Driving in China

[pushbrk 13,043]

I elaborated more on this in my informal blog thread but just so the subject is on record here. This is the process for obtaining a Chinese Driving License.

1. Get registered as a temporary resident with the local police service bureau. This takes the household book, maybe a confirmation from the security office of the building where you're staying and a passport style photo in the correct size.

2. Get your passport and US Driver License translated to Chinese. Anybody can do this. No agency is needed.

3. Take the temporary resident papers to the Police office that issues Driving Licenses and fill out the application. You'll need a Chinese version of your name in no more than three characters, so it won't be your full name.

4. Pass the test. Get the License.

Sounds easy and pretty much is except for passing the test. Not easily obtained unless you email me, is a PDF copy of the bank of 800 potential questions, in Chinese and English with the answers. Only 100 questions on the actual test and you need 90 correct. As usual the translation is poor but enough study will overcome that. If interested, send me a PM with your email and I'll email you the questions and answers.

[Bob g 11]

I would not attempt to drive in Chongqing, unless I had plenty of driver training by NASCAR first.

[pushbrk 13,043]

I would not attempt to drive in Chongqing, unless I had plenty of driver training by NASCAR first.

I know it sort of seems like that but in my observations of the several cities I've been to, things happen pretty slow when the road is crowded. You just adjust your thinking to the rules being pretty much the same as in the mail hallways of US shopping malls on Black Friday. Take it slow and adjust to the traffic. On highways or freeways at speed, it's as civilized as anywhere.

[Speedytax 3]

I know it sort of seems like that but in my observations of the several cities I've been to, things happen pretty slow when the road is crowded. You just adjust your thinking to the rules being pretty much the same as in the mail hallways of US shopping malls on Black Friday. Take it slow and adjust to the traffic. On highways or freeways at speed, it's as civilized as anywhere.

This question is a little of subject, but same topic, Drivers Licences. Does any know where I can get A Training manual in Chinese for my Fiancee who just arrived in America 2 days ago.I live in Idaho, and the local license office says they don't have manuals in Chinese. Spanish, yes and a couple of other languages, but not chinese. I have been driving for 41 years and I haven't taken the test in almost that long.I can easily teach her the physical act of driving, but lets be honest, many english speaking people have trouble with the written test, and they have the english manual to study.Thanks for any help. Bill

[jonp31 0]

This question is a little of subject, but same topic, Drivers Licences. Does any know where I can get A Training manual in Chinese for my Fiancee who just arrived in America 2 days ago.I live in Idaho, and the local license office says they don't have manuals in Chinese. Spanish, yes and a couple of other languages, but not chinese. I have been driving for 41 years and I haven't taken the test in almost that long.I can easily teach her the physical act of driving, but lets be honest, many english speaking people have trouble with the written test, and they have the english manual to study.Thanks for any help. Bill

May not be able to find Idaho's manual in Chinese but a few states have them translated (I at least have seen CA and WA). They obviously won't be the exact same rules but probably close enough to get by.

CA http://dmv.ca.gov/pubs/foreign_hdbk/dl600C.pdf

WA http://www.dol.wa.gov/cn/docs/TCHDriverGuide.pdf

They are in traditional Chinese - not sure how comfortable your fiancee is reading that but probably will have no real trouble. Another link from Candle for Love: http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=42075

[pushbrk 13,043]

May not be able to find Idaho's manual in Chinese but a few states have them translated (I at least have seen CA and WA). They obviously won't be the exact same rules but probably close enough to get by.

CA http://dmv.ca.gov/pu...hdbk/dl600C.pdf

WA http://www.dol.wa.go...DriverGuide.pdf

They are in traditional Chinese - not sure how comfortable your fiancee is reading that but probably will have no real trouble. Another link from Candle for Love: http://candleforlove...showtopic=42075

Those are the only ones I know about.

[Speedytax 3]

Those are the only ones I know about.

Thanks for the links, I will check them out. Bill

[justashooter 430]

i never needed a liscense to drive in china. my host company had an arrangement with the local driving department, so it was no problem. i was the only yellow haired long nose in town with a beard, so there was little confusion. i did eventually attach some old expired pennsylvania tags. never got stopped after that.

[Azzudiin 26]

Those are the only ones I know about.

Connecticut has it in Chinese also.

[pushbrk 13,043]

Connecticut has it in Chinese also.

Good to know. Washington's laws will be closer to those of Idaho but Connecticut should be pretty close to all the Northeast.