Do you need a real driver's license to ride a scooter in Nha Trang, or can you get by without one?
Based on 1 discussion with 1 participant · Last activity: 4 days ago
TL;DR
No — riding a scooter without a valid international or Vietnamese driver's license is illegal in Vietnam; unlike in India, a photocopy of your license won't work with local police. This year there have been more frequent road checks on tourists, and even checks at rented apartments.
What the community said
Unlike India, there's no workaround in Vietnam where showing a photocopy of your license lets you go on your way — riding without a genuine (international or Vietnamese) license is illegal, and the rider bears full responsibility.
4 days ago License: original or international only
This year there's been a noticeable increase in road checkpoints specifically targeting tourists, largely as a response to accidents caused by reckless unlicensed riders.
4 days ago Road crackdowns in 2026
Checks aren't limited to the roads: police have also been visiting rented apartments and in some cases asking foreigners for urine tests (drug checks).
4 days ago Apartment checks