International Driving Permit Vietnam is one of the first things foreign drivers should check before getting behind the wheel in the country. If you are planning to explore Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue or other destinations by car, having the right driving documents can help you travel with greater confidence.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) can be part of the requirements, but not every document marketed as an “international driving licence” is automatically valid in Vietnam. Before booking a self-drive car, it is important to understand which documents you need and how they work together.
Here is what foreign visitors should know before getting behind the wheel.
What Is an International Driving Permit?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document used alongside your national driving licence when driving in another country.
It is not a replacement for your original driving licence. For foreign drivers in Vietnam, the documents must meet the requirements recognized under Vietnamese law.
Vietnam’s current road traffic law recognizes an international driving permit together with a valid national driving licence of the appropriate vehicle category when issued by a country that is a member of the 1968 Viennam Convention on Road Traffic. For more detailed information, you can refer to the full text of Vietnam’s Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety here. View the full law
In other words:
IDP + valid national driving licence = the documents you should have with you when driving in Vietnam, where applicable.
Is an International Driving Permit Valid in Vietnam?
Yes, an IDP issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention can be recognized in Vietnam, provided the requirements are met.
Vietnam’s Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety, effective from January 1, 2025, states that drivers using an international driving permit issued by a Vienna Convention member country must carry both:
- Their valid International Driving Permit
- Their valid national driving licence corresponding to the vehicle category
Drivers must also follow Vietnamese traffic regulations.
This is important because not every document marketed online as an “international driving licence” is necessarily the type recognized for driving in Vietnam.
Do You Need Your Original Driving Licence?
Yes.
If you are relying on an IDP to drive in Vietnam, do not travel with the IDP alone.
Vietnamese regulations specifically require the driver to carry the international driving permit together with the national driving licence that matches the vehicle being driven.
Before your trip, check that:
- Your national driving licence is still valid
- Your IDP is still valid
- The vehicle category on your documents matches the vehicle you intend to drive
- Your IDP was issued by the appropriate authority in your home country
Can Foreigners Rent a Car in Da Nang?
If you are planning a self-drive car rental in Da Nang, your driving documents should be checked before booking. Make sure your national driving licence and IDP meet the requirements for driving in Vietnam.
If you are renting a car in Vietnam for the first time, our guide to Renting a Car in Vietnam covers the key things to know before booking, from choosing a vehicle to understanding the rental process.
For visitors who are not confident about local driving requirements, another option is a private car with a professional driver. This allows you to travel between Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue and other destinations without having to navigate unfamiliar roads yourself.
For example, a private car from Da Nang to Hoi An can provide door-to-door transportation while you enjoy the journey.
IDP vs. International Driving Licence: What’s the Difference?
You may see both terms when searching online:
“International Driving Permit Vietnam”
and
“International Driving Licence Vietnam”
They are often used interchangeably online, but what matters is whether the document is legally recognized in Vietnam, not simply what it is called.
Before renting a car, confirm the document’s issuing authority, convention, validity and vehicle category.
If you are unsure whether your documents meet the International Driving Permit Vietnam requirements, contact your rental provider before booking.
Should You Drive Yourself or Hire a Driver?
Self-driving can give you more freedom to explore at your own pace. However, driving in an unfamiliar country also means dealing with local traffic, navigation, parking and road conditions.
A private car with a local driver may be a better choice if:
- This is your first trip to Vietnam
- You are unfamiliar with Vietnamese traffic
- You are travelling with family or luggage
- You plan a long-distance trip
- You simply want to enjoy the journey without driving
For experienced and properly licensed drivers, self-driving can offer greater flexibility.
Plan Your Trip with Confidence
Your driving documents are one of the first things to check before arranging a car rental in Vietnam.
Have a valid IDP and national driving licence? Make sure both are valid and appropriate for the vehicle you plan to drive.
Not sure about the requirements? Confirm your eligibility with your rental provider before booking.
And if you prefer to leave the driving to a local professional, explore our Da Nang car rental with driver service for comfortable trips around Central Vietnam.
Ready to explore Da Nang, Hoi An and Hue? Contact Da Nang Car Rental and let us help you choose the right transportation for your journey.
