Do people using B1 driving license need to retake the test according to the new law?

Under the new regulations, the driver’s license classification system will be adjusted to suit traffic conditions and vehicle usage needs. Class B1, which is widely used for driving cars, will no longer exist in the new classification system. Instead, Class B will replace both Class B1 and B2 currently in use.

Specifically, from January 1, 2025, people newly issued with a B1 driver's license will only be allowed to drive vehicles such as three-wheeled motorbikes, two-wheeled motorbikes with a cylinder capacity of up to 125cm³ or an electric motor capacity of up to 11kW. This means that a B1 driver's license will no longer be eligible to drive a car as before.

In recent days, many people have wondered whether they will have to retake the test if they have a B1 driver's license before the new law comes into effect. According to Article 89 of the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety No. 36/2024/QH15, people who have had a B1 driver's license before January 1, 2025 will continue to use the license until it expires, without having to retake the test.

These people can still drive passenger cars with up to 8 seats (not including the driver's seat) and trucks and tractors with a load capacity of less than 3,500 kg. This right remains until the license expires.

If a B1 license holder wishes to continue driving after their license expires or upgrade their license to comply with the new regulations, they will need to take the test and change to a new license class. The process will be as follows:

Automatic B1 driver's license will be changed and reissued to B driver's license with the restriction that it can only drive automatic cars.

Class B1 and B2 driving licenses will be changed or reissued to Class B or Class C1 driving licenses, along with a specialized motorcycle driving certificate for tractor drivers with a load capacity of up to 3,500 kg.

For those who are in the process of learning to drive but have not been granted a driving license before January 1, 2025, they will be tested and granted a new license according to the new regulations.