Temporary Driving Permit for Foreigners in China

Foreigners visiting China for a short stay can apply for a temporary driving permit to legally operate vehicles in China. Issued by the local traffic police, this permit allows eligible foreigners to drive rented vehicles or vehicles temporarily brought into China.

The validity of the temporary permit depends on the length of the visitor’s stay. For those staying less than three months, a three-month driving permit can be issued. For longer stays, the permit may be valid for up to one year. However, this permit is not intended for long-term residents and does not replace a full Chinese driver’s license.

Applicants need to present a valid passport, visa, and a foreign driving license. If the license is not in Chinese, an official Chinese translation is required and translation services can be arranged through certified agencies. Before receiving the permit, applicants are also required to attend a short session to learn about Chinese road traffic laws and safety regulations. Once this session is completed, the permit is issued on-site.

However, the temporary permit only allows driving of vehicles in the same category as the one listed on the foreign license. For rented vehicles, only small-size cars—classified as C1 (manual) or C2 (automatic)—are permitted. Additionally, certain individuals are not eligible to apply, such as those under 18 years old, those with unresolved traffic accidents, or those with serious traffic violations, including hit-and-run offenses or an accumulation of 12 penalty points.

While driving, it is mandatory to carry the temporary permit, the original foreign driving license, its Chinese translation, and, if applicable, the car rental contract. Applicants over the age of 70 must pass a capacity test before being granted the permit. The test can be taken up to five times free of charge, and its validity lasts for one year.