Should driving licenses of categories B1 and B2 be merged into category B?

A location for taking a driving test. Source: Law Library.

The Ministry of Public Security is seeking feedback from agencies and associations on the draft report explaining some new contents in the Draft Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety. Accordingly, at the 6th session of the 15th National Assembly, when presented for discussion, the Draft Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety did not classify driver's licenses but left it to the Government to regulate.

However, based on feedback from some delegates and subsequent analysis and evaluation, the Ministry of Public Security believes that the classification of driver's licenses should be included in the draft law. Specifically, according to the regulations currently in effect under the 2008 Road Traffic Law, driver's licenses are divided into 13 categories: A1, A2, A3, A4, B1, B2, C, D, E, FB2, FD, FE, FC.

Specifically, category A4 is for drivers of tractors with a payload of up to 1,000kg. Category B1 is for non-professional drivers operating passenger cars with up to 9 seats; trucks and tractors with a payload of less than 3,500kg. Category B2 is for professional drivers operating passenger cars with up to 9 seats; trucks and tractors with a payload of less than 3,500kg.

In the draft report currently open for public comment, the Ministry of Public Security proposes changes to several driver's license categories. Specifically, it proposes eliminating category A4 and not specifying a driver's license category for tractor operators because, based on the type and purpose of the vehicle, this type of vehicle will be classified as a specialized motor vehicle. At the same time, it proposes consolidating categories B1 and B2 into category B, as the criteria for classifying driver's licenses are based on power, type, engine, and number of seats.

The Ministry of Public Security also stated that the issuance of driver's licenses according to the new categories will be implemented for first-time applicants and for licenses being renewed or reissued. Transitional provisions will stipulate that driver's licenses issued before this law comes into effect will continue to be valid for the period and value indicated on the license.

As someone who has reviewed many draft laws related to road traffic issues, Mr. Le Viet Truong - former Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on National Defense and Security - said that many countries around the world do not subdivide driver's licenses into smaller categories like Vietnam in order to simplify and reduce administrative procedures. However, they require very high-quality driver training, meaning that all licenses must meet the same standard. That is the important thing; the division into many categories depends on each country.

Mr. Truong also stated that, currently, in terms of power, type, engine, and number of seats, B1 and B2 categories are relatively similar and of the same type. Merging B1 and B2 categories to reduce paperwork and simplify procedures is necessary, but it requires careful planning and a reasonable approach.

Meanwhile, Mr. Bui Danh Lien, former Chairman of the Hanoi Transport Association, argued that everything must stem from the interests of the people. He suggested that if the B1 and B2 license categories were merged into a single B category to make things easier for the public, it should be done, but without adding unnecessary procedures. "The more convenient and streamlined the administrative procedures for the people, the better," Mr. Lien said.

Source: https://daidoanket.vn/co-nen-dua-giay-phep-lai-xe-hang-b1-b2-ve-cung-hang-b-10273831.html