European Union driving licences benefit from a standardised format since the EU harmonised licences in the 1990s and updated them with a creditcard-format licence in the 2000s. Chinese Vehicle Administration Offices are generally familiar with the EU creditcard format, which simplifies the documentation process compared to some non-standardised foreign licences.
For EU licence holders, the typical conversion process requires a certified Chinese translation of the licence, a valid residence permit, passport, and recent passport photographs. Some Vehicle Administration Offices also require confirmation of driving licence status from the issuing country's authority — a letter confirming the licence is valid and in good standing, obtainable from the issuing DVLA equivalent in the relevant EU member state.
German licence holders have historically had a simpler process due to a long-standing familiarity of Chinese authorities with German licence formats. French, Italian, and Spanish licence holders generally find the process straightforward with standard translations. Licence holders from newer EU member states should confirm local practice at their Vehicle Administration Office as familiarity with some Eastern European licence formats can be lower.
The theory examination — 100 questions from the published question bank, available in English (and some other languages) — is the same for all foreign applicants. EU driving rules, particularly regarding speed limits, lane discipline, and roundabout priority, differ from Chinese road rules in several important respects. Preparation with the official Chinese question bank is advisable.
Practical note: EU licences show the issuing EU country's country code and the EU flag symbol. Bring both the physical licence and a certified translation; some offices request both to be submitted together.