Driving Licence in China
The Chinese Motor Vehicle Driving License (simplified Chinese: 机动车驾驶证; traditional Chinese: 機動車駕駛證; pinyin: Jīdòngchē Jiàshǐzhèng) is the legal driving license used throughout mainland China, excluding the two special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau. In these regions, separate driving licenses must be obtained from their respective traffic authorities.
Issuance and Administration:
- Issuing Authority: The license is issued, ratified, and regularly inspected by the traffic administrative department of the public security organ.
Age Requirements:
- Minimum Age:
- 18 years old for cars.
- Up to 26 years old for large buses.
Learner’s Licenses:
- Effectiveness: Learner’s licenses are granted, but most training takes place in specially-designed training areas that are inaccessible to the general motoring public.
Regulations for New Drivers:
- Expressway Access: Previously, expressways were inaccessible to drivers who had not held their license for a full year. This regulation has been invalidated, but drivers with licenses less than a year old are still considered “intern drivers” or “new drivers” (Chinese: 实习司机; pinyin: shíxí sījī).
- Limitations for New Drivers: New drivers must display a uniform label on their car indicating their status.
Legal Considerations:
- Administrative License: Under new law, the driving license is considered an administrative license (Chinese: 行政许可; pinyin: xíngzhèng xǔkě).
Some areas do not issue motorcycle licenses or three-wheeler licenses any more. This promotes driving without a license, a fake license or an illegally purchased license.
Types of license
| Type | Name | Chinese | Other categories included | Intl. Eqs. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy passenger vehicles | 大型客車 | A3, B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, M | ||
| Tractors | 牽引車 | B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, M | ||
| City buses | 城市公交車 | C1, C2, C3, C4 | ||
| Middle passenger vehicles (19 passengers or less) | 中型客車 | C1, C2, C3, C4, M | ||
| Heavy goods vehicles | 大型貨車 | C1, C2, C3, C4, M | ||
| Light motor vehicle, camper (9 passengers or less) | 小型汽車 | C2, C3, C4 | ||
| Automatic transmission light motor vehicle | 小型自動檔汽車 | |||
| Low-speed goods vehicle | 低速載貨汽車 | C4 | ||
| Three-wheel motor vehicles | 三輪汽車 | |||
| Ordinary three-wheel motorcycles | 普通三輪摩托車 | E, F | ||
| Ordinary two-wheel motorcycles (over 50cc) | 普通二輪摩托車 | F | ||
| Light motorcycles (50cc or less) | 輕便摩托車 | |||
| Wheel type automobiles | 輪式自行機械車 | |||
| Trolleybuses | 無軌電車 | |||
| Trams | 有軌電車 |
Note: A Class C5 license has been introduced for 残疾人专用小型自动挡载客汽车 (small passenger cars with automatic transmission for people with disabilities).
A driving license in China is an official document issued by the Vehicle Management Authority under the Ministry of Public Security that permits individuals to operate various types of motor vehicles on public roads. The process to obtain a driving license involves passing both a written test and a practical driving test. Here’s an overview of the driving license system in China:
Types of Driving Licenses in China
China categorizes its driving licenses based on the type of vehicle you are permitted to drive. The most common types include:
- C1 License: For small cars and automatic cars.
- D License: For motorcycles with or without sidecars.
- E License: For two-wheeled motorcycles.
- F License: For motor-driven bicycles (two-wheeled motorcycles with smaller engine power).
- A1 License: For large buses.
- A2 License: For heavy trailers.
- B1 License: For medium-sized buses.
- B2 License: For large trucks.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for a driving license in China, you must meet the following requirements:
- Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old for a car (C1) license and 20 years old for a motorcycle (D, E, F) license.
- Residency: Foreign applicants must have a valid residence permit or visa.
- Health: Applicants must pass a health check, including vision, hearing, and general health tests.
Application Process
The process of obtaining a Chinese driving license typically involves several steps:
1. Gather Necessary Documents
You will need the following documents to apply for a Chinese driving license:
- Passport: Original and copies of the picture page and visa page.
- Temporary Residence Registration Form: Obtain from the local police station where you are residing.
- Health Check Certificate: Obtain from a provincial-level hospital or designated health check center.
- Passport-sized Photos: Typically 4-6 recent photos with a white background.
- Foreign Driver’s License: If applicable, along with a certified translation.
2. Health Check
Complete a health check at a designated hospital. This usually includes tests for vision, hearing, and overall health.
3. Study for the Written Test
Prepare for the written exam, which covers Chinese traffic laws, road signs, and driving regulations. Study materials, including a bilingual handbook with test questions, are available online.
4. Register at the Vehicle Management Office
Submit your documents and register for the written test at the local Vehicle Management Office (DMV).
5. Take the Written Test
The written test usually consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. You need to score at least 90 to pass.
6. Practical Driving Test
If you do not already have a valid foreign driver’s license, you will need to complete a minimum of 35 hours of driving lessons and pass a practical driving test.
7. Receive Your License
Upon passing the necessary exams, you will receive your Chinese driving license, which is valid for six years. After six years, you will need to renew your license.
Key Points to Remember
- License Restrictions: Motorcycles are prohibited on most freeways and in certain city areas to control traffic congestion. For example, motorcycles are banned in downtown Guangzhou, Dongguan, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and Hangzhou, and there are restrictions in Beijing and Shanghai.
- Insurance: It is mandatory to have insurance for your vehicle.
- Vehicle Registration: Your vehicle must be legally registered with a license plate.
- Compliance with Local Laws: Always comply with local traffic laws and regulations to avoid fines and potential confiscation of your vehicle.
By understanding the process and requirements, you can successfully navigate the steps to obtain a driving license in China and legally operate a vehicle.
