Should B1 and B2 driver's licenses be converted to the same B class?

A driving license test location. Source: Law Library.

The Ministry of Public Security is seeking opinions from agencies and associations on a 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 brought to the hall for discussion, the Draft Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety did not classify driving licenses but assigned the Government to regulate.

However, through comments from some delegates as well as analysis and evaluation, the Ministry of Public Security believes that it is necessary to include the content of driver's license classification in the draft law. Specifically, according to the regulations currently in effect in the 2008 Road Traffic Law, driver's licenses include 13 categories: A1, A2, A3, A4, B1, B2, C, D, E, FB2, FD, FE, FC.

In which, class A4 is granted to drivers of tractors with a load capacity of up to 1,000 kg. Class B1 is granted to non-professional drivers of passenger cars with up to 9 seats; trucks and tractors with a load capacity of under 3,500 kg. Class B2 is granted to professional drivers of passenger cars with up to 9 seats; trucks and tractors with a load capacity of under 3,500 kg.

In the draft report currently soliciting comments, the Ministry of Public Security proposed to change some driving license categories. Specifically, class A4 will be removed and no driving license category will be specified for tractor drivers because based on the type and use of the vehicle, this type of vehicle will be classified as a specialized motorbike. At the same time, class B1 and B2 will be changed to the same class B because the basis for classifying driving licenses is based on capacity, type, engine, and number of seats.

The Ministry of Public Security also said that the issuance of new driver's licenses will be applied to first-time licensees and to those who are issued new or reissued. The transitional provisions will stipulate that driver's licenses issued before the law takes effect will continue to be valid for the duration and value stated on the driver's license.

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

Mr. Truong also said that currently, in terms of capacity, type, engine, and number of seats, class B1 and B2 are relatively close and of the same type. Merging class B1 with B2 to reduce paperwork is necessary, but it is necessary to calculate the roadmap and have reasonable steps.

Meanwhile, Mr. Bui Danh Lien - former Chairman of the Hanoi Transport Association said that everything must come from the interests of the people. If we remove class B1 and B2 and combine them into class B for the convenience of the people, it should be done, but avoid adding more procedures. "The more convenient and simplified administrative procedures for the people, the better" - Mr. Lien said.

Source