Public transportation in Shanghai is affordable and convenient, making it the preferred way to get around for many expats. As such, driving is often unnecessary. 

However, if you prefer to drive, you can convert your overseas driving license into a local Chinese one. Here is a complete guide to the process.

Who can apply: 

International visitors or expats who have stayed or resided in China for more than three months.

What to prepare: 

To convert a foreign driving license into a Chinese one, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Original and photocopy of your identity document (passport or Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card)
• Resident Permit and Accommodation Registration Form for Visitors from Overseas (not required if you hold a Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card)
• Original and photocopy of your Overseas Driving License
• Driving License Application Form (printed at the service counter and signed by the applicant)
• Physical examination report 
• Photograph for the driving license

 

If the overseas driving license is not written in Chinese, a Chinese translation must also be provided.

Translations provided by the following accredited translation agencies are accepted:

- Shanghai SISU Translation Service Co Ltd (No 573 Chifeng Road, Hongkou district. Tel: 021-6536-2032) - Shanghai Interpreters' Association (Room 1607, 1277 West Beijing Road, Jing'an district. Tel: 021-63218568, 021-6323-9910) - Embassies or consulates of the countries that issued the driving license.

 

You should bring the above documents to one of the following locations for application:

• First Branch of Vehicle Management Office (No 2999 West Huaxia Road, Pudong New Area)
• Second Branch (No 3 Gate, No 179 Qinchun Road, Minhang district. The testing venue is located at No 100 Miaojing Road.)
• Third Branch (No 2638 Hunan Road, Pudong New Area)
• Fourth Branch (No 299 Anfen Road, Baoshan District. The testing venue is located at No 969 Boyuan Road, Jiading district)
• Traffic Police Division of Free Trade Zone Sub-branch (Tower A, No 459 Futexiyi Road, Free Trade Zone)

 

If you apply for a driving license for motor vehicles other than coaches, tractors, city buses, mini coaches and large trucks, the driving license will be issued on the spot after passing a driving theory test. 

• The test is available in 15 languages and is limited to 45 minutes.
• A minimum score of 90 points is required to pass.
• You have two attempts during a single appointment. If you fail both, you must pay again to schedule a new appointment.

Mutual recognition of driver's licenses

Currently, China has mutual recognition agreements for driver's licenses with France, Serbia, Belgium, and the United Arab Emirates, which allow individuals holding driver's licenses from these countries to convert their licenses into a Chinese one without taking a test.

If you are visiting China for a short stay, you may apply for a temporary driving permit for up to three months. If your stay exceeds three months, you may apply for a temporary driving permit with a validity period of up to 1 year.

Click here to see how to apply for a temporary driving permit. 

 

Sources: National Immigration Administration, The Traffic Police Corps of Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Public Security