Tested: Provisional Chinese driving license for tourists in 1.5h

The process was much easier than predicted

We have successfully tested the process of obtaining a Provisional Chinese driving license as a tourist in Shanghai. The procedure might vary for different cities, but as far as I know, Beijing’s is about the same. The application procedure was significantly easier than expected, taking only 1.5 hours in total, excluding the time spent travelling between home, the translation office, and the police station.

What will you need for a Provisional Chinese driving license, here is a shortlist

• Official translation of the driving license
  • In Shanghai, only two places offer this
    • Shanghai SISU Translation Service Co.
      Address: 573 Chifeng Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai
      上海市虹口区赤峰路573号
      Tel: 021-65362032
      Office hours: Monday-Friday 9:00-16:30
  • Shanghai Interpreters’ Association (SIA)
    Address: Room 1607, F16, 1277 West Beijing Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai
    上海市静安区北京西路1277号国旅大厦1607室
    Tel: 021-63218568, 021-63239910
    Office hours: Monday-Friday 9:00-16:30
• Registration form of residence for visitors from overseas
  • Registration from an app, the app varies from city to city
  • Getting the form from the hotel which has made your registration

What you need to be concerned about.

• Only valid for rental cars
• Rental companies require the validity of the driving license for a minimum of three months
• When obtaining a driver’s license the minimum validity is three months, so you need to rent the car almost immediately if your driver’s license has the minimum validity
• The temporary driving license is valid in the whole mainland (not including Hong Kong or Macau)
• RV rental is possible.

Conclusion about the Provisional Chinese Driving License

This is a great opportunity to discover China by car instead of flying/train or bus. You have the freedom to choose where you go and when you go. Also, a great opportunity to visit places where tourists are not filling up the whole place. Explore China!