How can a foreigner obtain a Chinese driving license?

China’s Law on Road Traffic Safety says that a foreigner must have a Chinese license to drive a vehicle in China. This can be obtained if they are of the right age and in proper health, and have completed the training and examination on road safety and related areas.

If a foreigner holds a current driving license from a foreign country they can apply for a Chinese license at the foreign affairs office of the traffic management area of the local public security bureau. Those with foreign driving licenses need to submit the following documents when applying:

1. Proof of identity, i.e., a passport, and a copy, and official proof of residence and accommodation in the form of a residence permit on the passport or a certificate of accommodation registration from the local police station.

2. A health certificate from a medical institution at the county level or higher. An officer from a foreign embassy or consulate and a representative of an international organization in China may follow the principle of diplomatic equivalence principle as required.

3. If the original foreign driving license is not in Chinese, a copy with a Chinese translation must be submitted.