Monetary Fines, voided insurance and assumed liability in all accidents involving licensed drivers, these are the risk associated with driving without a valid license.
Riding a scooter or a motorcycle unlicensed in Vietnam can result in fines ranging from 2 to 4 million VND depending on engine capacity, with higher fines for bikes over 125cc. (6 to 8 million). Operating an automobile unlicensed results in a 10 to 14 million VND fine.
Motorbike rental company’s typically will rent to you but car rental company’s will not. Read the fine print on your motorbike rental agreement and you will be surprised by what it says.
If you are lucky, the police will only demand a payment 2 to 4 million VND and 6 to 8 million if you are riding something over 125cc. The more expensive the bike the bigger the fine.
If you are unlucky, the police will impound the motorcycle for 7 days, requiring a licensed person and the blue card owner to pay the fine and retrieve it. Your rental agreement may state a fee for this service
If you are involved in an accident, it is assumed that you are at fault. Vietnamese courts usually take the side of Vietnamese national or the side of a licensed driver, leaving the unlicensed rider liable for all costs.
If an accident occurs, fines can increase to 30–100 million VND, with potential imprisonment (1–5 years). . Vietnam requires exit processing at all ports of exit therefore it is possible that you may not be allowed to leave the country
Insurance: Operating without a proper license usually voids travel/health insurance, leaving the unlicensed rider liable for all his own travel and medical costs. Check out the Go-Fund-Me pages on the expat communities