Driving in China · China Visit Guide

Foreign licences

International Driving Permits and foreign national licences are NOT recognised for driving in mainland China. Hong Kong issued licences are accepted in Macau and (with a temporary permit) in Guangdong; otherwise the home licence does not apply.

Converting your licence

Foreigners with a residence permit can convert a foreign licence to a Chinese one. The process:

1. Health check at a designated centre (~¥100, vision, hearing, motor function). 2. Translation of your foreign licence (notarised, ~¥150). 3. Theory test of the Chinese road rules (100 questions, in English at most exam centres in tier-1 and tier-2 cities; pass mark 90%). 4. Submit application at the Vehicle Administration Office of the local PSB.

Cost ¥250–¥600 total. Validity: 6 years initially.

If you do not hold a comparable home licence, you take both theory and practical tests — the full process for new drivers takes 2–4 months and ¥4,000–¥8,000 in coaching plus exam fees.

Driving culture

Honest assessment:

Lane discipline is loose. Lane changes without indication, scooter and electric-bike traffic mixing with cars, pedestrians crossing where convenient.
Right-of-way is negotiated. The larger or more aggressive vehicle wins; defensive driving is essential.
Traffic enforcement is heavy in tier-1 cities — speed cameras, traffic-light cameras, lane-discipline cameras everywhere. Fines arrive by SMS.
Drink-driving is treated very seriously. Zero-tolerance breath-test policy; conviction triggers a 6-month licence suspension and a fine.
Insurance is mandatory; basic third-party plus comprehensive runs ¥3,000–¥6,000 per year for a midsize car.

Buying or renting a car

Renting as a tourist is impractical without a Chinese licence. With a Chinese licence, daily rentals from CAR Inc, eHi, or Hertz China start ¥150–¥400.
Buying requires a residence permit. New-car prices include 10% purchase tax. Some cities (Beijing, Shanghai) operate licence-plate lotteries or auctions, adding substantial cost.
EVs dominate the new-car market in tier-1 cities (BYD, Nio, Xpeng, Tesla). Charging infrastructure is excellent in cities, less so on long-distance routes.

What expats usually do

In tier-1 and tier-2 cities, most expats don't drive. Metro plus Didi is faster, cheaper and avoids traffic and parking. Driving makes more sense for families with school runs in the lower-density suburbs (Shunyi in Beijing, Pudong in Shanghai, Shenzhen Bay in Shenzhen) or for weekend escape trips out of the city.