Introduction

Everyone riding a motorbike in Vietnam needs two things: a domestic motorbike license and a 1968 International Driving Permit (IDP). Austria is similar to Italy here — you can get the right IDP, but it isn’t the only version on offer, so it’s worth knowing what to ask for.

The 1968 International Driving Permit

There are two IDP conventions in use internationally, and Vietnam only recognises the 1968 (Vienna Convention) version. Austria issues permits under both the older Geneva convention (valid 1 year) and the 1968 Vienna Convention (valid 3 years) — so make sure you specifically ask for the Vienna Convention version when you apply.

Unlike most countries, Austria’s IDPs aren’t issued by a government office — they come from one of the country’s motorists’ associations: ÖAMTC, ARBÖ, or VCÖ. You’ll need a valid Austrian driving license and a photo; costs vary between the associations, with members typically getting a discounted rate. Whichever one you use, confirm you’re getting the 3-year Vienna Convention permit, not the 1-year version.

Domestic License & Austria’s A1/A2/A Classes

Austria follows the EU motorcycle license structure, based on power output:

•         A1 — up to 125cc and 11kW, minimum age 16
•         A2 — up to 35kW, practical test available from age 18
•         A — unrestricted, standard minimum age 24 (direct access from 23.5), or from age 20 if you’ve held an A2 for at least 2 years and complete a short practical top-up (7 hours of training, or a test instead)

Vietnam’s system is simpler — just A1 (50–125cc) and full A (anything over 125cc) — so there’s no direct match for the A2 category. In practice, if you hold an A2 or full A license and your 1968 IDP carries the A stamp, you’re covered for any bike size in Vietnam. Only an A1 license restricts you to Vietnam’s 125cc A1 class.

One Austria-specific quirk worth knowing, and treating with some caution: if you hold a standard car (B) license for at least 5 years and complete 6–7 hours of training, you can add “Code 111” to it, which lets you ride up to 125cc at home. This doesn’t turn your license into a motorcycle license, though — it stays a B (car) license with a numeric code added to the card. Since that code isn’t something a Vietnamese police officer (or even the association issuing your IDP) would automatically recognise as motorcycle authorisation, don’t assume it converts cleanly into an A1 stamp.

Your travel insurer may well be fine with Code 111, since insurance paperwork is usually reviewed by someone who can look up what the code means. Vietnamese police at the roadside are a different story — if they’re looking for a reason to fine you, a car license with an unfamiliar code rather than a clearly-labelled motorcycle license is exactly the kind of thing that gives them one. If Code 111 is your only motorcycle qualification, check directly with ÖAMTC/ARBÖ/VCÖ on how it’s handled on the IDP, and confirm with us before you travel.

Where You’re Likely to Be Checked

The Ha Giang Loop is where document checks actually happen, and police there specifically know the difference between a 1949 and a 1968 IDP. Elsewhere in Vietnam, checks are far less common. Riding without valid documents typically results in a fine of 2–3 million VND (roughly $80–120 USD), though we’ve heard of fines as high as 7 million VND.

Travel Insurance

Even with the right paperwork for Vietnam, it’s worth checking directly with your travel insurance provider on exactly what they require — requirements vary and don’t always match Vietnam’s legal minimum.

Summary: What Austrians Need

•         An Austrian motorbike license matching your engine size (A2 or full A for anything over 125cc)
•         A 1968 Vienna Convention IDP from ÖAMTC, ARBÖ or VCÖ with the matching A1 or A stamp — specifically ask for this version, not the 1-year one
•         Confirmation from your travel insurer on what they require

Need a Motorbike for Your Vietnam Trip?

Not sure exactly what your license covers, or what you’ll need to rent with us? Get in touch — WhatsApp, email, or through our website — and we’ll help you sort it out before you arrive. Style Motorbikes — your adventure starts here.