China Driving and Autos: Driving and Driver's License
Drivers operate their vehicles on the right-hand side of the road in China.
Requirements for Locals
Driver’s licenses are issued by the regional Public Security Bureaus (PSB), which are overseen by the Ministry of Public Security. Information relating to the license and the application process are given on the local Traffic Management Bureau websites (e.g., for Beijing: www.bjjtgl.gov.cn/publish/portal1). The requirements for applying for a new license or exchanging a foreign license are identical throughout the country.
There are several categories of driver’s licenses available. New applicants initially receive a learner’s license which entitles them to drive on specially constructed training areas in test centers. After passing the driving test the license can be upgraded to a full license but drivers are still classed as “intern” or “new” drivers for the first year. There are 15 different categories of full licenses, which cover driving in a range of vehicles including trams, tractors, buses and motorcycles. Classes C1 and C2 apply to manual and automatic cars, respectively.
Written and Road Test
After successfully applying for a learner’s license, a new applicant must enroll at a government-approved driving school for initial training, referred to as Course 1. This is theoretical and requires a written examination to be passed. If successful, the applicant receives a Driving Test Permit, which is valid for two years. The applicant can make an appointment for the practical test (Course 2) at any time during this period. The full license is issued five days after the practical driving test is passed.
Residence
You must be a resident of China for more than three months to obtain a driver’s license.
Age
You must be at least 18 years of age to apply for a driving license.
Identification
You must present an original and photocopied identification document and eight passport-sized photographs for any new application.
Fee
There is a fee for the issue of a Driving Test Permit and a second fee for the processing of the license after the test is passed. Both are paid in person at the local Traffic Management Bureau.
Other Requirements
A medical test is required for any new application. This is a simple and standard procedure that is offered by many clinics and is mainly focused on eyesight tests. There is a small fee to obtain the certificate.
Requirements for Foreigners
Driving Using a Foreign License
As a foreigner, you cannot legally drive in China using a driver’s license issued by any other country. To drive in China, foreigners must hold a full Chinese license, but for tourists and business travelers on short trips, a temporary driving permit is available. The license is valid for a maximum of 90 days and limits the driver to small (sedan) or automatic vehicles. The permits are obtained from the local Traffic Management Bureau offices by following the same procedure as for a full license. It is also necessary to attend an additional short course on driving in China.
Obtaining a Local License
If you plan to be in China for longer than 90 days, you will need a locally issued license. Foreigners must follow the same procedure as for locals, listed above.
However, foreign applicants do not need to take a practical driving test but must sit for a multiple choice written examination. There are minor regional variations in the questions. A valid foreign driver’s license and a Chinese residence permit must be submitted with the application. Your current driving license needs to be translated into Mandarin. The application form is not available in English and therefore many applicants choose to use the services of one of the numerous relocation agents or take an interpreter with them.
International Driving Permit
China has not signed the convention which created the International Driver’s Permit (IDP) and therefore does not recognize them. The IDP cannot be used even on a temporary basis.
An IDP includes your name, photo, and basic information in ten languages. When carried together with a foreign license, it can serve as local identification in addition to permitting you to drive. It is valid in over 150 countries. The IDP is only valid when carried in conjunction with a driver’s license issued by your home country. An IDP is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
Australia
If you are an Australian citizen, you must have a valid Australian driver’s license to get an IDP. The local Australian Automobile Association (AAA) office issues IDPs: www.aaa.asn.au/touring/idp.htm.
Canada
To get an IDP in Canada, you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid Canadian provincial driver’s license. The Canadian Automobile Association issues IDPs: www.caa.ca/idp.
France
French citizens should contact the Automobile Club Association to get an IDP in France: www.automobile-club.org.
Germany
German citizens with valid EU driver’s licenses may apply for an IDP with the Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobile-Club E.V. (ADAC): www.adac.de.
The United Kingdom
If you are a UK citizen, you can get an IDP from your local post office, the RAC (an automotive services company), or the Automobile Association (AA). You must be a resident of the UK, have a full UK driver’s license, and be at least 18 years old. For more information, visit the RAC at www.rac.co.uk, or the AA at www.theaa.com.
The United States
To obtain an IDP in the US, you must be over the age of 18 and have a valid US driver’s license. An IDP can be obtained from any Automobile Association of America (AAA) office or by mail if you are already overseas. For more information, visit the AAA website: www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html.
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