As of January 1st, 2025, the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety has introduced new regulations regarding the classification of Driver’s Licenses. Therefore, those taking the driving test this year need to pay attention to this classification to ensure they are testing for the correct type of license corresponding to the vehicle they will be operating.
New Driver’s License Classification from 2025
Article 57 of the Law on Traffic Order and Safety has tightened the regulations on the classification of Driver’s Licenses, with higher requirements than before. Specifically, the categories of Driver’s Licenses from 2025 are as follows:
a) Category A1 is granted to drivers of two-wheeled motorcycles with a cylinder capacity of up to 125 cm3 or an electric motor power of up to 11 kW;
b) Category A is for drivers of two-wheeled motorcycles with a cylinder capacity above 125 cm3 or an electric motor power exceeding 11 kW, as well as vehicles specified for category A1 licenses;
c) Category B1 is for drivers of three-wheeled motorcycles and vehicles specified for category A1 licenses;
d) Category B is granted to drivers of passenger cars with up to 08 seats (excluding the driver’s seat); trucks and specialized vehicles with a designed total weight of up to 3,500 kg; and vehicles specified for category B licenses, towing trailers with a designed total weight of up to 750 kg;
d) Category C1 is for drivers of trucks and specialized vehicles with a designed total weight exceeding 3,500 kg but not more than 7,500 kg; trucks specified for category C1 licenses, towing trailers with a designed total weight of up to 750 kg; and vehicles specified for category B licenses;
e) Category C is granted to drivers of trucks and specialized vehicles with a designed total weight exceeding 7,500 kg; trucks specified for category C licenses, towing trailers with a designed total weight of up to 750 kg; and vehicles specified for category B and C1 licenses;
g) Category D1 is for drivers of passenger cars with more than 08 seats (excluding the driver’s seat) up to 16 seats (excluding the driver’s seat); passenger cars specified for category D1 licenses, towing trailers with a designed total weight of up to 750 kg; and vehicles specified for category B, C1, and C licenses;
h) Category D2 is granted to drivers of passenger cars (including buses) with more than 16 seats (excluding the driver’s seat) up to 29 seats (excluding the driver’s seat); passenger cars specified for category D2 licenses, towing trailers with a designed total weight of up to 750 kg; and vehicles specified for category B, C1, C, and D1 licenses;
i) Category D is for drivers of passenger cars (including buses) with more than 29 seats (excluding the driver’s seat); passenger cars with sleeping berths; passenger cars specified for category D licenses, towing trailers with a designed total weight of up to 750 kg; and vehicles specified for category B, C1, C, D1, and D2 licenses;
k) Category BE is granted to drivers of vehicles specified for category B licenses, towing trailers with a designed total weight exceeding 750 kg;
l) Category C1E is for drivers of vehicles specified for category C1 licenses, towing trailers with a designed total weight exceeding 750 kg;
m) Category CE is granted to drivers of vehicles specified for category C licenses, towing trailers with a designed total weight exceeding 750 kg; and tractor-trailers;
n) Category D1E is for drivers of vehicles specified for category D1 licenses, towing trailers with a designed total weight exceeding 750 kg;
o) Category D2E is granted to drivers of vehicles specified for category D2 licenses, towing trailers with a designed total weight exceeding 750 kg;
p) Category DE is for drivers of vehicles specified for category D licenses, towing trailers with a designed total weight exceeding 750 kg; and articulated passenger cars.
According to these regulations, there have been changes in the license classifications. For example, previously, those with an A1 license could drive motorcycles up to 175 cc, but now, an A1 license only permits driving up to 125 cc. Similarly, a B1 license used to allow driving up to 8-seater vehicles, but now, a B license is required for that.
Therefore, citizens need to pay attention to these classifications and take the appropriate test for the type of vehicle they usually use.
What are the penalties for driving without a valid Driver’s License or with an inappropriate license?
Driving without a valid Driver’s License or with a license that does not match the type of vehicle can result in severe penalties under Decree 168.
For motorcycle drivers:
– A fine ranging from 2,000,000 to 4,000,000 VND is imposed on those driving motorcycles with a cylinder capacity of up to 125 cm3 or an electric motor power of up to 11 kW, or similar vehicles, without a license, or with a license that has been revoked, or using a license not issued by a competent authority, or a license that has been erased, or a license that is no longer valid, or a license that does not match the type of vehicle being driven;…
– A fine ranging from 6,000,000 to 8,000,000 VND is imposed on those driving two-wheeled motorcycles with a cylinder capacity above 125 cm3 or an electric motor power above 11 kW, or three-wheeled motorcycles, without a license or with a revoked license, or using a license not issued by a competent authority, or a license that has been erased, or a license that is no longer valid.
Thus, if someone takes the A license test in 2025 and drives a motorcycle above 125cc, they will be fined 6-8 million VND.
A fine ranging from 18,000,000 to 20,000,000 VND is imposed on those driving cars, car-like vehicles, four-wheeled passenger vehicles with an attached engine, or four-wheeled cargo vehicles with an attached engine without a license, or with a revoked license, or using a license not issued by a competent authority, or a license that has been erased, or a license that is no longer valid.
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