Can I use my foreign driver’s license here? If not, how do I get a Chinese one? This article breaks down the key requirements and procedures for converting a foreign driver’s license into a valid license for use in the Chinese mainland.
我可以在这里使用我的外国驾照吗？如果不能，我该如何获得中国驾照？本文将详细介绍将外国驾照转换为中国大陆有效驾照的关键要求和程序。
What Are the Basic Eligibility Requirements?
基本资格要求是什么？
To apply for a Chinese driver’s license using a foreign license, you must meet the following conditions:
使用外国驾照申请中国驾照，您必须满足以下条件：
1. Validity and Residency Requirements
1. 有效期和居住要求
(1)You must hold a valid foreign driver’s license.
(1)您必须持有有效的外国驾照。
(2)You must meet the general application conditions laid out in China’s regulations on motor vehicle driver licensing.
(2)您必须符合中国机动车驾驶证申领规定中的一般申请条件。
(3)You must have stayed in the country or region where your foreign license was issued for at least 90 days cumulatively within one year before the license was issued.
(3)您必须在外国驾照颁发前的一年内，在该驾照颁发的国家或地区累计停留至少90天。
If you are applying for a license for larger vehicles (Class A1, A2, or B1), you must also have held the corresponding foreign license for at least two years.
如果您申请的是大型车辆驾照（A1、A2或B1），您还必须持有相应的外国驾照至少两年。
If you do not meet certain conditions such as age or height for the class you want, you may apply for a lower that matches your qualifications.
如果您不符合所申请驾照类别的某些条件（如年龄或身高），您可以申请符合您资格的较低类别驾照。
2. Type of Foreign License
2. 外国驾照类型
(1)Your foreign license must be valid, non-temporary, and must grant independent driving privileges.
(1)您的外国驾照必须是有效的、非临时的，并且授予独立驾驶权。
(2)Licenses that are expired, still within a probationary period, temporary, or have special restrictions are not eligible for exchange.
(2)已过期、仍在实习期、临时或有特殊限制的驾照不符合换领条件。
What Documents and Preparations Are Required?
需要准备哪些文件和材料？
Step 1: Medical Examination
第一步：体检
You must complete a driver’s medical exam at an approved facility. These include:
您必须在批准的机构完成驾驶员体检。包括：
(1)County-level hospitals and above
(1)县级以上医院
(2)Military medical facilities at regiment level or above
(2)团级以上军队医疗机构
(3)Public health institutions such as community health service centers or health examination centers approved by local health authorities
(3)经当地卫生部门批准的社区卫生服务中心或体检中心等公共卫生机构
The facility will issue a Certificate of Physical Conditions, valid for 6 months.
体检机构将发放有效期为6个月的《身体条件证明》。
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
第二步：准备所需文件
For foreign nationals, the following documents are needed:
对于外国公民，需要以下文件：
(1)ID Proof: Original passport or international travel document, a visa or residence permit valid for at least three months, and a registration form of temporary residence issued by the police. Alternatively, a Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card can be used.
(1)身份证明：护照或国际旅行证件原件，有效期至少三个月的签证或居留许可，以及警方出具的临时居住登记表。或者可以使用外国人永久居留身份证。
(2)Foreign Driver’s License: The original license. If it is not in Chinese, you must provide a certified Chinese translation from a translation agency or notarization office. If the license type or restrictions are unclear, supporting documents may be required.
(2)外国驾照：驾照原件。如果不是中文，您必须提供由翻译机构或公证处认证的中文翻译。如果驾照类型或限制不清楚，可能需要提供支持文件。
(3)Photos: Four recent 1-inch ID photos with a white background, taken within the last six months.
(3)照片：四张近六个月内的1英寸白底彩色照片。
(4)Medical Certificate: As mentioned above.
(4)体检证明：如上所述。
Do You Need to Take Any Tests?
需要参加考试吗？
Yes. All applicants must pass the written test (Subject 1), which covers traffic laws, regulations, and safe driving practices.
是的。所有申请人都必须通过理论考试（科目一），内容涵盖交通法规、法规和安全驾驶实践。
If you’re applying for a license in categories A1, A2, A3, B1, or B2 (which typically cover large vehicles), you must also pass the driving skills test (Subject 2) and road test (Subject 3).
如果您申请的是A1、A2、A3、B1或B2类驾照（通常涵盖大型车辆），您还必须通过驾驶技能考试（科目二）和道路考试（科目三）。
No matter what kind of foreign license you hold, you cannot directly exchange it for a Chinese motorcycle license (Category D). If you wish to drive a motorcycle in China, you’ll need to first obtain a regular Chinese license and then apply for a motorcycle endorsement.
无论您持有何种外国驾照，您都不能直接将其换领为中国摩托车驾照（D类）。如果您想在中国驾驶摩托车，您需要先获得普通中国驾照，然后申请摩托车驾照。
What About Short-Term Visitors? Can They Drive Without Exchanging a License?
短期访客可以不换驾照开车吗？
Yes. If you are staying in China temporarily, you can apply for a Temporary Driving Permit, valid for up to three months. If your stay exceeds three months, the permit can be extended to one year.
可以。如果您在中国临时停留，您可以申请临时驾照，有效期最长为三个月。如果停留时间超过三个月，许可证可以延长至一年。
In Summary:
总结：
Getting a Chinese driver’s license using a foreign one is possible, but it’s not automatic. Be prepared to provide supporting documents, take a medical exam, and pass at least one written test. For short-term visitors, temporary permits are a practical alternative.
使用外国驾照获得中国驾照是可能的，但并非自动。准备好提供支持文件，进行体检并通过至少一次书面考试。对于短期访客，临时许可证是一个实用的选择。
Need help with the application or translation process? Local vehicle administration offices or driving schools in major cities often offer services for foreigners.
申请或翻译过程中需要帮助吗？当地车辆管理办公室或大城市的驾校通常为外国人提供服务。
