Do You Need A Chinese Driving License?

There are two main options available: obtaining a long-term driver’s license and applying for a temporary one.

To get a long-term driver’s license, you need to prepare several documents. These include a copy of the photo page of your passport, the front and back of your foreign driver’s license, your latest visa to China, and details of your entry date and place in China. Additionally, you’ll need six passport-sized color photos with a white background. Once you’ve gathered these documents, you can take the written exam in about a week. After passing, you’ll receive your driver’s license within another week.

According to Article 25 of the “Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses,” applicants with a foreign driver’s license must confirm their application details. You’ll need an identity certificate, a medical certificate from a recognized institution, and your foreign driver’s license with a Chinese translation if necessary.

For those needing a temporary driver’s license, the document requirements are similar. You’ll still need the same copies of your passport, foreign driver’s license, visa, entry details, and photos. The process is straightforward: submit these documents, take the exam in about a week, and receive your license soon after passing. Temporary driving permits are for short visits or business trips and must be used alongside your foreign driver’s license.

It’s crucial to understand the legal implications of driving in China without a Chinese driver’s license. Even with a foreign license, driving without the proper permit is considered unlicensed driving, and you’ll be fully responsible for any accidents even if it is not your fault. According to Article 99 of the “Road Traffic Safety Law,” driving without a license can result in fines ranging from 200 to 2,000 yuan. Additional violations, such as speeding or fleeing an accident scene, can lead to more severe penalties, including detention.