Driving pickup trucks is increasingly popular in Vietnam, serving personal, business, and travel needs. However, many people are still unclear about licensing regulations and traffic laws applicable to this type of vehicle. This article will provide detailed information about pickup truck licenses and important considerations when participating in traffic.
What license do you need to drive a pickup truck?
Pickup Truck License: B1, B2, or C?
The choice of license depends on the payload of the pickup truck.
Driver’s License B1
License B1 allows driving pickup trucks with a payload of less than 3.5 tons and cars with fewer than 9 seats. Conditions for learning for a B1 license include:
- Age 18 or older.
- Health meets the driving requirements.
- Graduated from high school or equivalent.
- Have a certificate of completing B1 driving theory.
The B1 license course usually lasts 3 months, including theory and practice. Tuition fees range from 4.5 to 6 million VND. The B1 license is suitable for popular pickup trucks such as Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Triton,…
Driver’s License B2
Pickup truck and license types
Similar to license B1, license B2 also allows driving pickup trucks under 3.5 tons but expands on the types of vehicles allowed to be driven, including:
- Small trucks, small buses.
- Passenger cars from 10 to 30 seats.
- Trucks under 3.5 tons.
- Passenger cars with more than 9 seats and less than 30 seats.
The conditions for learning for a B2 license are similar to those for B1. The learning time and tuition fees are also equivalent.
Driver’s License C
License C is for driving pickup trucks with a payload of over 3.5 tons, such as the Ford F-150, Toyota Tundra. Conditions for learning for a C license:
- Age 21 or older.
- Health meets the requirements.
- Have a B2 driver’s license or higher.
- Have a certificate of completing C driving theory.
The C license course lasts 4 months with tuition fees from 7 to 9 million VND.
Speed Regulations and Penalties for Violations
Speeding while driving a pickup truck
Speed limit
Maximum speed allowed when driving a pickup truck:
- Inner city: 50-60 km/h depending on the type of road.
- Outside the city: 80-90 km/h depending on the type of road.
- Pickup trucks over 950kg: Apply truck speed limits (70-80km/h).
- Highway: Maximum 120 km/h or according to signs.
Violation Handling
Speeding while driving a pickup truck will be penalized according to regulations for automobiles. Penalties increase according to the level of violation, from warnings to fines and license revocation.
Important Notes When Driving a Pickup Truck
Safety notes when driving a pickup truck
- Choose a car that matches your driving experience.
- Avoid driving at night or when visibility is limited.
- Do not carry more than the prescribed number of people.
- Always wear a seat belt and obey traffic laws.
- Understand the functions of the car.
- Be careful when reversing and turning the car.
Improving Pickup Truck Driving Skills
Pickup truck driving skills
To drive a pickup truck safely and effectively, you need to:
- Learn about the characteristics of the car: Weight, size, center of gravity.
- Practice basic skills: Starting, driving straight, cornering, reversing, parallel parking, emergency braking.
- Practice driving in different conditions: City roads, highways, rough roads, slippery roads.
- Participate in advanced driving courses: Off-road driving, trailer towing, heavy load carrying.
Are Pickup Trucks Allowed on Restricted Roads?
Pickup trucks under 950kg are considered cars and are not prohibited from traveling on roads restricted to trucks. Pickup trucks weighing 950kg or more must comply with the road restrictions for trucks.
