Foreign visitors may obtain short-stay driver licenses

International travelers to Zhuhai may now apply for provisional automobile driving permits, valid for three months to a year, merely by submitting a passport and driver's license along with the Chinese translations.

The new rules were issued by the Traffic Management Bureau of the Ministry of Public Security on Sept 20. They, and other new regulations, are meant to advance the reforms of delegating power, streamlining administration, and optimizing government services.

Qualified travel agencies and car rental enterprises are also allowed to submit temporary driving permit materials on their international clients' behalf, according to the Ministry of Public Security.

Previously, foreigners could only substitute a driving license from their home country with a Chinese mainland one after submitting a health examination report and passing the Subject 1 (Theoretical Knowledge) of China's driving examination.

Required documents:

Passport/other valid immigration documents/visa/stay or residence permits, and its Chinese translation

Registration form of temporary residence for visitors

Driving license in their home country and its Chinese translation

Two one-inch color photos (recently taken, half-length, bareheaded, full-faced, white background)

Address:

Department of Motor Vehicles (2330 West Meihua Road, Xiangzhou District)

Western Certificate Center (1236 Zhufeng Ave, Jing’an Town, Doumen District)

Office hours: 8:30 am-noon, 2-5 pm on weekdays

Fee: 10 yuan ($1.4)

Note:

Qualified drivers must study traffic safety information after application.

The provisional driving permit should be used with the bearer's driving license and its Chinese translation.

The temporary driving license can be used for multiple entries as long as its validity term has not expired.

The temporary driving permit is for short-stay foreigners. Those planning a longer stay are advised to have a Chinese mainland driving license.