How Foreigners Can Obtain a Driver’s License in China

To drive or not to drive? This is a question many foreigners living in China face. Most visitors find that even without driving themselves, navigating traffic in China can be quite challenging. If you want to take advantage of driving in mainland China, the following information will be very helpful.

Before You Start

• You cannot use an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in mainland China, nor can you use a license obtained in Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan.
• This guide is based on regulations in Beijing. The specific requirements may vary slightly depending on the city in China.
• The written test can be taken in English or Chinese. However, in some smaller cities, you might be required to take the test in Chinese (sometimes they may allow you to bring a translator). On the other hand, in some major cities, you might even find tests in other languages, such as Spanish, French, German, or Arabic.

How to Obtain a Temporary Driver’s License

According to the “Regulations on the Management of Temporary Driver’s Licenses for Foreigners” issued by the Ministry of Public Security, if you hold a valid driving license from your home country, you can apply for a temporary driver’s license to drive a motor vehicle in China without taking additional tests.

The temporary driver’s license is for short-term visitors and is valid for no more than the duration of your entry-exit documents. The maximum validity period is three months and cannot be extended. Additionally, the temporary driver’s license must be used in conjunction with your home country’s driving license and carried with you at all times in case traffic police request to see it. Although you do not need to take a test to get the temporary license, you are required to attend a training session on Chinese road safety regulations before driving in China. You are only allowed to drive small cars or automatic vehicles.

Required Documents:

• Domestic driving license.
• International driving permit.
• Chinese translation of your foreign driving license (consult your embassy for information on where to get it).
• Completed application form.
• At least one day of hotel reservation.
• Three passport-sized color photos.

How to Obtain a Permanent Driver’s License

If you plan to stay in China for a longer period, you might consider getting a formal Chinese driver’s license.

Obtaining a Chinese Driver’s License with a Foreign License

If you have a residence permit and a foreign driving license, you can obtain a Chinese driver’s license (valid for 6 years) by passing a written test. The process and exam are conducted at the local traffic police department (Vehicle Management Office) in your city, and you may need to make an appointment in advance. The exam consists of answering 100 multiple-choice questions, lasting 45 minutes, and you need to score over 90% to pass. If you fail, you can retake the exam immediately, but if you fail the second time, you must wait at least 20 days to retake it.

Required Documents:

• Passport and residence permit valid for at least three months (original and copy).
• Temporary residence record from the local police station (original and copy).
• Foreign driving license (original and copy).
• Certified and notarized Chinese translation of the foreign driving license (in places like Beijing, you only need a translation signed by a Chinese citizen with a copy of their ID).
• Health certificate (usually available at the same location).

Obtaining a License for the First Time

If you are 18 or older, have a temporary or permanent residence permit, and do not have a driving license from another country, you can still obtain a driver’s license in China. You must pass four tests:

• A written test on laws, traffic regulations, and basic vehicle concepts (100 questions).
• A parking and basic driving skills test on a track.
• A written test on correct driving habits (50 questions).
• A road test.

Each test can be taken twice. If you fail, you must pay again and wait at least 20 days to retake it.

To obtain a driver’s license, you must enroll in a driving school. Some driving schools specifically cater to foreigners, while others accept them. Some even allow you to bring a translator. The process typically takes 2 to 3 months and costs between 3,000 to 8,000 RMB (covering fees, theory classes, and road practice), depending on the driving school and city.

Required Documents:

• Passport and residence permit valid for at least three months (original and copy).
• Temporary residence certificate issued by the local police station (original and copy).
• Health certificate (generally available at the same location).
• Three to five passport-sized color photos.

With this information, you are now ready to apply for a Chinese driver’s license. Enjoy your time in China!

Advice for Foreigners Using Public Transportation in China:

For urban travel, it’s best to use public transportation such as buses, subways, or inexpensive taxis, which are well-developed in many major Chinese cities. Intercity travel can be done by train, plane, or intercity buses, with the world-class high-speed rail system being particularly notable.