Main Guide
How to Get a Chinese Driver's License as a Foreigner
Foreigners cannot legally drive in mainland China with only an overseas license or an International Driving Permit (IDP). China does not recognize IDPs for ordinary road use. Your path depends on whether you hold a valid foreign license, how long you plan to stay, and whether you need a temporary permit or a full Chinese driver's license.
Can foreigners drive in China?
Yes — but only with a China-recognized permit or license. Mainland China does not accept International Driving Permits (IDP) for regular road driving. Your route depends on how long you stay:
| Your situation | What you need |
|---|---|
| Short stay — tourism or business (up to 1 year) | Temporary driving permit |
| Long-term resident — work, study, or family (3+ months) | Full Chinese driver's license conversion |
| No existing license | Enroll at a Chinese driving school and take the full test series |
Temporary permit vs. full Chinese license
| Temporary Permit | Full Chinese License | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it suits | Short-term visitors | Long-term residents (3+ months) |
| Validity | Up to 1 year (tied to visa validity) | 6 years (first license) |
| Theory test | None — brief road-safety briefing only | Subject One: 100 questions, 90/100 to pass |
| Medical exam | Not required for C1/C2 cars | Required from an approved hospital |
| Vehicles allowed | Rental cars or own vehicle brought to China only | All vehicles matching your license class |
| Drive a friend's car? | No | Yes |
| Renewable? | No — re-apply after each visa renewal | Yes, every 6 years |
Apply for a temporary driving permit
The temporary permit (临时行车许可证) suits visitors on short stays. It is tied to your visa validity and lasts at most 1 year.
Important restriction: the temporary permit only authorizes driving rental cars or vehicles you personally brought into China. You cannot drive a friend's or family member's car.
Documents you need:
- Passport with a valid visa or visa-free entry stamp.
- Original overseas driver's license.
- Certified Chinese translation of your license.
- Two one-inch (25×35 mm), white-background color photos.
- Proof of an organized event (only if joining a competition, tour, or official exchange).
- Vehicle papers and Chinese compulsory insurance (only if you drive your own vehicle into China).
Steps to apply:
- 1 Visit a Vehicle Administration Office (VAO) counter or an airport service station (available at major airports in Beijing, Shanghai, and other large cities).
- 2 Submit your documents. Car (C1/C2) and motorcycle permits skip the medical exam and theory test.
- 3 Attend a brief briefing on key Chinese traffic laws.
- 4 Pay the small processing fee and receive your permit the same day.
Applicants aged 70 and over must first pass a "three abilities" assessment covering memory, judgment, and reaction time before a permit is issued.
Convert to a full Chinese driver's license
This is the route for foreigners who live, work, or study in China long-term. Your first Chinese license is valid for 6 years.
Documents you need:
- Passport with a valid visa or residence permit (3 months or longer) plus police accommodation registration.
- Original overseas license — must be a full license, not a learner, temporary, or probationary permit.
- Certified Chinese translation clearly showing your name, license number, issue and expiry dates, issuing authority, and vehicle class.
- Medical examination report from an approved hospital (issued within the last 6 months).
- Three recent one-inch (25×35 mm), white-background, bare-head color photos.
- Passport entry/exit records confirming you stayed 90+ days in the country that issued your license.
Steps to convert:
- 1 Obtain a certified Chinese translation of your overseas license.
- 2 Complete the medical examination at an approved hospital.
- 3 Apply in person at your local Vehicle Administration Office (VAO / 车管所).
- 4 Staff verify your documents and length-of-stay records.
- 5 Take Subject One — the theory test (see details below).
- 6 Pay the license fee (¥10) and collect your Chinese driver's license.
Mutual recognition agreement: Holders of Belgian, UAE, French, or Serbian car licenses (C1/C2) may convert without sitting the theory test, under bilateral agreements with China.
The theory test (Subject One)
For license conversion, car drivers (C1/C2) take only Subject One. Larger vehicle categories (A/B) require Subjects One, Two, and Three.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Questions | 100 (mix of multiple-choice and true/false) |
| Time allowed | 45 minutes |
| Pass mark | 90 out of 100 |
| Available languages | English, French, German, Japanese, Russian, Korean, and 4 more (10 total) |
| Retake rule | 2 attempts per day; fail both → wait 30 days before rescheduling |
| Topics covered | Road signs, traffic laws, penalties, safety rules, basic vehicle knowledge |
Even with an English test interface, study China-specific road signs and penalty rules — several differ significantly from Western regulations.
Medical examination
The medical check is a basic fitness screening required before submitting your conversion application. You will be assessed on:
- Visual acuity and color vision.
- Hearing ability.
- Limb function and physical fitness.
Some cities require the check at a specific approved hospital rather than a general private clinic. Bring your passport and photos.
Beijing and Shanghai can verify health data electronically and may waive the paper report. Confirm with your local VAO before booking the medical.
Costs and processing time
| Item | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| License issue fee | ¥10 | Paid at the VAO on collection |
| Theory test fee | ¥10–¥20 | Paid at the time of booking |
| Medical examination | ¥20–¥50 | Completed before the application |
| Certified translation | Varies by provider | 24–48 hours for PDF delivery |
| Temporary permit (all-in) | ¥10–¥20 | Same-day issuance |
| Full conversion (excl. translation) | ¥40–¥80 | 1–4 weeks depending on test scheduling |
Keep every document consistent
Local offices can interpret the rules differently, so treat your paperwork as a consistency exercise. Keep your passport spelling, license spelling, translation wording, and application forms aligned before you reach the counter.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive in China with an International Driving Permit?
No. Mainland China does not recognize the International Driving Permit (IDP) for ordinary road driving. You need either a Chinese temporary driving permit or a full Chinese driver's license.
Can I drive a friend's car with a temporary permit?
No. The temporary driving permit only authorizes you to drive rental cars or vehicles you personally brought into China. You cannot drive a car owned by someone else.
Do I need a translation of my foreign license?
Yes, for both the temporary permit and the full conversion. A certified translation with company credentials reduces the risk of rejection at the counter.
How long does license translation take?
Our translation and certification service is designed for PDF delivery within 48 hours after document review.
Need a certified translation?
Submit the front and back of your driver's license. We review your documents and send payment instructions before preparing the certified PDF.
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