These proposals were put forth by the Ministry of Public Security in a draft amendment to Circular No. 65/2024, which governs legal knowledge tests for driving license (DL) point restoration.

The draft introduces two significant changes: a substantial increase in the number of questions, extended test duration, and an expanded scope of tested knowledge. These adjustments aim for a more substantive and effective evaluation.

Doubling the number of questions

Under the current Circular No. 65/2024, the number of questions in the theoretical test is considered low and does not fully cover complex real-world road situations.

The new draft proposes to nearly double the number of questions for most DL categories, along with extending the test duration to allow candidates sufficient time for thorough consideration. Consequently, the passing score will also increase.

The proposed number of questions, test duration, and passing scores are presented in the table below:

This increase in question count aims to eliminate rote learning or reliance on luck. With a longer and more comprehensive set of questions, drivers will need to systematically master the knowledge to achieve a high minimum passing score, typically 90% correct answers.

Notably, the regulation concerning "critical questions" remains: candidates will fail the test if they answer just one critical question incorrectly, regardless of their total score.

Criminal law knowledge questions to be included

Beyond increasing the quantity, the new Circular will focus on expanding the scope of tested knowledge, moving beyond basic road traffic rules or common driving techniques.

According to the draft, the new question set will include important knowledge areas such as awareness of the Criminal Code, primarily focusing on offenses related to violating road traffic regulations. This aims to help drivers clearly understand the distinction between administrative violations and criminal liability.

Other topics added to the theoretical section include laws on handling administrative violations and knowledge for preventing traffic accidents.

For professional DL categories (B and above), the proposal maintains and deepens content on common vehicle structure and repair, driver ethics, traffic culture, fire prevention and fighting, and search and rescue.

Increasing the difficulty of the point restoration test aims to assess not only knowledge but also the ethics and sense of responsibility of drivers who have already committed violations severe enough to lose all their points. The pathway for them to return to driving must be rigorous to ensure a fundamental change in their awareness and skills.

The draft is open for public comment until 25/5.

Hai Thu