If you already have a valid driver’s license from your home country and are in China on a Z-visa, obtaining a Chinese driver’s license is relatively simple.

• Step One: Pick up an Application Form
  There are two locations you can obtain an application form.
  • a. Beijing Traffic and Vehicle Department
    The department is located on the East Fourth Ring Road near the southwestern edge of the Shibalidian South Bridge. Go directly to the Foreign Affairs Office and ask for an application form.
    Address: No 18 South Fourth Ring East Road, Chaoyang District
    朝阳区南四环东路18号（南四环外环十八里店南桥西南侧）
    
  • b. Local Public Security Bureau
    In each district there is a local Public Security Bureau (PSB). They carry application forms.
• Step Two: Fill Out the Application Form
  • The application form and instructions are written in Chinese. As well, the form must be filled out in Chinese. If you don’t read and write Chinese, find a friend who can read and write Chinese help you fill out the form.
• Step Three: Get a Medical Checkup
  Because part of the application form can only be filled out by a doctor, you must go a provincial-level or higher public hospital (many private and foreign clinics are not authorized to fill out the form).
  • When going to the hospital, be sure to bring:
    1. Your valid driver’s license from your home country
    2. Your passport
    3. The health form
    4. 1-inch photo
  • The Friendship Hospital and the China-Japan Friendship Hospital are both top hospitals in Beijing and are popular among many expats. The International
  • Medical Department of the China-Japan Friendship Hospital is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. The checkup fee is RMB 80.
  • Address:
    East Yinghua (Cherry Flower) Road, Hepingjie Beikou
    和平街北口樱花东路
    Tel: 010- 64221122 / 64222969
• Step Four: Turn in All Required Materials
  Turn in all the required materials to the Beijing Traffic and Vehicle Department.
  • Address:
    No 18 South Fourth Ring East Road, Chaoyang District
    朝阳区南四环东路18号（南四环外环十八里店南桥西南侧）
    
  • You must present:
    1. Your valid driver’s license from your home country and copy
    2. A translation (into Chinese) of your driver’s license in black ink
    3. Your valid passport with your Z-visa and copy of each
    4. Three 1-inch photos
    5. Medical examination paper (filled out in Chinese)
    6. Application form (filled out in Chinese)
    7. Registration Fee (RMB 50)
  After turning everything in, you will be scheduled for an exam time and given an admission card. The written examination is multiple choice and are held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, 9am and 10am.
• Step Five: Prepare for the Examination
  • The test focuses on current traffic regulations in China. Some say the test is easy and doesn't require preparation. Most say you need to prepare. The choice is yours. If you fail, the test can be taken an unlimited number of times and only costs RMB 5 to re-register.
  • There may be some deviations from the traffic regulations in your home country. If you choose to prepare, we advise you to buy a preparation book published by Beijing FESCO Chenguang Labor Service Co., Ltd.
• Step Six: Take the Examination
  • Take the admission card with you when you arrive to the exam. There are eight versions of the examination: Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), English, French, German, Spanish, Japanese, and Korean.
  • As the test is taken on computer, your will have the results immediately upon completion.
• Step Seven: Pick Up Your Chinese Driver’s License
  • If you passed the exam, you can pick up your new Chinese driver’s license in one hour. The cost of the license is RMB 10.