The ministry has released a draft circular on driver testing, the issuance of driving licences and international driving permits for public consultation. Feedback will be accepted through June 18.

More theory questions proposed

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The Ministry of Public Security has proposed increasing the number of theory questions for several driving licence categories. Photo: Dinh Hieu

One of the most notable changes is a significant increase in the number of theory questions across multiple licence categories.

For A and A1 motorcycle licences, the number of questions would rise from 25 to 40, while the test duration would increase from 19 minutes to 27 minutes. Candidates would need at least 36 correct answers to pass.

For B1 motorcycle licences, the number of questions would double from 25 to 50, with the test duration extended from 19 minutes to 33 minutes. Candidates would be required to answer at least 45 questions correctly.

For Class B car licences, the theory test would expand from 30 to 50 questions, while the time limit would increase from 20 minutes to 33 minutes. A minimum score of 45 correct answers would be required.

Licence categories C1, C, D and trailer-related categories would also see increases in question numbers, testing time and minimum passing scores. The C1E, CE, D1E, D2E and DE categories would have the most extensive theory exams, featuring 90 questions to be completed within 60 minutes.

The draft also introduces several new question formats in addition to traditional multiple-choice questions. These include true-or-false questions, matching exercises and traffic-situation analysis based on short video clips.

According to the drafting agency, the updated question bank will include knowledge of criminal offences related to road traffic, administrative penalties for traffic violations and accident prevention measures. For licence categories from C1 upward, the exams will also include content related to road transport operations.

Questions will be randomly generated by computer software to reduce reliance on memorisation techniques and test-taking shortcuts. Candidates will be required to demonstrate a thorough understanding of traffic laws and related regulations.

Practical driving test to be expanded

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The proposed on-road practical driving test distance would increase to at least 5km. Photo: Dinh Hieu

The draft also proposes an additional motorcycle assessment for A1 and A licence holders.

In addition to the current closed-course test, candidates would be required to complete a second assessment involving simulated road situations. The test would include 11 scenarios such as entering a main road from a side street, overtaking vehicles, yielding to pedestrians and crossing railway intersections.

For practical car driving tests, the ministry proposes extending the road assessment distance from the current 2km to a minimum of 5km to provide a more accurate evaluation of driving competence.

The testing route would be required to have moderate traffic density and include a range of real-world traffic situations, including T-junctions, crossroads, side roads connecting to main roads, priority and non-priority intersections, roundabouts, traffic lights and pedestrian crossings.

Candidates would be assessed through 12 practical driving tasks, including vehicle safety checks and departure procedures, overtaking, acceleration and lane changes, left and right turns, U-turns, avoiding oncoming vehicles, yielding to pedestrians and wheelchair users, stopping and opening doors safely in hazardous situations, entering a main road from a side road, obeying traffic signals and completing the test.

Certain tasks, including lane changes and compliance with traffic signals, would be conducted depending on local road infrastructure and traffic conditions.

Dinh Hieu