Introduction Services
Foreigners from any country who want to drive in China must apply for a Chinese Driver’s License. The PRC does not recognize International Driving Permits (IDP) and does not permit foreigners to drive in mainland China without a Chinese license. Note: Residents from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan also need to apply for a Chinese Driver’s License to drive in mainland China. Unless you have diplomatic status, importing foreign vehicles is nearly impossible. It is necessary to drive very defensively in China as drivers have their own driving habits. Driving in China is not recommended unless you are used to extremely chaotic driving conditions. Not only do you have to cope with a very complex road system and traffic jams, but also on-going construction. Depending on the city, some traffic moves on the right while others move on the left. Parking spaces are often very difficult to find. Rented cars most often come with a driver and is probably the best option.
Document preparation
- You must have a valid foreign driver's license (an International Driving Permit cannot be used)
- You must have a passport with a visa valid for more than 90 days (place of issue is not relevant)
- You must have an up-to-date registration form of temporary residence
Process for applying
- Translate your foreign driver’s license at the government translation center (The process of booking a place might take 1-2 weeks as the wait list is quite long)
- Complete a simple medical checkup at the traffic department offices
- Attend the written test on traffic laws
- If you pass the exam with a score of 90% or better, your license will be issued the same day