Driving in China: Converting Your Licence

China Field Notes · by Daona · 10 min read

Many foreign managers assume driving works as it does elsewhere: bring your licence, perhaps add an International Driving Permit, rent a car. In mainland China it does not. Foreign licences and International Driving Permits (国际驾驶许可证) are not accepted on their own for driving on Chinese roads.

The solution is more straightforward than its reputation. Short-term visitors can apply for a temporary driving permit (临时机动车驾驶许可), in some cities at an airport counter, without a test. Residents can convert their foreign licence into a Chinese motor vehicle driving licence (机动车驾驶证), which for ordinary cars normally requires a theory test but no road test.

Procedures below follow published guidance from Shanghai and other city authorities. Local practice varies, so confirm with your city's Vehicle Management Office (车辆管理所, usually 车管所) before you go.

If you are here for weeks or a single season, the temporary permit is enough. If you live here and drive regularly, convert.

Shanghai's guidance describes it as a short-term permit for foreigners on short stays. You must meet the age requirement — at least 18 for small cars — and hold a valid foreign licence. Applicants are refused for a hit-and-run record in mainland China, unresolved offences or accidents, or reaching 12 points without completing retraining; those aged 70 or above first take a capacity test.

Since 2019 Ministry of Public Security reforms, a medical report is no longer required for a temporary car or motorcycle permit; some offices may still ask. In Shanghai you have your photo taken, submit the form, attend a short session on Chinese traffic law and receive the permit on the spot; online applications are also listed. A Chongqing government release from June 2026 describes no written exam or road test and usually under an hour.

Airport counters. Shanghai lists counters at Pudong (T1/T2 connecting bridge) and Hongqiao (T1 arrival hall), with limited weekday hours. Beijing Daxing has also been reported to issue permits in the terminal. Check hours before relying on a counter after a long flight.

The permit's class follows your foreign licence. For rented vehicles, only small cars (C1 manual, C2 automatic). Carry the permit with your foreign licence and its translation.

Per the Shanghai guidance, conversion is open to foreigners whose stay or residence exceeds three months — in practice, a residence permit (居留许可) or a visa or stay permit for more than three months. Holders of a Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card (外国人永久居留身份证) need no visa, residence permit or accommodation form (Issue 29). Your foreign licence must be valid.

The accommodation registration form is the document foreigners most often lack. If you moved flats and did not register, you will be sent back.

The theory test

For small cars, the test is Subject 1 (科目一), a computer-based test on traffic law, signs and safe driving. Shanghai's guidance:

· 15 languages · 45 minutes · pass mark 90 out of 100 · two attempts per appointment, then re-book and pay again.

Subjects 2 and 3 — course and road tests — apply only to large classes such as buses, heavy tractor-trailers and large trucks. For ordinary cars, no road test is normally required. After passing, the licence is typically issued on the spot.

Who may skip the test

Shanghai's guidance says holders of valid licences from Belgium, the United Arab Emirates, France and Serbia may convert without the theory test. Under the China–France agreement, in force since 17 August 2021, licences can be exchanged without a test for small cars and motorcycles. Ask the office to apply the relevant agreement.

Preparing. Questions come from an official bank, and practice apps are widely available; use the language you will sit the test in. The questions test Chinese rules specifically, so experienced drivers fail by relying on habit.

The 12-point system. Each licence runs a 12-month scoring period (记分周期). Offences add points; under current rules, running a red light carries 6. Reaching 12 points suspends the licence until you complete road-safety study and pass an exam. Check points and pay many fines in the Traffic Management 12123 app (交管12123).

Illustrative.

Drink-driving. 20 mg/100 ml of blood alcohol or more is drink-driving (饮酒驾驶); 80 mg/100 ml or more is drunk driving (醉酒驾驶), a criminal offence. If you drink, do not drive. A designated driver (代驾), booked by app or through the restaurant, drives you home in your own car.

Accidents. Call 122 for traffic accidents and 120 for an ambulance. For minor accidents without injuries, local rules often require photos and moving the vehicles out of traffic; many cities handle minor claims online.

Insurance. Every vehicle must carry compulsory traffic accident liability insurance (交强险). Its cover is limited, so most owners add commercial third-party liability insurance (商业第三者责任险). If you rent, check the policy and excess; with a company car, ask whose policy applies when you drive privately.

Ride-hailing and taxis. DiDi (滴滴出行) has an English interface and also runs inside Alipay; taxis take Alipay and WeChat Pay (Issues 02 and 04). Many companies hire a company driver (司机) for executives.

Electric bikes (电动自行车). A revised mandatory national standard, GB 17761-2024, took effect on 1 September 2025; it limits the assisted speed to 25 km/h. Registration, plates and helmets are set by local rules; in many cities an e-bike must be registered and plated, and helmets are required. Keep the certificate of conformity. Faster e-mopeds and motorcycles are motor vehicles and need a matching licence.

Decide by length of stay. A few weeks: temporary permit. More than a year of regular driving: convert early, while your home licence is valid.

Fix your registration first. It is what most often sends foreigners away from the counter.

Prepare for the theory test. Two or three evenings with a practice app is usually enough.

Never drink and drive. A criminal record affects your residence and work permits as well as your licence.

Use recognised providers. Translations come from recognised agencies or notaries, medical checks from designated hospitals. Daona is not a translation agency or driving school; we coordinate and introduce, and providers' fees are settled by the client directly at cost.

"My International Driving Permit works in China." Not in mainland China.

"Converting means a road test." For ordinary cars, normally only the theory test.

"Any rental car on a temporary permit." Small cars only, C1 or C2.

"A little wine at dinner is fine." At 20 mg/100 ml you are already drink-driving.

"E-bikes need no paperwork." Many cities require registration, a plate and a helmet.

Rules as of October 2026. This column provides general information, not legal advice. Driving permits and licences are issued by the traffic administration of the public security authorities; requirements and service hours vary by city and should be confirmed with your local Vehicle Management Office. Translations and medical checks are provided by recognised agencies and designated hospitals. Government fees and providers' fees are settled by the client at cost.

China Field Notes · by Daona