Thanh Tung, 24, who is scheduled for his Class B driving license test at the end of July, is diligently studying the 600-question theory test. He noted that the new test, compiled by the Traffic Police Department and implemented on 1/6, contains many questions with similar answers, requiring learners to understand traffic situations and diagrams to choose the correct option.

"Most questions require understanding the material to answer correctly. This differs from the old test, which allowed for memorization tricks and selecting answers based on keywords without grasping the situation," Tung said, adding that mastering the 600 questions in the new test requires about two weeks of online practice.

An instructor guides Thanh Tung through the new driving theory test at Hoc Mon Driving Training and Testing Center on 4/7. Photo: Dinh Van

An instructor guides Thanh Tung through the new driving theory test at Hoc Mon Driving Training and Testing Center on 4/7. Photo: Dinh Van

The revised 600-question driving theory test, compiled by the Traffic Police Department, was introduced on 1/6. Nearly 180 questions were modified, added, or rewritten, while the rest remain unchanged. The questions are divided into six chapters: general regulations and traffic rules, traffic culture and driver ethics, driving techniques, vehicle structure and repair, road signs and diagram interpretation, and situational handling skills.

Nguyen Tan Tai, a long-time driving instructor, explained that the old test had around 100 questions on speed limits, driving rules, transporting bulky goods, etc. Test-takers could often guess correctly by looking for keywords like "not allowed," "not permitted," or "authorized agency" in the answer choices. For questions containing words like "must," "observe," "maintain," or "fire truck," choosing the longest answer was often a successful tactic.

This allowed many test-takers to select the correct answer without understanding the question. However, the new test's revised structure and answers require genuine comprehension.

Tai cited an example concerning the maximum speed limit of 50 km/h outside populated areas. In the old test, three distinct answers differed significantly in wording, allowing test-takers to simply choose the one containing "concrete mixer truck" or "tank truck." The new test presents four options, all including phrases like "except buses," "passenger vehicles up to 28 seats," or "trucks towing tank trailers," forcing test-takers to understand the scenario.

"The diverse answer choices encourage both learners and instructors to shift from rote memorization to genuine understanding," Tai said.

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Traffic Police Department leadership inspects the car license testing facilities at Hoc Mon Driving Training and Testing Center. Photo: Minh Bang

Nguyen Xuan Thuc, Deputy Director of Hoc Mon Driving Training and Testing Center, added that the new test's questions avoid simplistic "yes/no" answers. For instance, a question like, "Is it prohibited to operate a motor vehicle or specialized motorcycle that doesn't meet safety and environmental standards?" is replaced with, "Which operation of a motor vehicle or specialized motorcycle is prohibited?" This change encourages more thorough study instead of relying on keywords and memorization.

Statistics from the Hoc Mon center show that over 4,000 car license test-takers across eight sessions in 6/2025 achieved a theory test pass rate between 69% and 89%. This rate has slightly decreased since the new test's implementation.

However, Thuc noted that two-thirds of the questions remain unchanged, allowing test-takers to still apply some memorization techniques. Additionally, online videos offering shortcuts for the new test perpetuate the tendency to seek easy solutions rather than understanding the rules.

Colonel Tran Quang Nhat, Head of the Traffic Safety and Order Law Dissemination Department at the Traffic Police Department, stated that the 600 new questions are designed for accessibility with clear, straightforward wording, avoiding trick questions and adhering to real-world situations. After a month of implementation, the new test has partially reduced rote learning, although some workarounds persist.

"We are researching and supplementing the test questions to minimize rote learning and ensure drivers fully grasp traffic laws," Nhat said.

Traffic Police Department leadership inspects the car license testing facilities at Hoc Mon Driving Training and Testing Center. Photo: Minh Bang

Since 1/3, traffic police nationwide have taken over responsibilities for driving tests, license issuance, renewals, international driving permits, etc., from the transport department. Currently, over 705,105 people nationwide have completed driver training but are awaiting their tests.

Dinh Van