Driving in China with an Overseas Driving License

(1) A holder of an Overseas Driving License who meets the application requirements under the Provisions on the Application for and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses and who, at the time of obtaining that license, had residedin the issuing country or region for an accumulated period of at least 90 days within one year may apply for a Driving License of the People’s Republic of China for the corresponding permitted vehicle type. An applicant for a license authorizing the driving of large buses, heavy tractor-trailers, or medium-sized buses must also have held an Overseas Driving License for the corresponding vehicle type for at least two years.

(2) A holder of an Overseas Driving License who needs to drive a motor vehicle temporarily shall apply to the Vehicle Administration Office for a Temporary Driving Permit in accordance with relevant provisions.

(3) Foreign nationals and residents of China’s Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan region entering the Chinese mainlandfor a short-term stay may apply for a Temporary Driving Permit valid for three months. Where the period of stay or residence exceeds three months, the validity period may be extended to one year.

Where a holder of a Temporary Driving Permit accumulates 12 penalty points within a single scoring cycle and fails to complete the required study and examination on road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge, the holder shall not be permitted to apply for a Driving License of the PRC or reapply for a Temporary Driving Permit.

(4) Foreign nationals and residents of China’s Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan region applying for a Driving License of the PRC shall file their applications at their place of residence or stay.

(5) A holder of an Overseas Driving License who applies for a Driving License of the PRC shall confirm the application information and submit the following documents and certificates:

> The applicant’s identification document;

> Aphysical condition certificate issued by a medical institution;

> The applicant’s motor vehicle driving license. If the driving license is not in Chinese, it shall be submitted together with a Chinese translation issued by a translation agency or notarized by a notary institution.

Where the applicant is a member of a foreign embassy or consulate in China, or a representative of an international organization stationed in China, the application shall be handled in accordance with the principle of diplomatic reciprocity.

(6) Applicants holding an Overseas Driving License who apply for a Driving License of the PRC shall take the Subject One examination (road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge). Those applying for licenses for large buses, heavy tractor-trailers, city buses, medium-sized buses, or large trucks shall take the Subject One, Subject Two (closed-course driving skills), and Subject Three (on-road driving skills and safe and courteous driving knowledge) examinations.

Where the applicant is a member of a foreign embassy or consulate in China, or a representative of an international organization stationed in China, the application shall be handled in accordance with the principle of diplomatic reciprocity.

(7) Applicants holding an Overseas Driving License who apply for a Driving License of the PRC shall complete the required subject examinations within three years from the date their applications are accepted by the Vehicle Administration Office.

Applying for a Temporary Driving Permit in China

Applicants shall present identity documents such as a passport and a valid visa, together with their Overseas Driving License, and apply for a Temporary Driving Permit for small-size vehicles or motorcycles at the Vehicle Administration Office of the traffic control department of the public security organ at the place of entry or residence. If the Overseas Driving License is not in Chinese, a Chinese translation shall also be provided.

During its validity period, a Temporary Driving Permit may be used for multiple entries into China without reapplication. The permit holder may drive either a motor vehicle temporarily brought into China by the holder or a rented motor vehicle in China.

When a permit holder drives a motor vehicle temporarily brought into China, the vehicle type stated in the Temporary Driving Permit shall match that of the vehicle. When a permit holder drives a rented motor vehicle in China, the permit shall authorize only small-size vehicles (C1) and small-size vehicles with automatic transmission (C2).

Converting to a Driving License of the PRC

Applicants shall submit a valid passport and either a valid visa allowing a stay or residence of at least three months or a valid stay permit or residence permit, together with their Overseas Driving License, an accommodation registration certificate issued by a public security organ, and a physical condition certificate issued by a medical institution at or above the county level, to the Vehicle Administration Office at their place of residence to apply for a Driving License of the PRC.

Obtaining a Driving License of the PRC Through Examinations

Applicants aged 18 or above shall present valid identity documents, including a passport and either a valid visa allowing a stay or residence of at least three months or a valid stay permit or residence permit, together with an accommodation registration certificate issued by a public security organ and a physical condition certificate issued by a medical institution at or above the county level, and apply to take the required driving examinations at the Vehicle Administration Office of the traffic control department of the public security organ at their place of residence or stay. Upon passing the examinations, they may obtain a Driving License of the PRC.

Purchasing a Vehicle in China

In some Chinese cities, prospective vehicle buyers must first apply for a vehicle quota through a lottery system and obtain a passenger vehicle purchase quota before purchasing a vehicle. Those wishing to purchase a passenger car in China should consult the local transport authority for detailed requirements.After purchasing a vehicle, the owner must complete vehicle registration or, in the case of a used vehicle, transfer registration. Valid identity documents, such as a passport or Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card of the People’s Republic of China, and any other materials required by the city concerned shall be submitted.