included in the list of candidates eligible to retake the examination for a driving license.

2. The verification of driving licenses is issued only once; in case of reissuance, there must be communication between the receiving authority and the verifying authority.

a) Within five working days from the receipt of complete and valid documents, the authority receiving the application must send a written request to the General Department of Vietnam Roads or the Department of Transport to verify the issued driver's license;

a) Within no more than three working days from the date of receiving all valid documents (including processing time for lost or indefinitely suspended driving licenses as stipulated in Clause 2 and Clause 3 of Article 43 of this Circular), the authority responsible for replacing or issuing new driving licenses shall submit a written request to the Vietnam Highway Corporation or the Department of Transport to verify the previously issued driving license;

b) Within no more than five working days from the date of receiving the verification request, the Vietnam Highway Corporation or the Department of Transport must verify the previously issued driving license.”

14. Amend Clause 2 and Clause 3 of Article 42 as follows:

“2. When issuing upgraded driving licenses, the issuing authority:

a) Shall cut a corner off the old driving license and hand it over to the driver for safekeeping;

b) Shall notify the Vietnam Highway Corporation or the Department of Transport managing the previous driving license before upgrading to monitor and manage.”

3. The time to issue a driver's license shall not exceed 10 working days from the date of completion of the examination period. Before returning the driver's license to the successful candidate, the examination management agency must record the driver's license number on the consolidated examination result report.

15. Amend Article 43 as follows:

"Article 43. Reissuing a Driver's License

1. Holders of expired driver's licenses

a) Exceeding three months but less than one year from the expiration date, may retake the theoretical examination to reissue the driver's license;

b) Exceeding one year from the expiration date, must retake both the theoretical and practical examinations to reissue the driver's license.

2. Holders of lost driver's licenses

a) Still within the validity period or exceeding the validity period by less than three months and still having the original file, if not found to be seized or processed by competent authorities, will be considered for reissuance of the driver's license one month after submitting complete application materials as prescribed;

b) Still within the validity period or exceeding the validity period by less than three months but without the original file, listed in the examination management agency’s records, if not found to be seized or processed by competent authorities, will be considered for reissuance of the driver's license one month after submitting complete application materials as prescribed;

c) Exceeding the validity period by three months but less than one year and still having the original file, if not found to be seized by competent authorities, may retake the theoretical examination to reissue the driver's license two months after submitting complete application materials as prescribed;

d) Exceeding the validity period by three months but less than one year and without the original file, listed in the examination management agency’s records, if not found to be seized or processed by competent authorities, may retake the theoretical examination to reissue the driver's license two months after submitting complete valid application materials as prescribed;

đ) Exceeding the validity period by one year or more, still having the original file or without the original file, listed in the examination management agency’s records, if not found to be seized or processed by competent authorities, may retake both the theoretical and practical examinations to reissue the driver's license two months after submitting complete application materials as prescribed;

3. Holders whose driving license usage rights have been revoked indefinitely, after one year from the date the authority issued the decision to revoke the indefinite driving license usage rights, if they wish to do so, may retake the Traffic Law and driver ethics courses, undergo testing, and obtain certification from the training institution that they have completed the course content and submitted complete application materials as prescribed, then retake both the theoretical and practical examinations to reissue the driver's license;

4. The date of successful examination recorded on the back of the reissued (restored) driver's license shall be based on the date of successful examination of the old driver's license;

5. The process of reissuing a driver's license shall be carried out as with issuing a new one;

When reissuing a driver's license, the licensing agency must cut the corner of the old driver's license (if applicable);

6. Candidates who need to review and retake the examination may register with driving schools to receive guidance and must pay the review fee as prescribed by the Ministry of Finance, without having to retake the entire training program;

7. The organization of the retake examination to reissue a driver's license due to expiration, loss, or indefinite revocation of usage rights shall be conducted as follows:

a) The examination management board shall review and check the conditions as prescribed, compile a list of candidates for retake examinations according to the model specified in Appendix 24, submit it to the Director General of the Vietnam Road Transport Administration or the Director of the Department of Transportation for a decision to organize the examination together with the regular driving license examination;

b) In cases where there is no suitable regular driving license examination, a committee or team for the retake examination may be established according to regulations for these candidates; the examination committee or team shall not include members from the training institutions;

c) For driving license examinations for automobiles in areas without level 1 or level 2 examination centers: if only the theoretical part is retaken, the examination can be organized locally; if both the theoretical and practical parts are retaken, the examination must be held at another local examination center as prescribed;

8. Holders of driver's licenses still within the validity period but without the original file, listed in the examination management agency’s records, if they wish to recreate the original file;

The application for recreating the original file shall be prepared by the driver in one set and directly submitted to the Vietnam Road Transport Administration or the Department of Transportation (where the driver's license was originally issued), including:

a) A request form for recreating the original file according to the model specified in Appendix 29;

b) A copy of the driver's license and identity card.

The licensing agency shall verify, confirm, stamp, and clearly record the license number, category, examination date (if applicable), and training institution name (if applicable) in the upper right corner of the request form for license exchange or issuance, and return it to the driver for self-preservation as a substitute for the original file.”

16. Amend Clause 1, Clause 2, and Clause 8 of Article 44 as follows:

“1. Within three months before the expiration of the driver's license, holders wishing to continue using the driver's license may apply for an exchange;

2. Holders of driver's licenses exceeding the validity period by less than three months from the expiration date, or holders of damaged driver's licenses, may apply for an exchange;

8. Time for exchanging a driver's license:

a) For directly managed driver's licenses: not exceeding five working days from the date of receiving complete application materials as prescribed;

b) For non-directly managed driver's licenses: not exceeding twenty-five working days from the date of receiving complete application materials as prescribed.

When exchanging a driver's license, the licensing agency must cut the corner of the old driver's license (except for foreign-issued driver's licenses).”

17. Amend Article 45 as follows:

"Article 45. Application for exchanging a driver's license issued by the Transportation Sector

The application shall be prepared by the driver in one set and directly submitted to the Vietnam Road Transport Administration or the Department of Transportation, including:

1. An application form for exchanging or reissuing a driver's license according to the model specified in Appendix 29;

2. The original file corresponding to the driver's license (in cases of lost driver's licenses with original files);

3. A health certificate issued by a competent medical facility as prescribed;

4. A copy of the driver's license (in cases where the driver's license is still available)."

5. Two color photographs measuring 3 x 4 cm in the format of a national identity card.

When submitting to renew a driver's license, the driver shall present the driver's license, national identity card, or passport for verification.

18. Supplement Articles 45a, 45b, 45c, and 45d following Article 45 as follows:

"Article 45a. Documents for renewing military driver's licenses issued by the Ministry of National Defense

The application shall be prepared by the driver in one set and directly submitted to the Vietnam Road Transport Administration or the Department of Transportation, including:

1. An application form for exchanging or reissuing a driver's license according to the model specified in Appendix 29;

2. Decision on discharge within a period not exceeding six months from the date signed by a brigade-level or higher commander;

3. A health certificate issued by a competent medical facility as prescribed;

4. Valid military driver's license (original).

5. Two color photographs measuring 3 x 4 cm in the format of a national identity card.

When submitting to renew a driver's license, the driver shall present a valid national identity card or passport for verification.

The original documents for renewing a military driver's license include the materials listed in Clauses 1 and 2 of this Article and the military driver's license that has been corner-cut and handed over to the driver for safekeeping.

Article 45b. Documents for renewing driver's licenses issued by the Public Security Sector

1. Documents for renewing motor vehicle driver's licenses issued by the Public Security Sector before July 31, 1995, which have been damaged

The application shall be prepared by the driver in one set and directly submitted to the Vietnam Road Transport Administration or the Department of Transportation, including:

a) Application form for renewal or replacement of driver's license as prescribed in Appendix 29;

b) Health certificate issued by a competent medical facility as prescribed;

c) Photocopy of the driver's license and presentation of the original for inspection;

d) Original of the original documents (in cases where there are original documents);

đ) Two color photographs measuring 3 x 4 cm in the format of a national identity card.

When submitting to renew a driver's license, the driver shall present a valid national identity card or passport for verification.

2. Documents for renewing driver's licenses issued by the Public Security Sector after July 31, 1995

The application shall be prepared by the driver in one set and directly submitted to the Vietnam Road Transport Administration or the Department of Transportation, including:

a) Application form for renewal or replacement of driver's license as prescribed in Appendix 29;

b) Decision on leaving the sector (transfer, retirement, resignation...) issued by the competent authority (certified copy);

c) Health certificate issued by a competent medical facility as prescribed;

d) Valid driver's license issued by the Public Security Sector (original);

đ) Two color photographs measuring 3 x 4 cm in the format of a national identity card.

When submitting the application, the applicant for renewal shall present the decision on leaving the sector, a valid national identity card, or passport for verification.

The original documents for renewing a Public Security driver's license include the materials listed in points a, b of Clause 2 of this Article and the Public Security driver's license that has been corner-cut and handed over to the driver for safekeeping.

Article 45c. Documents for renewing driver's licenses or foreign driving permits

The documents are prepared in two sets by the driver and submitted directly to the Vietnam Highway Administration or the Department of Transportation (at the place of residence, temporary residence, or long-term settlement registration), including:

a) Application form for renewal or replacement of driver's license (for Vietnamese citizens according to the model prescribed in Appendix 29; for foreigners according to the model prescribed in Appendix 30);

b) Certified translation of the foreign driving permit into Vietnamese by a notary office or embassy, consulate in Vietnam where the translator works, stamped with a matching seal on the photocopy of the driving permit; in case of doubt, the issuing authority may request a verification letter from the embassy, consulate of the country issuing the driving permit in Vietnam;

c) Photocopy of the passport including the passport number, name, photograph, validity period, and entry visa page, or photocopy of the national identity card, diplomatic or service passport issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam;

d) Photocopy of the residence card, temporary residence card, temporary stay card, permanent residence card, or proof of long-term settlement in Vietnam for foreigners; valid national identity card or passport of Vietnam for Vietnamese citizens for verification;

đ) Two color photographs measuring 3 x 4 cm in the format of a national identity card.

When submitting to renew a driver's license, the driver shall present a valid passport or national identity card (diplomatic or service passport issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam) and the foreign driving permit for verification.

The original documents for renewing a driver's license, handed over to the driver for management by the issuing authority, include the materials listed in Clauses a, b, c, and d of this Article and the foreign driving permit.

Article 45d. Documents for exchanging a driving license or foreign driving permit issued to foreign tourists for driving in Vietnam

One set of documents shall be submitted to the Department of Transportation. The documents include:

1. An application form for exchanging a driving license as prescribed in Appendix 30;

2. A certified Vietnamese translation of the foreign driving permit, guaranteed by a notary office or the Embassy or Consulate of the issuing country in Vietnam where the translator works, with a stamp affixed to the copy of the driving permit; in case of doubt, the issuing authority may request the Embassy or Consulate of the issuing country in Vietnam to verify;

3. A certified copy of the immigration entry-exit record of the Ministry of Public Security or a copy of the passport including the passport number, name, photograph, validity period, and the visa page for entry into Vietnam of the person concerned;

4. Two color photographs measuring 3 x 4 cm in the format of an identity card.

When collecting the driving license, the driver must present their valid passport and foreign driving permit for verification.

The issuing authority must note in the management file that this is a one-time exchange license.

19. Amend some Appendices of Circular No. 07/2009/TT-BGTVT as follows:

a) Appendix 13. Application form for applying to study and take the driving license examination;

b) Appendix 17a. Inspection report for issuing a new driving instructor training permit;

c) Appendix 17b. Inspection report for reissuing a driving instructor training permit;

d) Appendix 28. Verification report on a motor vehicle driving license;

đ) Appendix 29. Application form for exchanging or reissuing a driving license;

e) Appendix 30. Application form for exchanging a driving license (for foreigners).

20. Add some Appendices to Circular No. 07/2009/TT-BGTVT as follows:

a) Appendix 14. Record of safe driving time and distance;

b) Appendix 15a. Application form for training and issuing a certificate for practical driving instructors;

c) Appendix 15b. List of vehicles for applying for a learner's permit;

d) Appendix 15c. Sample logbook for issuing certificates for practical driving instructors.

21. Repeal Appendix 14a, Appendix 14b, and Appendix 14c of Circular No. 07/2009/TT-BGTVT.

Article 2. This Circular takes effect 45 days from the date of issuance.

Article 3. The Director of the Office of the Ministry, the Inspector General of the Ministry, Heads of Departments, the Director of the Vietnam Highway Administration, Directors of Provincial and Municipal Departments of Transportation under the Central Government, Heads of relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals are responsible for implementing this Circular./.