Introduction

Everyone riding a motorbike in Vietnam needs two things: a domestic motorbike license and a 1968 International Driving Permit (IDP). For New Zealanders, getting the first one sorted is easy — it’s the second one that trips people up.

The 1949 and 1968 International Driving Permit

There are two IDP conventions in use internationally — the 1949 Geneva Convention and the 1968 Vienna Convention — and Vietnam only recognises the 1968 version.

New Zealand is party to the 1949 convention, not the 1968 one. The AA (New Zealand’s official IDP issuer) is explicit about this: as they put it, “As New Zealand is part of the 1949 Convention, AA is only authorised to issue the IDP following the 1949 Convention on Road Traffic.” That means the standard IDP a Kiwi gets before travelling is not valid in Vietnam.

Should You Still Get the 1949 IDP?

Yes — it’s still worth getting, even though it’s not technically valid in Vietnam. Most local police outside of specific hotspots won’t know the difference between a 1949 and a 1968 IDP, and it’s useful to have for other countries on a longer trip.

You can apply for the New Zealand 1949 IDP through the AA — $49.50 online (plus delivery) or $39.50 in person at an AA centre, with a current NZ full license and a passport-style photo. It’s valid for 12 months or until your NZ license expires, whichever comes first.

For the version Vietnam actually requires, a digital 1968 IDP is the practical option for most Kiwi travellers, since New Zealand doesn’t issue an official one. These typically cost under $50 online, but you’ll need the physical booklet shipped to you — a phone-only copy won’t satisfy a police check, though it may be enough for some insurers. Best practice is to travel with both: your official NZ 1949 IDP and a digital 1968 IDP.

Domestic Driver’s License

Your domestic motorbike license also needs to match the bike you’re riding. Vietnam splits this into two classes:

•         50cc–125cc → A1-class license
•         Over 125cc → full A-class license

New Zealand’s motorcycle licensing works in three stages — Learner, Restricted, and Full (Class 6). Learner and Restricted riders are limited to LAMS-approved motorcycles (660cc or under, with a power-to-weight ratio below 150kW per tonne), while a Full Class 6 license removes that restriction entirely.

A Full Class 6 license lines up cleanly with Vietnam’s full A class. If you’re still on a Learner or Restricted license, the mapping is less clear-cut — your home license technically covers larger LAMS bikes than Vietnam’s 125cc A1 cutoff, but Vietnam’s system is based on the engine size your license authorises, not just its stage. It’s worth checking with us directly before you travel so we can confirm which class of bike you’ll be able to rent and ride.

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

Check directly with your travel insurance provider on what they actually require — some only ask for a valid domestic motorbike license, regardless of your IDP situation, while others are stricter. Don’t assume; confirm before you travel.

Summary: What Kiwi Riders Need

•         A New Zealand motorbike license matching your engine size (Full Class 6 for anything over 125cc)
•         Your standard NZ 1949 IDP (worth getting, even if not officially valid in Vietnam)
•         A digital 1968 IDP as the practical way to cover Vietnam’s actual requirement
•         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.