Chinese Drivers Licenses and How-To Get One

Chinese Drivers Licenses and How-To Get One
"Expect the unexpected" - say this line to yourself every time you drive. Sure there are traffic rules in place in China similar to those in most of the other countries, but these rules are often ignored. Literally anything can happen on the road - cars coming out of a small alley without checking for traffic and turning directly into the lane, pedestrians crossing the streets without checking traffic, kids suddenly running away from their parents onto the street, the fully loaded motorbike in front of you suddenly losing half of his goods onto the road or all of the above combined at once - literally anything. But, if you're willing to brave the streets of China, here's what you need to know about getting a Chinese license:

Key Points:

•     Neither foreign-issued driver’s licenses nor international driving permits are valid in China. Foreigners who wish to drive in China must apply for either a temporary or standard Chinese driver’s license.
•     The minimum legal age for driving is 18 years old.
•    In Mainland China and Taiwan, drivers drive on the right-hand side. In the special administrative regions of both Hong Kong and Macau, drivers drive on the left.
•    Passengers, particularly front-row passengers and young children, must wear a seat-belt. Violations may result in a fine of ￥50. (For safety reasons, seat-belts should be worn by all passengers.)
•     Car insurance is compulsory.
•    Chinese licenses work on an annual 12-point system in which infractions can lead to deductions of 1-12 points. The loss of all 12 points in one year will result in the license being suspended until certain conditions are met (e.g. the driver attends a course, etc.).
•     Certain infractions may incur fines and, in serious cases, jail time.
•     Motorcycles (or anything that runs on a petrol engine) require a license and the process for obtaining one is similar to that of cars.
•     Mopeds, electric scooters, and other e-bikes do not require a license, but the bike must be registered and any minor traffic violations (e.g. driving in the wrong areas, etc.) may result in fines.

How to obtain a temporary driver’s license
Foreigners with both a foreign-issued driver’s license and an international driving permit may apply for a temporary driver’s license in China. Applicants may submit an application for a temporary license with the traffic police department. In larger cities the application may even be submitted directly at the airport. The temporary license will be valid for the duration of the applicant’s visa, for a maximum of three months. No exam is required.

Required Documents:

• National (foreign-issued) driver’s license
• International Driving Permit
• Chinese translation of the foreign driver’s license
• Completed application form
• A hotel booking for at least one day (or Police Registration form)
• Three one-inch color photos with a white background

How to obtain a Chinese driver’s license if you already have a foreign-issued license

Foreigners with both a foreign-issued driver’s license and a Chinese residence permit are eligible to apply for a Chinese driver’s license. Although applicants in this category are exempt from taking the practical driving exam, Chinese law still requires that applicants pass the written exam. Prior appointment is required.

The exam is available in multiple languages. It consists of 100 multiple choice questions over a period of 45 minutes. A score of 90 or above is required to pass. Applicants who fail the first time may immediately retake the exam. However, applicants who have failed twice have to wait 20 days before retaking the exam. The exam is notoriously difficult, even for experienced drivers, so exam preparation is highly recommended.

Required Documents:

• Passport & resident permit with at least 3 months of validity (original & photocopy)
• Police issued temporary residence registration form (original & photocopy)
• Foreign-issued driver’s license (original & photocopy)
• Certified and notarized Chinese translation of the foreign-issued driver’s license
• Medical certificate
• 3-5 one-inch color photos with a white background

How to obtain a Chinese driver’s license if it’s your first license

Foreigners who do not currently have a driver’s license (local or foreign) are eligible to apply for a Chinese license providing that they are over the age of 18, have a residence permit, and pass all relevant exams (written and practical).

There are four exams in total: 1) a written exam on laws and regulations, 2) a skills-based obstacle course, 3) a written exam on driving habits (manners), and 4) a road test. Each exam may be taken twice. If the applicant fails both times, he or she is required to wait 20 days and pay the test fee again.

Applicants are required to attend a driving school to receive training. There are only a few driving schools that specialize in providing service to foreigners. The entire process takes about 2 to 3 months, and costs upwards of ￥9K for courses geared towards foreigners. Those who pass will receive a license that is valid for 6 years.

Required Documents:

• Passport & resident permit with at least 3 months of validity (original & photocopy)
• Police issued temporary residence registration form (original & photocopy)
• Medical certificate
• 3-5 one-inch color photos with a white background

Chinese License Points System

Chinese licenses work on an annual 12-point system. Those who lose all 12 points in one year will have their license temporarily suspended until he or she attends a driving class and retakes an electronic driving exam. The repeated loss of all 12-points the following year may result in the driver being asked to undergo more extensive training and retake additional exams.

In addition to points being deducted, certain infractions may incur further consequences, such as fines or jail time. Drivers who don’t give the right of way to pedestrians at zebra crossings may, for example, lose 3-points and be fined ￥100. Those who drive under the influence may lose all 12-points, have their license suspended for 3-months, be fined ￥1,500, and face jail time of up to 15 days.

Traffic laws are enforced by the traffic police, traffic police assistants (who are not authorized to issue fines), and traffic cameras. Drivers and pedestrians alike are advised that enforcement has slowly ticked up, and infractions that may have once been widely disregarded are now being actively targeted by the traffic police.

1-Point

• Driving without a license
• Driving a vehicle without an annual inspection and insurance stickers
• A front-seat passenger not wearing a seat-belt

2-Points

• Crossing the center line and occupying the lane going in the opposite direction
• Not waiting for traffic lights in the proper, designated lane  

3-Points

• Not giving pedestrians the right of way at a zebra crossing
• Making a cellphone call when driving
• Driving without a seat-belt
• Speeding (within a certain range)

6-Points

• Driving with a suspended license
• Running a red light
• Having a front seat passenger under the age of 14

12-Points

•  Excessive speeding
•  Driving under the influence
•  Fleeing the scene of a traffic accident

*Please note that this list of infractions is incomplete. It is the driver’s responsibility to be aware of any and all traffic laws which may result in point deductions, fines, and/or jail time.


MAXVIEW GROUP provides home search, visa application, and settle-in services for individuals and corporations in China.
The Maxview Life team is dedicated to helping foreigners adjust to life in China with a treasure trove of news, guides, hints, tips, and even recommended vendors/service providers. Have questions? E-mail us at info@maxviewgroup.com.