Circular No. 38/2019/TT-BGTVT amending and supplementing certain provisions of Circular No. 12/2017/TT-BGTVT dated April 15, 2017, issued by the Minister of Transport on training, examination, and issuance of motor vehicle driver's licenses

CIRCULAR

Amending and supplementing some articles of Circular No. 12/2017/TT-BGTVT dated April 15, 2017 issued by the Minister of Transport on training, examination, and issuance of motor vehicle driver's licenses.

Pursuant to Decree No. 138/2018/NĐ-CP dated October 8, 2018 of the Government amending and supplementing some articles of Decree No. 65/2016/NĐ-CP dated July 1, 2016 of the Government on conditions for operating automobile driving training services and driving license examination services;

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

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;

Pursuant to Decree No. 47/2022/ND-CP dated 19 July 2022 of the Government amending and supplementing some articles of Decree No. 10/2020/ND-CP dated 17 January 2020 of the Government stipulating business and business conditions for road passenger transport by motor vehicles;

hereby promulgates this Circular amending and supplementing some articles of Circular No. 12/2017/TT-BGTVT dated April 15, 2017 of the Minister of Transport on training, examination, and issuance of motor vehicle driver's licenses.

Circular No. 12/2017/TT-BGTVT dated April 15, 2017 of the Minister of Transport on training, examination, and issuance of motor vehicle driver's licenses

The Minister of Transport 1. Supplement Clause 9 and Clause 10 of Article 3 as follows: a) Supplement Clause 9 of Article 3 as follows:

Circular No. 03/2023/TT-BCA "9. Driving simulation equipment for training includes: A system of computers installed with software simulating traffic situations and driving cabins for car learners."

b) Supplement Clause 10 of Article 3 as follows:

"10. Driving simulation equipment for examinations includes a system of computers installed with software simulating traffic situations."

2. Clause 3 of Article 4 shall be amended as follows:

"3. The training volume is determined based on the number of classrooms and practice fields stipulated in Decree No. 65/2016/NĐ-CP dated July 1, 2016 of the Government on conditions for operating automobile driving training services and driving license examination services (hereinafter referred to as Decree No. 65/2016/NĐ-CP) and Decree No. 138/2018/NĐ-CP dated October 8, 2018 of the Government amending and supplementing some articles of Decree No. 65/2016/NĐ-CP. Training institutions must ensure that the number of learners practicing for each category of driver’s license does not exceed the capacity of the training institution’s practice vehicles."

3. Clause 9, Clause 11, Clause 14, and Clause 16 of Article 5 shall be amended and supplemented as follows:

a) Clause 9 of Article 5 shall be amended as follows:

"9. Ensuring material and technical facilities serving teaching and learning to improve the quality of driving training; using software simulating traffic situations and applying technology in management work to identify and ensure monitoring of theoretical study time for learners studying car driving (except Category B1) according to the schedule specified in Clause 2 of Article 47 of this Circular;"

b) Clause 11 of Article 5 shall be amended as follows:

"11. Ensuring that instructors wear identification badges marked “Driving Instructor” and carry driving instructor permits when teaching practical driving; learners practicing on the road must wear identification badges marked “Learner Driver.” Badges are issued and managed by the driving training institution according to the models specified in Appendix 1a and Appendix 1b attached to this Circular; the name of the driving training institution must be displayed on the training vehicles according to the model specified in Appendix 22 attached to this Circular."

c) Clause 14 of Article 5 shall be amended as follows:

"14. Recruiting, managing, organizing training programs for practical driving instructors to ensure standards and reporting to competent authorities for issuing certificates for practical driving instructors according to regulations. Organizing advanced training programs for practical driving instructors according to the framework training program for advanced practical driving instructors specified in Appendix 23 attached to this Circular."

d) Supplement Clause 16 of Article 5 as follows:

"16. Car driving training institutions must equip and maintain driving cabins, devices for monitoring learners' driving time and distance on the road according to national technical standards issued by the Ministry of Transport and according to the schedule specified in Clause 2 of Article 47 of this Circular."

4. Clause 4 and Point b of Clause 5 of Article 6 shall be amended as follows:

a) Clause 4 of Article 6 shall be amended as follows:

"4. Motorcycle driving training institutions for Categories A1, A2, A3 shall use learner registration lists for examinations as training management documents. Car driving training institutions shall use data on theoretical study time for learners studying car driving (except Category B1), data on monitoring learners' driving time and distance on the road as training management documents."

b) Point b of Clause 5 of Article 6 shall be amended as follows:

"b) Two years for graduation exams, data on managing theoretical study time for learners studying car driving (except Category B1), data on monitoring learners' driving time and distance on the road, and other documents;"

5. Supplement Point d of Clause 3 of Article 7 as follows:

"d) In cases where learners upgrading their license categories violate traffic laws and regulations with penalties involving suspension of their driver's license, safe driving time shall be calculated from the date they have completed all administrative penalty decisions."

6. Supplement Clause 3 of Article 9 as follows:

"3. Ethnic minority learners who do not read or write Vietnamese for Category A1 motorcycle licenses shall submit one set of application documents directly to the training institution. The documents include:

a) Documents as prescribed in Clause 1 of this Article;

b) A confirmation letter from the People's Committee of the commune, ward, or town where the learner resides, confirming that the learner is an ethnic minority who cannot read or write Vietnamese according to the model specified in Appendix 24 attached to this Circular; the confirmation letter is valid for one year from the date of issuance; the individual must sign or affix a fingerprint on the confirmation letter."

7. Clause 3 and Clause 6 of Article 10 shall be amended as follows:

a) Clause 3 of Article 10 shall be amended as follows:

"3. Transfer traffic situation simulation software to training institutions; develop forms and records to support driving training activities."

b) Clause 6 of Article 10 shall be amended as follows:

"6. Issue detailed content of the initial driving instructor training program and provide guidance for uniform implementation nationwide."

8. Clause 4 of Article 11 shall be amended as follows:

b) Clause 6 of Article 10 shall be amended as follows:

“6. To promulgate detailed contents of the training program for instructors teaching initial driving practice and to guide its uniform implementation nationwide.”

8. Clause 4 of Article 11 shall be amended as follows:

"4. Issue new or renewed training licenses for driving according to the management code of driving training facilities in the driver's license information system and send a copy of the issued training license to the General Department of Vietnam Roads along with the inspection report of the training facility as stipulated in Appendix XI of Decree No. 65/2016/NĐ-CP."

9. Clause 3 of Article 13 shall be amended as follows:

"3. Volume of the program and allocation of training time

a) Program and allocation of training time

b) Total duration of the training course

c) Number of trainees allowed per one training vehicle: Category B1, B2 is five trainees and category C is eight trainees.

d) Regulations on the number of kilometers of practical driving training

10. Clause 3 of Article 14 shall be amended as follows:

"3. Volume of the program and allocation of training time

a) Program and allocation of training time

b) Total duration of the training course

c) Number of trainees allowed per one training vehicle for upgrading categories: B1 (automatic to B1), B1 to B2 is five trainees; B2 to C, C to D, D to E, B2, D, E to F is eight trainees; B2 to D, C to E is ten trainees.

d) Regulations on the number of kilometers of practical driving training

11. Points b, c, d, đ, e of Clause 3 and Clause 4 of Article 15 shall be amended as follows:

a) Point b of Clause 3 of Article 15 shall be amended as follows:

“b) Subject Construction and Routine Repair

b) Point c of Clause 3 of Article 15 shall be amended as follows:

“c) Subject Transport Operations

c) Point d of Clause 3 of Article 15 shall be amended as follows:

“d) Subject Morality, Traffic Culture, and Prevention of the Harmful Effects of Alcohol When Participating in Traffic

d) Point đ of Clause 3 of Article 15 shall be amended as follows:

“đ) Subject Driving Techniques

đ) Point e of Clause 3 of Article 15 shall be amended as follows:

“e) Subject Practical Driving Training (only to be conducted after the trainee has passed the requirements of the Traffic Law and Driving Techniques subjects).

e) Clause 4 of Article 15 shall be amended as follows:

“4. Upgrade driving license training

12. Clause 7 and Clause 8 of Article 18 shall be amended as follows:

a) Clause 7 of Article 18 shall be amended as follows:

“7. Implement surveillance using a camera system for the theoretical examination room, driving simulation test site, and areas with examination scenarios: departure, stopping and starting the vehicle on a slope, passing over tire tracks, turning at intersections, parking maneuvers, and the final scenario. The system uses IP cameras with a resolution of HD or higher, interactive interface, connection meeting at least the open standard ONVIF, synchronized with the theoretical examination server, computer managing scoring devices for practical driving simulation tests; ensuring online connectivity, transmission of image data (video format) according to the open standard protocol for real-time two-way data exchange between the server and client (websocket) to the Vietnam Highway Administration for management, supervision, storage, and sharing of data with provincial transportation departments and other state agencies authorized to perform state management functions. Image data (video format) from surveillance of the theoretical examination room and driving simulation test site must be publicly displayed on screens installed in the waiting room and stored at the examination center in accordance with regulations. The aforementioned equipment systems must ensure security, prevent unauthorized access from outside, and be installed according to the schedule specified in Clause 4 of Article 47 of this Circular.”

b) Add Clause 8 of Article 18 as follows:

“8. Receive and use software simulating traffic situations transferred by the Vietnam Highway Administration for driving examinations according to the schedule specified in Clause 4 of Article 47 of this Circular.”

13. Add Points h and i of Clause 3 and Point h of Clause 4 of Article 21 as follows:

a) Add Point h of Clause 3 of Article 21 as follows:

“h) Conduct driving examinations using traffic situation simulation software: Candidates handle simulated traffic situations appearing on the computer;”

b) Add Point i of Clause 3 of Article 21 as follows:

“i) Conduct practical driving examinations in simulations to issue Class A1 licenses for disabled persons operating three-wheeled motorcycles designed for the disabled.

Candidates must operate the vehicle through the character "chi" shape.”

c) Add Point h of Clause 4 of Article 21 as follows:

“h) Conduct driving examinations using traffic situation simulation software at the examination center.”

14. Point a of Clause 2 of Article 23 shall be amended as follows:

“a) The chairman of the board is the representative of the Vietnam Highway Administration or the Provincial Department of Transportation, holding a motor vehicle driver’s license, assigned tasks by the leadership of the Vietnam Highway Administration or the Provincial Department of Transportation;”

15. Point a of Clause 3, Point b of Clause 5, and Clause 6 of Article 24 shall be amended and supplemented as follows:

a) Point a of Clause 3 of Article 24 shall be amended as follows:

“a) Having good moral character, not currently under disciplinary action;”

b) Point b of Clause 5 of Article 24 shall be amended as follows:

“b) Require candidates to comply with examination rules; do not allow unauthorized personnel into the theoretical examination room, driving simulation test site, and areas with traffic situation simulation software examinations;”

c) Add Clause 6 of Article 24 as follows:

“6. Examination officer attire

a) When performing duties, examination officers must wear uniforms as prescribed in Appendix 25 issued together with this Circular and wear identification badges as prescribed in Clause 4 of this Article.

b) Uniforms

The uniform for mechanical road vehicle driving examination officers includes: Coat, trousers, skirt (for female officers), tie (cravat), belt, leather shoes, socks, and red armband (for team leaders).

c) Standards and service life

d) Management and use of uniforms

Examination officers are provided with uniforms for use during official duties at examination sessions and are responsible for maintaining and preserving them according to regulations; funds for purchasing uniforms are allocated according to the law.”

16. Article 27 shall be amended and supplemented as follows:

“Article 27. Recognition of Examination Results

1. Examination results for candidates taking the driving license examination for categories A1, A2, A3, and A4 shall be recognized as follows:

a) Candidates who pass both the theoretical and practical driving examinations in a simulated environment shall be recognized as successful.

b) Candidates who are not recognized as successful may reapply for the examination from the next session onwards with the same licensing authority issuing the driving license.

c) Candidates who fail the theoretical examination shall not be allowed to take the practical driving examination in a simulated environment.

d) Candidates who pass the theoretical examination but fail the practical driving examination in a simulated environment shall have their theoretical examination results preserved for one year from the date of passing the theoretical examination; if they wish to retake the examination, they must meet the age requirements, possess a valid medical certificate issued by an authorized healthcare facility, and their name must be recorded in the attendance and failure report of the previous examination board or examination team.

đ) Candidates who bring mobile phones or communication devices into the theoretical examination room or engage in other fraudulent behaviors that distort the examination results will be suspended from continuing the examination and their results will be invalidated.

2. Examination results for candidates taking the driving license examination for categories B1 automatic, B1, B2, C, D, E, and F shall be recognized as follows:

a) Candidates who pass the theoretical examination, the driving simulation software examination, the practical driving examination in a simulated environment, and on-road driving examination shall be recognized as successful.

b) Candidates who are not recognized as successful may reapply for the examination from the next session onwards with the same licensing authority issuing the driving license.

c) Candidates who fail the theoretical examination shall not be allowed to take the driving simulation software examination; those who fail the driving simulation software examination shall not be allowed to take the practical driving examination in a simulated environment; and those who fail the practical driving examination in a simulated environment shall not be allowed to take the on-road driving examination.

d) Theoretical examination, driving simulation software examination, and practical driving examination in a simulated environment results of candidates who pass these sections shall be preserved for one year from the date of passing the last examination section; if they wish to retake the examination, they must meet the age requirements, possess a valid medical certificate issued by an authorized healthcare facility, and their name must be recorded in the attendance and failure report of the previous examination board or examination team.

đ) Candidates who bring mobile phones or communication devices into the theoretical examination room or on the examination vehicle or engage in other fraudulent behaviors that distort the examination results will be suspended from continuing the examination and their results will be invalidated.

3. The examination management agency shall review and compile the results, submit them to the Director of the Vietnam Road Administration Bureau or the Director of the Department of Transport for a decision recognizing the successful candidates of the examination period along with a list of successful candidates eligible for a driving license according to the model specified in Appendix 16a and Appendix 16b issued together with this Circular.

17. Point h Clause 1, point b, point d Clause 2, point a, point đ, point e Clause 3, and point b, point d Clause 5 of Article 28 shall be amended and supplemented as follows:

a) Point h Clause 1 of Article 28 shall be amended and supplemented as follows:

“h) List of candidates who passed, were absent, or failed each examination section;"

b) Point b Clause 2 of Article 28 shall be amended as follows:

"b) Store and preserve the theoretical examination papers, driving examination papers on traffic situation simulation software, and practical driving examination reports in a simulated environment for each examination session, all signed by the examinees and examiners;"

c) Add point d Clause 2 of Article 28 as follows:

"d) Store and preserve copies of the documents stipulated in points b, c, and d Clause 1 and points b and c Clause 2 of Article 9 of this Circular for successful candidates eligible for a driving license."

d) Point a Clause 3 of Article 28 shall be amended as follows:

"a) Documents stipulated in points d, g, and h Clause 1 of this Article;"

đ) Point đ Clause 3 of Article 28 shall be amended as follows:

"đ) Surveillance data from the theoretical examination room and the practical driving examination field in a simulated environment; examination results data from the theoretical examination, practical driving examination in a simulated environment, traffic situation simulation software, and road driving examination;"

e) Add point e Clause 3 of Article 28 as follows:

"e) List and results of the driving examination on traffic situation simulation software;"

g) Point b Clause 5 of Article 28 shall be amended as follows:

"b) Five years for the documents stipulated in points a, b, c, d, đ, e, g, and h Clause 1 of this Article;"

h) Point d Clause 5 of Article 28 shall be amended as follows:

"d) Two years for the documents stipulated in point đ Clause 3 of this Article, final graduation examination papers, and remaining documents;"

18. Clause 2 and Clause 4 of Article 30 shall be amended as follows:

a) Clause 2 of Article 30 shall be amended as follows:

"2. Issue a set of questions and software for the theoretical examination to issue motor vehicle driving licenses and provide uniform guidance throughout the country; establish a system of forms, ledgers, and specialized seals for business management to serve the examination and issuance of driving licenses;"

b) Clause 4 of Article 30 shall be amended as follows:

"4. Research and develop traffic situation simulation software annually to transfer to examination centers for installation on computers for driving examinations; research and apply information technology to manage driving examinations and issuance of driving licenses; establish an information network connecting the examination management agencies under the Vietnam Road Administration Bureau with examination centers, examination management agencies under the Department of Transport, and driving schools;"

19. Clause 13 and Clause 14 of Article 33 shall be amended as follows:

a) Clause 13 of Article 33 shall be amended as follows:

"13. A valid PET material driving license is a driving license issued by an authorized agency, with the serial number, issuance date, and expiration date printed on the license matching the serial number, issuance date, and expiration date in the driving license management information system;"

b) Clause 14 of Article 33 shall be amended as follows:

“14. A person who erases or alters information on a driver's license; uses a fake driver's license or driving record; uses a reported lost driver's license to operate a motor vehicle; engages in other fraudulent acts to obtain a replacement, reissue, or new driver's license shall have that driver's license rendered invalid for use, in addition to being subject to a decision by the driver's license management authority to revoke the driver's license, original records, and update data in the driver's license management system, and must bear legal responsibility and not be issued a driver's license for a period of five years from the date of discovery of the violation. If there is a need to reissue a driver's license, they must study and take an examination as if it were their first issuance of a driver's license.”

20. Point d Clause 6, point d Clause 7, point b Clause 8 Article 37 shall be amended and supplemented as follows:

a) Supplementing point d Clause 6 Article 37 as follows:

“d) Vietnamese citizens holding foreign driver’s licenses with a stay abroad of less than three months and a residence period not matching the training period for obtaining the driver’s license in the issuing country.”

b) Point d Clause 7 Article 37 shall be amended as follows:

“d) An active military driver’s license allowing operation of multiple categories of vehicles may be exchanged for an active driver’s license issued by the Ministry of Transport corresponding to the respective vehicle categories; a military driver’s license category Fx may be exchanged for a category C driver’s license issued by the Ministry of Transport.”

c) Point b Clause 8 Article 37 shall be amended as follows:

“b) When exchanging a driver's license, the issuing authority retains the exchange application file (original for exchanges of transport ministry driver's licenses; copies for exchanges of foreign driver's licenses or driving permits, exchanges of public security driver's licenses, or military driver's licenses issued by the Ministry of Defense) for two years from the date of issuance of the driver's license; cuts the corner off the old driver's license (except for foreign-issued licenses), and hands it over to the driver for safekeeping.”

21. The beginning of Clause 4 Article 39 shall be amended as follows:

“4. A valid copy of a military driver's license, a valid citizen identification card or a valid public service identity card or a valid passport bearing the number of the citizen identification card or the public service identity card; in case of suspicion, the issuing authority requests the Motor Vehicle Administration under the Ministry of National Defense to verify.”

22. Point b Clause 1 and the beginning of point d Clause 2 Article 40 shall be amended as follows:

a) Point b Clause 1 Article 40 shall be amended as follows:

“b) A valid copy of a driver's license, a valid citizen identification card or a valid public service identity card or a valid passport bearing the number of the citizen identification card or the public service identity card; in case of suspicion, the issuing authority requests the Traffic Police Corps under the Ministry of Public Security or the Department of Transportation Management to verify;”

b) The beginning of point d Clause 2 Article 40 shall be amended as follows:

“d) A valid copy of a driver's license issued by the Ministry of Public Security, a valid citizen identification card or a valid public service identity card or a valid passport bearing the number of the citizen identification card or the public service identity card; in case of suspicion, the issuing authority requests the Traffic Police Corps under the Ministry of Public Security to verify.”

23. Point b Clause 1 Article 41 shall be amended as follows:

“b) A Vietnamese translation of a foreign driver's license certified for quality by a Notary Public or Embassy or Consulate in Vietnam where the translator works, stamped across the copy of the driver's license; for Vietnamese citizens presenting a legalized consular certification of a foreign driver's license or driving permit according to the laws on consular certification and legalization, except for cases exempted by law;”

24. The beginning of Clause 1 Article 42 shall be amended as follows:

“1. The driver establishes one set of application documents, submitted directly at the Department of Transportation or through postal services. The application includes:”

25. Article 43 shall be amended as follows:

“Article 43. Driver Training

1. Training for persons with disabilities to operate three-wheeled motorcycles for persons with disabilities to obtain a Class A1 driver's license

a) The trainee must meet the conditions and submit the required documents as stipulated in Articles 7 and 9 of this Circular, must register for training at a permitted training institution, can self-study theoretical subjects and practical driving; in case of need for concentrated study, they must register with the training institution to follow the prescribed content and program;

b) Vehicles used for training: These are three-wheeled motorcycles for persons with disabilities that have been registered and issued number plates by the competent authority.

2. Training to obtain a Class B1 automatic transmission driver's license for persons with disabilities who have lost their right foot or right hand or left hand:

a) The trainee must meet the conditions and submit the required documents as stipulated in Articles 7 and 9 of this Circular, must register for training 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, and the driving simulation course content can replace the actual driving course content;

b) Vehicles used for training: These are Class B1 automatic transmission vehicles owned by persons with disabilities or provided by the training institution; the vehicle must have a structure suitable for the remaining hands and feet to hold the steering wheel while driving, easily control turn signals, headlights, wipers, gear shift, handbrake, brake pedal, and accelerator pedal in all driving situations according to the manufacturer's design, confirmed by the Vietnam Motor Vehicle Inspection Center as suitable for safe operation by persons with disabilities, and must be granted a training vehicle permit by the competent authority.

3. Training to obtain a Class B1 automatic transmission driver's license for persons with disabilities except those who have lost their right foot or right hand or left hand:

a) The trainee must meet the conditions and submit the required documents as stipulated in Articles 7 and 9 of this Circular, must register for training 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) Vehicles used for training: These are Class B1 automatic transmission training vehicles provided by the training institution.

4. Training for ethnic minority people who cannot read or write Vietnamese to obtain a Class A1 or A4 motorcycle driver's license: The Department of Transport shall develop and submit to the People's Committee of the province or centrally-administered city for issuance of appropriate training forms based on local conditions."

26. Article 44 is amended as follows:

“Article 44. Driving Examination

1. Examination to issue a Class A1 driver's license for persons with disabilities operating three-wheeled motorcycles for persons with disabilities

a) Candidates for examination must take the driving test in a simulated environment according to the examination content and procedures at an examination center or examination field meeting the requirements, with two examiners scoring directly; theoretical examinations are conducted according to the regulations for issuing a Class A1 driver's license;

b) Vehicles used for examination: These are three-wheeled motorcycles for persons with disabilities that have been registered and issued number plates by the competent authority;

c) The examination format is established according to point 2.2.1.10 of Section 2.2 of the National Technical Regulation QCVN 40:2015/BGTVT on Driving Examination Centers for Road Motor Vehicles, promulgated together with Circular No. 79/2015/TT-BGTVT dated December 10, 2015, issued by the Minister of Transport.

2. Examination to issue a Class B1 automatic transmission driver's license for persons with disabilities who have lost their right foot or right hand or left hand

a) Candidates for examination must submit the required documents and complete the examination content and procedures as stipulated at an examination center meeting the requirements, with two examiners sitting in the vehicle scoring directly during the simulated driving test and road test;

b) Vehicles used for examination: These are Class B1 automatic transmission vehicles owned by persons with disabilities or provided by the examination center; the vehicle must have a structure suitable for the remaining hands and feet to hold the steering wheel while driving, easily control turn signals, headlights, wipers, gear shift, handbrake, brake pedal, and accelerator pedal in all driving situations according to the manufacturer's design, confirmed by the Vietnam Motor Vehicle Inspection Center as suitable for safe operation by persons with disabilities, and must be granted a training vehicle permit by the competent authority.

3. Examination to issue a Class B1 automatic transmission driver's license for persons with disabilities except those who have lost their right foot or right hand or left hand

a) Candidates for examination must submit the required documents and complete the examination content and procedures for issuing a Class B1 automatic transmission driver's license at an examination center meeting the requirements;

b) Vehicles used for examination: These are Class B1 automatic transmission examination vehicles provided by the examination center for simulated driving tests and road tests.

4. Examination to issue a Class A1 or A4 motorcycle driver's license for ethnic minority people who cannot read or write Vietnamese, based on the examination content and procedures already issued, the Department of Transport shall develop appropriate examination content and organization plans, submit to the People's Committee of the province for consideration and decision."

27. Article 45 is amended as follows:

“Article 45. Report on Training, Examination, and Issuance of Driver's Licenses

Monthly, the Department of Transport sends reports on examination results to the Vietnam Highway Corporation through the Driver’s License Information System according to the form prescribed in Appendix 26 issued together with this Circular; annually, the Department of Transport sends preliminary summary reports on training, examination, and issuance of motor vehicle driver’s licenses in July and final summary reports in January of the following year to the Vietnam Highway Corporation for consolidation and reporting to the Ministry of Transport.

28. Article 47 is amended as follows:

“Article 47. Transitional Provisions

"1. Driver training permits for categories A1, A2, A3, and A4 issued before the effective date of this Circular shall remain valid until their expiration date as indicated on the permit; when these permits expire, the driver training institutions for categories A1, A2, A3, and A4 shall comply with the provisions set forth in Clause 4 of Article 4 of this Circular.

2. Driver training institutions must apply technology to identify and monitor the time spent on theoretical courses on traffic laws for automobile drivers (excluding category B1) starting from May 1, 2020; organize training on preventing the harmful effects of alcohol when participating in traffic from January 1, 2020; use simulation software for traffic scenarios to train automobile drivers starting from January 1, 2021; equip driving simulators and monitoring devices for the time and distance of practical driving training on the road for learners six months after the implementation of the national technical regulations. During the period without training on preventing the harmful effects of alcohol, the time allocated for moral and traffic culture courses shall include the time for training on preventing the harmful effects of alcohol; during the period without using simulation software and driving simulators, the driver training institutions shall develop programs and textbooks and organize teaching to ensure sufficient training time as stipulated in Articles 13 and 14 of this Circular, specifically as follows:

a) The number of hours for technical driving training for learners of categories B1, B2, and C includes the time spent on traffic scenario simulation software;

b) The number of hours for moral and traffic culture courses for learners upgrading their license includes the time spent on traffic scenario simulation software;

c) The number of hours for practical driving training on one driving simulator, including the time spent on driving simulators for automobile training.

3. The Vietnam Highway Corporation is responsible for issuing teaching content on preventing the harmful effects of alcohol when participating in traffic and providing guidance for uniform implementation nationwide before December 1, 2019.

4. Driving examination centers must install cameras to monitor theory examination rooms and practical driving examination areas in images and transmit data to the Vietnam Highway Corporation and the Department of Transport starting from January 1, 2020; use simulation software for traffic scenarios for driving examinations starting from January 1, 2021.

5. The Vietnam Highway Corporation and the Department of Transport must use simulation software for traffic scenarios for driving examinations starting from May 1, 2021;

6. Driver’s licenses issued according to the form prescribed in Appendix 17 issued together with this Circular shall have a two-dimensional code (QR) for quick reading and decoding information on the driver’s license and linking to the driver’s license management information system, implemented from June 1, 2020. Driver’s licenses issued before the effective date of this Circular remain valid for use according to the validity period indicated on the driver’s license.

29. Appendices 15b and 17 issued together with Circular No. 12/2017/TT-BGTVT are replaced as follows:

a) Replace Appendix 15b on the model of the consolidated examination report with Appendix 5 issued together with this Circular;

b) Replace Appendix 17 on the model of the motor vehicle driver’s license with Appendix 6 issued together with this Circular.

30. Supplement the following appendices to Circular No. 12/2017/TT-BGTVT as follows:

a) Supplement Appendix 22 on the model of the nameplate of the training institution at Appendix 1 issued together with this Circular;

b) Supplement Appendix 23 on the framework program for upgrading instructors' practical driving skills at Appendix 2 issued together with this Circular;

c) Supplement Appendix 24 on the model of confirmation certificate at Appendix 3 issued together with this Circular;

d) Supplement Appendix 25 on the model of inspector uniforms at Appendix 4 issued together with this Circular;

đ) Supplement Appendix 26 on the detailed report on examination work results at Appendix 7 issued together with this Circular.

31. Repeal the following provisions:

Point d Clause 2 Article 9, Clause 7 Article 10, Clause 2 Article 11, point c Clause 3 Article 19; Article 20; points b, c, d Clause 3, point c Clause 5 Article 28; Clause 1 Article 30; Clause 1 Article 31 of Circular No. 12/2017/TT-BGTVT dated April 15, 2017 of the Minister of Transport regarding the training, examination, and issuance of motor vehicle driver’s licenses.

Article 2. Effectiveness and Responsibility for Implementation

1. This Circular takes effect from December 1, 2019.

2. The Director of the Ministry's Office, the Inspector General of the Ministry, the Heads of Departments, the Director of the Vietnam Highway Corporation, the Directors of the Departments of Transport of provinces and centrally-administered cities, and the Heads of agencies, organizations, and individuals concerned are responsible for implementing this Circular.