Safety + Legality
Vietnam Motorbike Licence for Foreigners: 2026 Legal Guide
Vietnam changed its driving-licence categories from 1 January 2025. That matters because many older guides still describe the old A1 and A2 system as though it were current.
For foreign riders, there are two separate questions: what Vietnamese licence category covers the motorcycle, and what legal route allows you to use your own foreign entitlement in Vietnam. This page focuses on the licence categories themselves and how to match them to the bike.
For IDP treaty rules, licence conversion and police procedures, use the specialist Legal Vault guides linked throughout this page.
Vietnam’s Current Motorcycle Licence Categories
A1
Vietnam’s current A1 category covers two-wheeled motorcycles with an engine capacity up to 125cc, or electric motorcycles with power up to 11kW.
A
Category A covers two-wheeled motorcycles above 125cc or above 11kW, and it also covers motorcycles within the A1 category.
These categories apply under the current Road Traffic Order and Safety Law. Older articles that describe A1 as “under 175cc” and A2 as “175cc and above” are describing the pre-2025 system.
What Happened to the Old A1 and A2 Licences?
Vietnam did not simply cancel older licences when the categories changed. Pre-2025 licences continue under transitional rules.
That means an older Vietnamese A1 or A2 licence should be understood according to the entitlement preserved for that legacy licence, rather than casually relabelled as a new A1 or A category.
This distinction is important for long-term residents who already hold an older Vietnamese licence. If you are in that position, check the licence you actually hold before assuming the new category name changes your entitlement.
How Foreign Licences Fit Into the System
A foreign visitor does not normally “convert” their home licence category into a Vietnamese A1 or A category simply by crossing the border. Instead, they need a recognised legal route for using the foreign entitlement in Vietnam.
For many riders this means a recognised 1968 Convention IDP used together with the national licence. The national licence must itself contain a valid motorcycle entitlement.
ASEAN domestic licences can use a separate regional recognition route. Foreign residents who meet current conditions may also be able to convert or obtain a Vietnamese licence.
The documents must cover the motorcycle. A car-only licence is not enough, and an IDP cannot create a missing motorcycle entitlement.
Matching Your Licence to the Bike
Before choosing a rental bike, check the exact engine capacity or electric-motor power and compare it with the entitlement shown on your licence.
A 110cc or 125cc motorcycle sits within the current Vietnamese A1 threshold. A 150cc, 300cc or 500cc motorcycle is above that threshold and therefore falls within category A under Vietnam’s system.
Foreign licence categories can work differently. European graduated categories, for example, may use power and power-to-weight limits rather than a simple engine-capacity cut-off. Do not assume that “A2” means the same thing in every country or that engine size alone decides your foreign entitlement.
If you are unsure, check your home licensing authority’s wording before renting a larger motorcycle.
Which Legal Route Should You Use?
Short-stay visitor with a recognised 1968 IDP route
Carry the valid national licence and the recognised IDP, both showing the necessary motorcycle entitlement.
ASEAN licence holder
Use the ASEAN recognition route where your domestic licence qualifies, and carry the original valid licence.
Longer-stay foreigner or resident
If you meet current eligibility requirements, converting or obtaining a Vietnamese licence may be the most practical long-term route.
No recognised motorcycle entitlement
Do not treat the rental contract as permission to ride legally. Consider a driver, easy-rider tour or other transport instead.
FAQ
What is the current A1 motorcycle limit in Vietnam?
A1 covers two-wheeled motorcycles up to 125cc, or electric motorcycles up to 11kW.
What licence covers motorcycles above 125cc?
Under the current system, category A covers motorcycles above 125cc or above 11kW and also includes A1 motorcycles.
Is the old Vietnamese A2 licence still valid?
Older licences continue under transitional provisions. Do not assume the licence became invalid simply because the category names changed.
Can my foreign car licence cover a scooter in Vietnam?
Not simply because the vehicle is automatic or looks like a scooter. You need the appropriate motorcycle entitlement for the vehicle you are riding.
Does a 1968 IDP give me motorcycle entitlement?
No. It reflects the underlying national licence. If your national licence does not include motorcycles, the IDP does not create that entitlement.
Match the Licence to the Bike
Vietnam’s current motorcycle categories are now straightforward: A1 up to 125cc or 11kW, and A above those limits. The more complicated part for foreign riders is proving that their own legal entitlement matches the motorcycle.
Use our How to Drive Legally guide for the decision process, the IDP guide for international-permit rules, and the licence-conversion guide if you need a Vietnamese licence.