The draft Circular Amending and Supplementing a Number of Articles of Circular 12/2025 on driving license (DL) examination and issuance regulations, introduced by the Ministry of Public Security on 17/11, includes several new points. These changes involve removing the simulated test, requiring a mandatory test sequence (passing the theoretical test before the practical course, and passing the practical course before the on-road driving test), and most notably, adding an additional practical test course for class A and A1 motorcycles.

Illustration of motorcycle practical test exercises in "combined practical test course number 2". Photo: Ministry of Public Security

The new motorcycle practical test course will consist of two parts: "combined practical test course number 1" and "combined practical test course number 2". Candidates must pass the theoretical test to proceed to practical test course number 1, and pass practical test course number 1 to proceed to practical test course number 2.

Compared to the current motorcycle practical test course, which only includes riding in a figure 8, navigating straight lines, passing over obstacles, and traversing uneven roads, the new course introduces more practical skills relevant to real-world traffic conditions. Consequently, the difficulty will increase. Candidates will not only need to maintain balance at low speeds as before but also demonstrate their ability to control the vehicle in various operating states.

New skills include maintaining a stable speed of 40-50 km/h, executing correct gear changes (upshifting and downshifting), stopping precisely at designated positions, and making observed turns with signal activation. Most notably, the emergency braking exercise requires candidates to reach a sufficiently high speed before performing an abrupt stop while maintaining safe vehicle control. This scenario closely reflects real traffic situations in Vietnam, where motorcyclists frequently require sudden braking, rapid acceleration/deceleration, or lane changes in congested urban environments.

This expanded test structure is expected to improve the quality of licensed drivers, reducing the practice of "training tricks" to pass the exam without developing essential handling skills for real traffic.

Honda trained with the Traffic Police Department on teaching electric bike riding to students, 2/2025. Photo: HVN

If the draft is approved, test centers will need to invest in expanding their facilities and equipment to accommodate the new practical test course structure. Motorcycle driving license candidates in the near future may need to prepare more thoroughly for advanced skills, particularly speed control and safe braking at higher speeds compared to the current test.

Ho Tan