Significant Changes to Driving License Exams in Vietnam from July 1
Starting July 1, Vietnam will implement major changes to its driving license examination process, including

The Ministry of Public Security in Vietnam has officially announced that starting July 1, 2026, the simulated driving test will be eliminated as part of the new regulations regarding driver training and testing. Under these new rules, students will be required to pass a series of tests in a specific order: theoretical, practical on a driving course, and finally, road driving with a vehicle.
This change comes as part of a broader effort to enhance the quality of driver training and ensure that new drivers possess the necessary skills and ethical standards for safe driving. The new regulations replace the previous decree and are based on the stipulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law and Decree No. 94/2026/ND-CP, which will come into effect on the same date.
According to the Traffic Police Department, the new testing framework is designed to be more rigorous and aligned with real-world driving conditions. Students will now face a more challenging theoretical test, with the number of questions increasing significantly. For motorcycle licenses, the number of questions will rise from 25 to 40, while for car licenses, it will increase from 30 to 50 questions. The allotted time for these tests will also be extended.
Furthermore, practical driving tests will now include more complex scenarios, such as handling situations when merging from a side road onto a main road or navigating roundabouts. The practical driving segment will require candidates to cover a minimum distance of 5 kilometers, ensuring they encounter various traffic situations, including intersections and pedestrian crossings.
This overhaul of the driving test system aims to ensure that all drivers are well-prepared for the responsibilities of operating a vehicle on public roads, thereby improving overall road safety in Vietnam.