Driving Permit Guide#
Planning to hit the road in China? Good news: you can rent a car and drive legally by applying for a temporary driving permit!
We’ve put together a step-by-step guide on how to get one right at the airport! Below is a sample permit issued by the Shanghai Traffic Police.
🚦 The Basics of Driving in China#
Here’s what you need to know before getting behind the wheel:
Drive on the right, just like in most European countries.
You can drive vehicles that match the category on your original license:
If you’re bringing your own car into China, your temporary permit will match your vehicle type.
If you’re renting a car, your temporary permit will be either:
C1: Manual cars with ≤9 seats, <6m in length, or light trucks (<4.5 tons).
C2: Same as C1, but automatic only.
Driving must be for personal use only, commercial driving isn’t allowed.
You must be at least 18 years old.
If you’re 70 or older, a quick capacity test is required at a Theory Test Room (we’re working on the exact location list).
📝 What Do You Need#
To apply for a temporary driving permit, prepare these documents:
Your passport
Your original driving license
A Chinese translation of your license
🔁 Translation notes:
The translation must be certified by either:
A foreign embassy or consulate in China, or
A local notary office
If you need help with translation, here are some services recommended by e.g. the Shanghai government (we know we know).
Click to expand the list of translation services
Shanghai SISU Translation Service Co.
Email: sisutsdl@163.com
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am-4:30pm
Shanghai Foreign Affairs Translation Workers Association
Email: fyxh@shwsfy.com
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am-4:30pm
🚫 When You Can’t Drive#
You won’t be eligible for a temporary driving permit if:
You have a hit-and-run record.
You’ve committed serious traffic violations with unresolved accidents.
📬 Got Questions?#
If there’s anything we haven’t covered here, just drop us a message. We’re happy to help!
📧 chinatrip.info.contact@gmail.com
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