Can I drive in Vietnam with an Australian licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
An IDP alone is not enough: you need a local licence or permit. Smartraveller says: “You're not allowed to drive or ride on an Australian licence or International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in Australia.” (Smartraveller advice for Vietnam, checked on 17 October 2026).
Rules change, and car hire companies can ask for more than the law. We quote the official travel advice word for word, with its date; this is information, not legal advice. If you are unsure, ask the embassy of the country you are visiting, your car hire company or your travel insurer before you travel.
What the official source says
Smartraveller advice for Vietnam: “Local travel” › “Driving permit”
You're not allowed to drive or ride on an Australian licence or International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in Australia.
Drivers and motorcyclists must have a valid Vietnamese driver licence to drive or ride in Vietnam, including for motorcycles of 50cc or more. Australian citizens can only drive or ride a motorcycle in Vietnam if they hold a temporary Vietnamese driver licence. To convert an Australian licence to a Vietnamese temporary licence, the applicant must hold a valid Vietnamese residence permit for at least three months.
Authorities may fine you for driving without a valid licence. Your travel insurer will likely deny any claims you make if you're unlicensed or you don't hold the correct class of licence. Contact the relevant ward police for further advice.
Fraudulent websites may claim to issue valid IDPs. The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders. Be aware of fraudulent competitors and third party suppliers.
Source: Smartraveller: Vietnam, page updated 24 September 2026, “still current at” 18 October 2026 (Australian time), checked on 17 October 2026. Quoted word for word; we show only the sentences about driving licences and permits.
What to bring and where to get an IDP
Smartraveller says (in its advice for Vietnam):
Fraudulent websites may claim to issue valid IDPs.
The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders.
Source: Smartraveller: Vietnam, checked on 17 October 2026.
Hire a car in Vietnam
Local permit needed in Vietnam: the official advice quoted above says an IDP alone is not enough with an Australian licence, and that you need a local licence or permit. Check the licence and IDP rules above before you book: the rental desk can refuse your booking without the right permit.
Hiring a car in Vietnam? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars.
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Other licences in Vietnam
| Licence | In Vietnam | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| UK licence | IDP needed | 28 October 2026 |
| Canadian licence | Local permit needed | 28 October 2026 |
Before you travel to Vietnam
- British passport: Vietnam entry requirements
- Canadian passport: Vietnam
- Australian passport: Vietnam
- Italian citizens: Vietnam
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for Vietnam with an Australian driver's licence?
An IDP alone is not enough: you need a local licence or permit. Smartraveller says: “You're not allowed to drive or ride on an Australian licence or International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in Australia.” (Smartraveller advice for Vietnam, checked on 17 October 2026).
Where do I get an international driving permit in Australia?
Smartraveller says: “The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of Smartraveller, read on 17 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
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