HÀ NỘI — Vietnamese and foreign residents no longer have to visit the headquarters of authorised agencies to get their international driving permits issued thanks to an online service which began operations yesterday.

The service is a result of the efforts made by the Ministry of Transport in improving administrative reform in driving licence issuance and saving travelling expense of residents, towards “better satisfaction of public and enterprises”, Deputy Minister Nguyễn Hồng Trường said.

Driving licence applicants can access the Directorate for Roads of Việt Nam (DVRN) website at www.drvn.gov.vn or www.dichvucong.gplx.vn8000 and follow the instructions.

Applicants must upload a photocopy of the valid original driving permit in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material, a scan of the first page of the passport and their  portrait photo on the website.

The issuance fee, which costs VNĐ135,000 (US$6), and the delivery fee (if required) will be paid via internet banking.

At the ceremony held yesterday to mark the launch of the service, Phan Thị Thu Hiền, DVRN deputy head, said: “The online service will facilitate workers, students and officials residing in member countries that have ratified the Vienna Convention on Road Safety, established in 1968.”

Việt Nam is one of 73 countries that are part of the convention. Under its rules, Việt Nam recognises and accepts international driving licences issued by authorities from the 72 other countries that have joined the convention.

Also, as a signatory to the Vienna Convention, Vietnamese citizens residing, working or studying in countries that are members of the convention can use drivers’ licences issued by Vietnamese authorities.

After completing the online registration, the international driving permits will be delivered one to six days later depending on the distance. — VNS