HCMC – HCMC is facing a critical shortage of around 250,000 plastic driver’s license blanks due to increased demand, said Bui Hoa An, deputy director of the HCMC Department of Transport.
The shortage, which has disrupted driving tests since October, has caused significant delays for new license applicants.
Despite anticipating higher demand and ordering 10% more license blanks than in 2023, supply issues persist due to a shortage of printing materials, a problem affecting multiple parts of Vietnam.
The Department for Roads of Vietnam has committed to resolving the issue by December. Authorities are working to expedite the procurement of additional license blanks to meet the needs of HCMC, which serves not only city residents but also workers from nearby provinces.
An attributed part of the surge in demand to misunderstandings about a new traffic safety law set to take effect in 2025. Many mistakenly believe that older licenses will no longer be valid under the new regulations.
He clarified that all valid licenses, including those issued before 1995, will remain effective until their expiration. To enhance management, the transport sector is integrating license data into the VNeID digital platform.
Meanwhile, to meet the travel demand for the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday, HCMC’s bus operators plan to increase daily trips to 6,500, accommodating approximately 94,000 passengers. The introduction of new expressways and early holidays at some companies is expected to help alleviate congestion during the holiday period.
