How to Get a Motorbike License in China
Take one look at the traffic jammed streets of China’s major cities and you’ll know that it’s a mad, mad world out there. So obviously you want to be a part of it, right? A lot of foreigners find that driving a car is simply too much of a hassle, what with all the public transportation available and many foreign companies providing their employees personal drivers. But a motorbike? Well, that’s a whole different story – they’re fast, convenient and (usually) don’t cost an arm and a leg. Here’s what you need to know to get yourself in the driver’s seat and join China’s growing throng of motorbike riders.
Registering for and actually taking the test are the exact same procedures as those for getting a car license. Your motorbike license will be valid for six years, after which you’ll have to go back to the testing office and get it renewed.
It’s required that you have a residency permit (even just a temporary one) in order to receive a motorbike license. Now, I know China allows laws to often be bent, and sometimes even broken, but this is one law you really don’t want to mess with – especially if you live in smaller towns (who are more likely to stop and check foreigners). According to Article 99 of the “Safety Law”, if you’re stopped by the police and don’t have a motorbike license, you’re subject to a) getting your license revoked, b) your motorbike confiscated, c) a possible fine of up to 2000 RMB, and/or d) up to 15 days imprisonment. So save yourself the hassle and get a valid motorbike license!
So you registered, took the test, and have your valid motorbike license – congratulations! There’s just one more thing to keep in mind. If you bought a new motorbike, you’re supposed to get it inspected for “road worthiness” every two years, for the first four years you own it. After four years, you’re expected to get it inspected once every year. The rules for how often you need to get it inspected after that vary from city to city, so make sure you check your specific requirements. The more you know of motorbike laws, the more you follow them, and save yourself possible headaches down the road.