Drivers can send driving licence applications by post

Hanoi (VNA) - Drivers can send applications for driving licences and receive the licences via post, instead of having to submit the applications personally as at present.

The transport ministry has approved a proposal of the Directorate for Roads of Vietnam, according to which the Vietnam Post Corporation will facilitate submission of driving licence applications by drivers to transport agencies and also deliver driving licences to eligible drivers.

The move aims to speed up the issuance of driving license cards, made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), in Vietnam. Drivers who have licences made of paper are encouraged to change to PET ones by the end of this year. The deadline for motorbike drivers with small engine capacity or owners of three-wheelers has been extended to 2020.

Six months after the deadline, those with paper licences must take a driving test again to get the PET driving licence.

Transport departments in cities and provinces have been asked to cooperate with local postal offices to provide the service relating to driving licences.

Phan Thi Thu Hien, vice-head of the Directorate for Roads of Vietnam, said the service would help transport agencies to save money and staff in the issue of PET licences in localities.

Overcrowding at licence sections in local transport agencies would be curbed, she said.

Moreover, it would help drivers to get PET licences more conveniently.

Vietnam Post has set up teams that will reach remote mountainous areas to collect driving licence applications and deliver licences to the applicants at their homes.-VNA