Can a foreigner drive in China

Two lawful routes

The first is a temporary driving permit. It is issued to short-term visitors, valid for a limited period and tied to your foreign licence. It is usually obtained at a dedicated window at the traffic police administration, often right at a major city’s airport.

The second is a full Chinese licence. It is issued on the basis of your foreign one: verification of the document, a medical and a theory test. With a valid foreign licence the practical test is generally waived. The exam need not be in Chinese — other languages are available, and which ones depends on the province.

Which route suits you depends on how long you are in the country and what status you hold. Requirements and timescales differ by province — check locally rather than from a general description.

What you need in either case

1. 1

   Passport and residence status

   The original passport with a valid visa or residence permit, plus your address registration.

2. 2

   Your foreign licence and its translation

   The translation must be certified and done by an accredited agency. A do-it-yourself translation will not be accepted — details are in the document-translation guide.

3. 3

   The medical certificate

   Done at a designated medical facility: eyesight, colour vision, general fitness. One visit.

4. 4

   Photographs and the form

   The regulation photograph is taken there and then, in the booth at the administration. Nothing to prepare in advance.

Car hire

Hire companies require a Chinese licence or a temporary permit — without one the car will not be released, and they do check.

The practical alternative for most visitors is a car with a driver: it removes the licence question, the parking question and the city entry restrictions all at once.

The restrictions are real: some large cities operate licence-plate quotas and weekday restrictions on out-of-town plates. A hire car may simply not be allowed into the centre on a weekday.