Driving license testing has been temporarily suspended in several Vietnamese provinces, including Dak Lak, Thanh Hoa, and Ha Tinh, as of February 19, 2025. This comes as the government prepares to transfer the administration of driver’s license exams and issuance from the Ministry of Transport to the Ministry of Public Security. This article details the specific situations in each province and the impact on citizens.
Dak Lak: License Issuance Continues, Testing Halted
Dak Lak Province has temporarily halted driver’s license testing, effective February 18, 2025, according to Deputy Director of the Dak Lak Department of Transport, Le Dinh Minh. However, the issuance and renewal of driving licenses are proceeding as usual. This crucial distinction reflects the province’s focus on maintaining essential services for citizens.
(Dak Lak continues processing license applications, while temporarily suspending testing procedures.)
The Dak Lak Department of Transport continues accepting applications for new and replacement licenses, given high public demand. The provincial Public Service Center has increased staff and operating hours to efficiently handle the increased workload.
Thanh Hoa: Accepting Applications Until Transfer
In Thanh Hoa Province, the provincial People’s Committee has instructed the Department of Transport to continue accepting applications for new and replacement driving licenses at the provincial Public Service Center and district post offices. This process will continue until the formal transfer of responsibility to the provincial police department. The Department of Transport is tasked with ensuring that these services remain uninterrupted for residents.
Ha Tinh: Restricted Issuance of Expired Licenses
The Ha Tinh Department of Transport has also suspended driver’s license testing and related activities. Before the suspension, the department conducted retesting for over 100 trainees and 100 individuals with expired licenses. Issuance of new or renewal licenses for expired driving permits will be restricted from February 18th to March 5th. Individuals who submitted applications before February 17th and have not yet received their licenses should contact the Transportation, Vehicles and Drivers Management Department directly.
(Further image depicting the Dak Lak situation.)
Reasons and Impact
The temporary suspension of testing is a prelude to the transfer of administrative responsibilities for driver’s license examinations and issuance from the Ministry of Transport to the Ministry of Public Security. This transfer is a significant shift in the country’s traffic management structure. For citizens, this directly impacts the ability to obtain driving licenses and renewals during this transitional period. However, the continued acceptance of license applications in affected provinces mitigates potential disruption.
Conclusion
The temporary suspension of driver’s license testing in several provinces marks a critical transition period in the handover of administrative responsibilities. While some challenges may arise, the provinces are taking steps to prioritize the needs of citizens regarding the issuance and renewal of licenses. It is hoped that this transition will proceed smoothly and efficiently, minimizing the inconvenience for those seeking driving licenses.
