Vietnam Proposes Ban on Driving Practice on Highways to Enhance Skills and Safety

The Ministry of Construction of Vietnam has issued a directive proposing restrictions on driving practice for trainees on highways. This measure aims to enhance driving skills and ensure highway safety. According to the directive, driving training centers are required to conduct practical driving lessons for trainees only on roads permitted by their driving practice licenses. Specifically, practice is prohibited on highways that are being developed in phases and on the first lane (leftmost lane) of highways, closest to the central median. The Ministry of Construction also instructs the Departments of Construction in provinces and cities, as well as driving training centers, to continuously improve the quality of driver training. They are also urged to strictly manage the assessment results of trainees based on the question bank and examination procedures issued by the Ministry of Public Security. Furthermore, instructions have been given to ensure strict adherence to regular maintenance and inspection of training vehicles, and to prohibit the use of training vehicles that do not meet quality and technical safety standards. This proposal comes against the backdrop of rapid development in Vietnam's transportation infrastructure and the corresponding increase in traffic safety concerns. In recent years, Vietnam has expanded its highway network and seen a rise in traffic volume, but accidents involving inexperienced drivers have also been observed. This proposed regulatory enhancement is considered a significant step towards cultivating more skilled drivers and reducing accident risks on highways.