Overseas / Taiwan / Hong Kong / Macao drivers' licenses and international driving licenses are not recognized to drive in China. Foreigners with valid Chinese visas and people from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao with valid stay permits can apply for 6-year Chinese driver' licenses or temporary driver' licenses. International driver licenses cannot be used to apply for China driver licenses.
6-year China Driver License
A written test of the China Law of Road Traffic Safety is required for those who want to get C1 class driving license, and an extra practical road test is required for those who want to drive large-size passenger vehicles more than 9 seats. The written test of the China Law of Road Traffic Safety is computerized and available every week. Tests in English, French, German, Russian, Spanish, Japanese and Korea are available.
The Chinese driver's test comprises 100 questions randomly selected from a pool of over 900 questions. You will be given forty-five minutes in which to answer all the questions and you need to score 90 or more to pass.
The first forty questions require you to give a 'right' or 'wrong' answer to a given statement. The remaining sixty questions are multiple choice with four options.
Documents required for foreigners to enroll in the written tests for 6-year China driver licenses application in Beijing are as below:
* Original Passport and a copy of passport information page
* A copy of valid China visa with more than 90 days
* Valid Overseas Driving License and a Chinese translation
* Original Beijing Registration Form of Temporary Residence and a copy
* 6 one-inch color photos with white background
* Driver's Physical Exam Form - completed by authorized hospital
* Driver License Application Form - signed by applicant
Those who pass the written tests can get 6-year Chinese driving licenses. The Chinese driving license can be renewed every 6 year.
Temporary China Driver License
Those whose Chinese visas are less than 3 months should apply for temporary driving permit. The driving permit is valid until the expiration date of the visa.
Documents required:
* Passport with a China visa with a period of validity of less than or equivalent to 90 days
* Valid Overseas Driving License and a Chinese translation
* Original Beijing Registration Form of Temporary Residence and a copy
* 6 one-inch color photo with white background
Note: Foreigners only can drive a hired car with the temporary driving license.
Renewal of Driving License
The Official China Driving License can be renewed for another 6 years within 90 days prior to the expiration.
Documents required:
* Passport with a residence permit issued in Beijing OR Passport with other kind of China visa (with a period of validity of more than 90 days)
* Valid China Driving License
* Original Beijing registration form of temporary residence and a copy
* 4 one-inch color photo with white background