How to obtain a Chinese driver license without taking the exam?
It is common knowledge that China is one of a few countries which requires foreigners to have a local license in order to legally drive.
However, recent national policies have been implemented so that foreigners can legally obtain a driver's license without taking the computer theory test (within the past month).
Many foreigners find the computer examination annoying because the passing score is 90/100 with 100 questions on the exam, and interpreting what the questions mean can be difficult because while the test is available in multiple languages, it is written in Chinglish! Some Chinese have even mentioned how vague the questions are in Chinese!
To introduce this topic, foreigners can obtain a short term driver's license in which the test is not required and in this article, we will addres the procedures for obtaining one.
The below documents should be prepared in advance (assuming you are already in China):
•Original overseas driver's license
•Original passport with valid visa/residence permit
•Chinese name in Chinese characters that is either two or three characters
•China mobile number
•Address where you live in China in Chinese characters
We suggest that you bring the temporary certificate from the local police station. Sometimes it is required and other times the officers have just asked for the address.
Different than for visa and work permit laws that are implemented differently by the district of a city in China, the exact procedures for this differ by the city in China and are different depending on where you currently are and depending on your visa status. Such policies have been very recently introduced – within the past month, so many places are unsure how to process such applications.
We will start by mentioning the procedures for those that hold a long term visa for China, such as a work-related residence permit and discuss the variations for those that are on short term visas such as travel or business visas.
We are basing the procedures on our experience in Shanghai; however, we have heard similar procedures for other places. The requirements are to first go to one of the approved translation companies for the translation of your overseas driver's license and then follow the procedures at the Department of Motor Vehicle Headquarters (交通警察总队车辆管理所). There are currently two approved translation centers; however, we have had good experience at the below mentioned one.
The below company from the suggested list is very efficient and the translation fee is 50 rmb (WeChat and AliPay only – no cash). A Chinese government fapiao can be issued to you as an individual or to your company. If few people are waiting then the translation will take several minutes.
上海市外事翻译工作者协会(北京西路)
北京西路1277号国旅大厦16层1607
Shanghai Interpreters' Association
1277 Beijing West Road, 16 Floor, Office 1607
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Then, proceed to the Department of Motor Vehicle Headquarters at 2999 Huaxia West Road in Pudong (华夏西路2999号) and is near Huaxia West Road Station on Subway Line 6, which is very far away.
There you will tell the information receptionist that you are applying for the temporary driver's license and he or she will give you a number. Once your number is called, present the translation, your original passport, and original driver's license to the officer and tell him or her that you are applying for the temporary driver's license. In general the valid time is at most one year; however, it is usually valid for the duration of your visa if you hold a residence permit, or likely until your next exit if you hold a business or tourist visa. The officer will enter some information in the computer and send you to take a photo.
At the photo room, you will say or show the receptionist your Chinese mobile number and your address in Chinese and pay a 25 rmb photo printing fee (WeChat or AliPay only) and no fapiao can be provided. After your photo is taken and printed, you will be given a new number and the officer will process your documents and ask you for your Chinese mobile number and address in Chinese. You will be requested to confirm the information is correct and sign some documents.
Following this you will sit at a large screen that shows the traffic video discussing the traffic laws and procedures in China and is one hour in length. This video has no sound and only Chinese subtitles. There are cameras to make sure that you have sat there for the entire hour; however, the irony is that next to the screen is their WiFi password!
After this, you will go back to the officer that just processed your documents, who will give you your temporary driving permit, which is a low technology laminated card.
Please note that the temporary permit only allows you to drive your vehicle or a rental vehicle, which is rented from a legally licensed car rental company. The permit, however, can be used nationwide in China.
The long-term driving license only requires the computer test if a foreigner already has an overseas drivers license (road test and the driving school exempt). The only real advantage compared to the short term permit is that you can drive any vehicle in China. There are additional documents and procedures required before taking the test.
If you are not currently in China and trying to apply, you can only apply for the short term driver's license, and proof of your upcoming car rental is an additional required document.There is currently only one approved car rental agency that can assist, assuming you have an upcoming reservation with them. This firm also may be useful for those that are already in China due to some of the services they offer, as well, however proof of an upcoming reservation is not required for those in China already. Please get in touch with Julian (one of the authors below) for an introduction.
When driving, there are four documents that you must have available in case an officer stops you:
•Original valid passport with current valid visa
•Original overseas driver's license
•Documents from the DMV (signed contract and copy of certified translation)
•Temporary Chinese Permit
•Rental contract from legally operating vehicle rental company
Please remember that you are still subject to ALL Chinese road signs and laws.
Contributors:
Are you looking for more useful tips for your life in China? Get in touch with contributors for a consultation and follow us in our WeChat Group to receive the latest news.
Julian (WeChat: julian_beijing) is based in Shanghai but often travels for work and runs a company that works with individuals and organizations doing business between the US, China, and Africa. He has been based in China for a number of years.
Ikky (WeChat: ikky888) is an R&D Manager working in Shanghai. He has been living in China for over 11 years.
Jatin (known by the nickname "Prince Jatin") (WeChat: jatinsoni) is a Multicloud DevOps Engineer working in Shanghai. He has been living in China for over eight years and owns three Indian community WeChat groups known for "Helping Indians" with their specific inquiries.
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