Are you travelling to China for work, study, or a family reunion and wondering if you can drive a vehicle as a foreigner? Well, you won’t be able to use your foreign driver's license or an international driving permit in China. But, you might be able to drive with a temporary Chinese driving license, depending on your visa type and the duration of your stay.
In this article, you will learn about the requirements, steps, and cost for obtaining a Chinese driver’s license. You will also know when a certified translation is required and the rules to ensure acceptance by the Chinese authorities.
Table of Contents
Can foreigners drive in China?
Foreigners can drive in China. However, unlike in countries such as the US, UK, and Greece, China doesn’t follow international driving conventions. This means that you cannot drive with your foreign driver's license or use an IDP. To drive legally in China, you must apply for a temporary or permanent license, depending on how long you stay in China.
Do you need a Chinese driving license?
As a foreigner, you need a Chinese driving license to drive in China. However, since there are two types, the one you need depends on the duration of your stay.
You can obtain a temporary driver’s license if you’re staying for a short period of time, typically less than a year. This license allows you to rent a car in the province where it was issued.
If you’re staying for more than one year, you’ll need to get a permanent driver’s license. This license allows you to rent, buy, and own a car. It also has more application steps and requirements, such as passing a driving test, obtaining a driver’s license translation, and providing your residence permit.
Getting a temporary Chinese driver’s license
To get a temporary Chinese driver's license, you'll need to visit a local Motor Vehicle Administration Office (车管所 - Chēguǎnsuǒ). The driver’s license (临时机动车驾驶许可) is valid for up to 90 days and extendable to a year depending on your Chinese visa validity. Unlike the permanent permit, this version allows you to drive rental cars only. This means you won't be able to drive a friend or family member's car or buy a vehicle in China.
Note: You must keep your overseas driving license and its Chinese translation, your Chinese temporary driving permit, and the car rental contract with you in the car while driving.
Woman driving in China
What do I need to apply for a temporary Chinese driver’s license?
Passport
Visa
A valid foreign driver’s license
A notarised Chinese translation of that license,
Recent one-inch passport photos
Proof of temporary residence, such as a hotel booking.
Medical Certificate (Optional for some driver's license categories)
Where do I need to go to get a temporary Chinese driver’s license?
You can get a temporary driving license in different Chinese districts from these locations.
Hangzhou Traffic Police Brigade Vehicle Management Office (No. 699 Gudun Road, Sandun Town, Xihu District, Hangzhou), Service Window in Hall 1.
How much will obtaining a temporary Chinese driver’s license cost
It will cost about 300-400 RMB ($43–$57) to obtain a temporary Chinese driver's license. The total cost includes application, translation, notarisation, passport photo, and other miscellaneous fees. Here's a breakdown
Application fee: 10 RMB ($1.50)
Translation and notarisation costs: 250 - 300 RMB ($35–$43), depending on the language, number of documents, and delivery timeline.
The application process for a temporary license is generally straightforward for foreigners, and often doesn’t require a driving test.
Types of Chinese driver’s licenses available to foreigners
There are different types of Chinese licenses for foreigners depending on whether you plan to drive a car, ride a motorcycle, or need a temporary permit for short‑term visits. Here’s a breakdown
License Type
Vehicles Allowed
Typical Use for Foreigners
Notes
C1
Small cars, SUVs, light trucks (<4,500 kg)
Most common license for daily driving
Covers standard sedans and small passenger cars
E
Two‑wheeled motorcycles
For foreigners who want to ride motorbikes
Motorcycle use may be restricted in some city centres
Less common, used in smaller cities or rural areas
Typically, for tricycles
Documents required for a Chinese driver’s license application
Valid passport: Original and photocopy of the ID page and Chinese visa page.
Temporary residence registration form: Issued by the local police station or hotel where you are registered.
Foreigner’s residence permit or long‑term visa: Required for long‑term licenses (e.g., work, study, family reunion visa).
Health check certificate: A medical examination from an authorised hospital in China (usually vision and reflex tests).
Existing driver’s license (if converting): Original permit from your home country plus a certified Chinese translation.
Application form for motor vehicle driving license: Completed at the local Vehicle Management Office (车管所).
Recent passport‑sized photos: Typically 1‑inch
Foreign license translation: Must be done by an officially recognised translation company in China.
Translating your foreign license
If you are converting an existing foreign driver’s license to a Chinese license, you will need an official Chinese translation of your license. This certified driver’s license translation must be completed by a professional translator in China working with
a government‑approved translation company or
a translation office authorised by the Public Security Bureau
The translator must provide a certification seal or statement verifying the accuracy of the translation. This step ensures local authorities can accurately verify your driving credentials.
Translayte provides certified translations of driver's license, passport, and other documents that meet the Chinese authorities' requirements. Our certified translations in China are easy to order, of high quality, and delivered on time. Here's how you can get a certified driver's license translation from Translayte
Select the source and target languages, respectively.
Upload the document(s) you need to be translated.
Select the type of certification you require (if applicable).
If you want expedited services, select that option. Provide any extra instructions after this.
Click "PROCEED TO ORDER"
Make the payment securely online. Once your order is placed, our team will assign it to a suitable certified/sworn translator, and you'll receive the translated document within the specified timeframe.
Step-by-step process to apply for a Chinese driver’s license
If you’re a foreigner planning to drive in China, here are the steps to obtain your Chinese driver’s license:
Verify eligibility
Confirm that you meet the basic requirements for driving in China. Each city has some unique requirements; however, the standard includes
Being within the age range (typically 18-60) for the vehicle category
Holding a valid passport and visa
Having a valid foreign driver's license.
Being medically fit
Being a permanent resident of China
You can find the requirements on the City Vehicle Management Office (VMO) website online.
Gather documents
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, gather all the required documents for that city. These usually include a valid passport with a visa or residence permit, proof of residence in China, your original foreign driver’s license, and passport photos.
You must also obtain a certified Chinese translation of your foreign driver’s license from an officially recognised translation agency or notary office. Some cities may also require notarisation of the translated license.
Get a medical examination
In some provinces, you will have to provide a medical certificate to drive heavy-duty vehicles. The test usually includes a simple eyesight test, a colour blindness test, and a basic health check. It’s done at the VMO or an approved hospital in the province.
Visit the Vehicle Management Office (VMO)
Visit the local VMO with your documents. Some provinces will require you to book an appointment before showing up. So, it's advised that you check the local requirements.. At the VMO, officials will review your documents and verify the information. You will also have to complete the application form and pay the fees.
Take a driving test
In China, you must take the theory and practical tests to obtain a permanent driver's license. The theory test is compulsory if you want a full Chinese driver’s license. However, if you hold a Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan driver’s license, you might be exempted from the test in some provinces. If you don't have a previous foreign driver's license from any country, you must take both the theory and practical tests. But if you already have one, you don’t need to take the practical driving test.
Receive your permanent Chinese driver’s license
If you pass all the tests and your documents meet the requirements, you will receive a Chinese driver's license. You can pick up the permit in person or choose delivery options if available in your province.
Taking the written theory test in China
Here’s what you should know if you need to take the theory test for a full Chinese driver’s license:
The test is computer-based, with 100 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes.
You must score 90/100 to pass.
It covers traffic laws, road signs, penalties, safe driving practices, and emergency procedures.
The exam is offered in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, French, Spanish, German, Russian, Arabic, and sometimes Korean or Japanese in major cities. Check availability with your local Vehicle Management Office (VMO).
You’re usually allowed two attempts per day if you fail.
Exchanging your foreign license vs taking a driving test
If you already hold a valid foreign driver’s license, you can exchange your foreign license without taking a practical road test. However, if you don’t have a foreign driving license, you need a full driving test, which includes practical driving and mandatory lessons at a driving school.. You must also take a full driving test if you want to drive vehicle types not covered by your current license, such as trucks, buses, or motorcycles, in some provinces.
Costs and processing time for a Chinese driver’s license
Obtaining a Chinese driver’s license involves both document-related expenses and a waiting period that depends on the type of license you apply for.
The total cost for obtaining a foreign driver’s license typically ranges from 3,000–6,000 RMB ($430–$860).
Here’s what you should know about the fees
Obtaining a temporary or full driver’s license if you already have a foreign driving permit: 300–400 RMB ($43–$57 ). This includes the application fee, certified translation, notarisation, and other requirements.
Obtaining a full driving license without a previous driving permit: 3,000–6,000 RMB. This covers driving school fees, test, application fees, and any other miscellaneous fees.
Processing time
Temporary driver’s license: Typically, the same day
Full Chinese driver’s license (foreign license conversion): 5–15 working days
Can you rent or own a car with a Chinese driver’s license?
You can rent or own a car with a Chinese driver’s license, depending on the type you have. If you have a temporary permit, you can only rent cars in the province where it was issued. However, if you want to buy a vehicle or drive outside the provinces, you will require a full driving license.
Using your Chinese driving license
Once you obtain your Chinese driver’s license, you can legally drive across mainland China. Still, it’s important to understand the driving laws, regulations, and validity requirements to avoid fines or penalties.
Driving laws and regulations in China
China has strict traffic rules, and enforcement is rigorous with the use of cameras and penalty point systems. Here are the key points you should know:
Drive on the right-hand side of the road, and always wear a seatbelt.
Speed limits vary: 30–40 km/h in city streets, 60 km/h on urban roads, and 100–120 km/h on highways.
Penalty points system: Drivers start with 12 points per year, and violations deduct points; 12 points in a year leads to license suspension.
Drunk driving is illegal; even low blood alcohol levels can result in heavy fines, detention, or deportation.
No international driving permits are recognised; you must carry your Chinese license while driving.
Foreigners must also carry their passport or residence permit as identification when driving.
Renewal and validity
A full Chinese driver’s license is usually valid for 6 years.
After 6 years of clean driving records, it can be renewed for 10 years
The renewal process involves submitting your license, passport, residence permit, a health check, and a new photo to the Vehicle Management Office (VMO).
A temporary driver’s license is valid for up to 3 months and is extendable to a year based on your visa.
Need a certified driver’s license translation? Request a free quote to get started.
You’ll need your passport with a valid visa/residence permit, a foreign driver’s license, a certified Chinese translation of the license, proof of residence registration, passport photos, and the application form.
China does not recognise international driving permits (IDPs). Foreigners must obtain a Chinese driver’s license or a temporary license to drive legally, depending on how long they will stay in China.
Submit the required documents and certified translation to the Vehicle Management Office, take a basic medical check and the written theory test, then wait for approval to receive your Chinese driver’s license.
