UK License to Chinese License: Complete Conversion Guide 2026

Yes, UK driving licence holders can convert to a Chinese driver’s license by passing a computer-based theory exam in English – no road test required. The process takes 5-7 days, costs ¥300-700, and your Chinese license is valid for 6 years. This guide provides complete step-by-step instructions for 2026.

This guide covers the complete DIY conversion process. If you prefer assistance with document preparation and exam booking, we also offer conversion support services with guaranteed exam preparation.

Requirements for UK License Conversion

To convert your UK driving licence to a Chinese license, you must provide six categories of documents:

1. Valid UK Driving Licence

• Photocard or paper licence: Both accepted, must be currently valid
• Expiry date: Must have at least 3 months validity remaining
• Full licence: Provisional licences not accepted
• Categories: Your Chinese license will match your UK categories (B = C1 in China for cars)

Important: If your UK licence is close to expiry, renew it before coming to China. Expired licences cannot be converted.

2. Valid Passport and Chinese Visa/Residence Permit

• Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months
• Visa: Any valid visa type works (tourist, business, work, student)
• Residence permit: If you’re a resident, bring your residence permit
• Entry stamp: Must show recent entry to China

3. Certified Chinese Translation of UK Licence

Your UK driving licence must be professionally translated into Chinese by an approved agency:

• Official seal required: Translation must have agency’s red seal/stamp
• Translator credentials: Must show translator qualifications
• Complete translation: All fields from your UK licence must be translated
• DVLA paper summary: If requested, include your driving record from DVLA

Where to get translation in China:

• Beijing: Approved agencies near PSB offices in Chegongzhuang area (¥250-350)
• Shanghai: Certified translation centers in Pudong/Puxi (¥300-400)
• Guangzhou: Translation agencies near Tianhe Vehicle Admin Office (¥200-300)

Cost: ¥200-400 depending on city and turnaround time
Timeline: Express service 1-2 days, standard 3-5 days

4. Medical Examination Certificate

Same requirements as for all foreign drivers:

• Vision test (with or without glasses)
• Color blindness test
• Hearing test
• Basic physical exam

Cost: ¥50-100
Time: 30-45 minutes
Validity: 6 months from examination date

5. Passport Photos

• Size: 33mm × 48mm (Chinese standard, larger than UK passport photo)
• Background: Pure white
• Quantity: 4-6 photos (exam needs 2, license application needs 2-3)
• Recent: Taken within last 6 months

Cost: ¥30-50 for 6 photos at Chinese photo shops

6. Proof of Residence in China

• Hotel registration form: For short-term visitors
• Lease agreement: For residents renting apartments
• Residence permit: Shows registered address

The Theory Exam (Subject 1): What UK Drivers Need to Know

Unlike temporary licenses, converting your UK licence requires passing China’s theory exam. Here’s what to expect:

Exam Format

• Questions: 100 multiple-choice questions
• Language: Available in English (and 10+ other languages)
• Time limit: 45 minutes
• Pass mark: 90 or more correct answers (90%)
• Format: Computer-based, results shown immediately
• Retakes: Can retake if failed, usually next day or within a week

Question Topics Breakdown

How to Study Effectively

Recommended study timeline: 1-2 weeks, 1-2 hours per day

Best study apps (all free):

• China Driving Test (iOS/Android): Full question bank in English, practice exams, detailed explanations
• 驾考宝典 (Jiakao Baodian): Most popular Chinese app with English option, 1,000+ questions
• DMV Test Pro: Good for UK drivers, similar format to UK theory test

Study strategy for UK drivers:

1. Day 1-3: Read through all 100 official questions once, noting differences from UK rules
2. Day 4-7: Practice tests daily, aim for 85-90% scores
3. Day 8-10: Focus on weak areas, take 5+ full mock exams
4. Day 11-14: Final review, take mock exams until consistently scoring 95+

Key Differences from UK Driving Rules

These are the topics that confuse most UK drivers:

• Priority rules: In China, vehicles turning right can usually proceed on red light if safe (unlike UK)
• Speed limits: Expressways 120 km/h max (vs 70 mph/112 km/h in UK), urban 60 km/h (vs 30 mph/48 km/h)
• Drink driving limit: China has zero tolerance – any alcohol detection is illegal (stricter than UK)
• License points system: 12 points per year, serious violations = 12 points at once = retake exam
• Mandatory items: Must carry warning triangle, first aid kit, fire extinguisher (not required in UK)

Exam Day Tips

• ✅ Arrive 30 minutes early for registration
• ✅ Bring passport, photos, and exam booking confirmation
• ✅ Read each question carefully – some have trick wording
• ✅ You can skip questions and return to them later
• ✅ Review all answers before submitting (once submitted, cannot change)
• ✅ Results shown immediately – if you pass, proceed to license application same day

Pass rates: UK drivers typically pass on first or second attempt. First-time pass rate is ~75% for foreign drivers who study 1-2 weeks.

Step-by-Step Conversion Process

Here’s the complete process from start to finish:

Step 1: Complete Medical Examination (Day 1, 30-45 min)

1. Locate a designated hospital in your city (search “驾驶证体检” + your city name)
2. Go to driver’s license medical department
3. Register with passport, pay fee (¥50-100 cash or mobile payment)
4. Complete vision, color, hearing, and physical tests
5. Collect medical certificate (ready in 15-30 minutes)

Major cities: Beijing Chegongzhuang Hospital, Shanghai Hongqiao Hospital, Guangzhou Tianhe Hospital all offer this service.

Step 2: Get UK Licence Translated (Days 1-3, 1-2 days)

1. Find a PSB-approved translation agency near your local Vehicle Administration Office
2. Provide your original UK driving licence
3. Provide passport for reference
4. Pay translation fee (¥200-400)
5. Request express service if available (+¥50-100)
6. Collect translation with official seal

Tip: Some agencies offer same-day express service. Call ahead to confirm turnaround time.

Step 3: Study for Theory Exam (Days 1-14, self-paced)

1. Download study app (China Driving Test or 驾考宝典)
2. Complete full question bank review
3. Take daily practice exams
4. Focus on areas where you score below 90%
5. Take 5+ full mock exams before booking real exam

When to book exam: When you consistently score 90-95+ on mock exams.

Step 4: Book Theory Exam Appointment (Day 7-14)

Two booking methods:

Option A: Online booking (fastest):

1. Register on 12123.gov.cn (Vehicle Administration website)
2. Select “外籍人员考试预约” (Foreign applicant exam booking)
3. Upload scanned documents (passport, medical cert, UK license, translation)
4. Choose exam date and time slot
5. Receive confirmation via SMS

Option B: In-person booking:

1. Visit local Vehicle Administration Office
2. Go to foreign applicant counter
3. Submit documents for review
4. Schedule exam appointment
5. Pay exam fee if required (free in most cities)

Booking timeline: Exams usually available within 3-7 days of booking. Peak times (weekends) may have 1-2 week wait.

Step 5: Take Theory Exam (Exam Day, 1-2 hours)

1. Arrive at exam center 30 minutes before scheduled time
2. Bring passport, exam confirmation, and passport photos
3. Check in at registration desk
4. Wait for your seat number to be called
5. Sit at assigned computer station
6. Select “English” language option when prompted
7. Complete 100 questions within 45 minutes
8. Review answers before clicking “Submit”
9. Receive immediate results on screen

If you pass (90+): Proceed to Step 6 immediately

If you fail (below 90): Book retake (usually available next day or within a week)

Step 6: Submit Application and Collect License (Same Day, 2-3 hours)

After passing the exam:

1. Go to license application counter in same building
2. Submit all documents:
   • Passport and visa/residence permit
   • UK driving licence (original)
   • Certified Chinese translation
   • Medical examination certificate
   • Passport photos (2-3 copies)
   • Exam pass certificate (given after passing)
   • Proof of residence
3. Pay license application fee (¥10-20)
4. Confirm collection time (usually same day afternoon, or next business day)
5. Return to collect Chinese driver’s license

Your Chinese license will show:

• Your photo and name (in Chinese characters and English)
• Passport number
• License class (usually C1 for manual cars, C2 for automatic)
• Issue date and expiry date (6 years from issue)

Cost and Timeline Summary

Fastest possible: 5 days if you pass exam on first try and use express translation
Average timeline: 7-10 days for most UK drivers
With retake: Add 3-7 days if you need to retake the exam

Common Challenges and Solutions

❌ Challenge: UK Paper Licence Hard to Translate

Problem: Older paper licences may have faded text or unclear details.

Solution: Request a summary from DVLA before coming to China. Alternatively, upgrade to photocard licence in UK before traveling.

❌ Challenge: Failed Theory Exam

Problem: Scored below 90% on first attempt.

Solution: Book retake immediately (usually available next day). Review questions you got wrong. Focus on traffic penalties and road sign questions – these are most commonly failed sections.

❌ Challenge: Translation Agency Not Approved

Problem: Vehicle Admin Office rejects your translation because agency isn’t on approved list.

Solution: Ask Vehicle Admin Office for their list of approved agencies before paying for translation. Use agencies physically located near the Vehicle Admin Office – these are usually approved.

❌ Challenge: Exam Booking Website in Chinese Only

Problem: Online booking portal is entirely in Chinese.

Solutions:

• Use Google Chrome auto-translate feature
• Ask a Chinese-speaking friend to help with registration
• Book in person at Vehicle Admin Office instead (English support usually available)

❌ Challenge: Don’t Understand Chinese-Specific Rules

Problem: Mock exam questions about rules that don’t exist in UK (ETC lanes, points system, etc.)

Solution: Focus extra study time on these China-specific topics. Most study apps have explanation sections that clarify why each answer is correct. The questions testing China-specific rules appear frequently on the real exam.

After Getting Your Chinese License

License Validity and Renewal

• Validity: 6 years from date of issue
• Renewal process: Simple renewal before expiry – no exam required
• Expired license: Can still renew within 1 year after expiry without retaking exam
• Points system: 12 points per year. Lose all 12 points = must retake theory exam

Driving Throughout China

Your Chinese license is valid nationwide:

• ✅ Drive anywhere in mainland China
• ✅ Rent cars from any rental company
• ✅ No additional permits needed for cross-province travel
• ✅ Valid for all vehicle types shown on your license (usually C1 or C2 for cars)

Can You Still Drive in the UK?

Important: Getting a Chinese license does NOT invalidate your UK licence. You can keep both and use UK licence when driving in UK/Europe, and Chinese license when driving in China.

Renting Cars with Your Chinese License

With your permanent Chinese license:

• Lower rental deposits than temporary license holders
• Accepted by all Chinese rental companies
• Better insurance rates
• Can rent for unlimited duration

See our complete car rental guide for foreigners in China.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I convert my UK driving licence to a Chinese license?

Yes, UK driving licence holders can convert to a Chinese license without taking a road test. You only need to pass the theory exam (Subject 1) which is available in English. The complete process takes 5-7 days and costs ¥300-700. Your Chinese license is valid for 6 years.

Do I need to take a driving test to convert my UK license?

No road test or practical driving test required. You only need to pass the computer-based theory exam with 100 multiple-choice questions in English. You need 90 or more correct answers to pass. Most UK drivers who study 1-2 weeks pass on their first or second attempt.

How long does UK to Chinese license conversion take?

The complete process takes 5-14 days depending on exam study time. Breakdown: Medical exam (1 day), license translation (1-2 days), theory exam study (3-14 days self-paced), exam booking and taking (1 day), license collection (same day after passing). Fastest possible is 5 days if you pass first try.

How much does it cost to convert UK license to Chinese license?

Total cost is ¥290-620. Breakdown: Medical exam ¥50-100, UK license translation ¥200-400, passport photos ¥30-50, theory exam ¥0-50 (free in most cities), license application ¥10-20. Costs vary by city. No hidden fees.

Is the Chinese driving theory exam available in English?

Yes, the Subject 1 theory exam is available in English in all major Chinese cities. The exam has 100 multiple-choice questions, 45 minutes time limit, and you need 90+ correct answers to pass. Questions cover traffic rules, road signs, penalties, and safe driving. Free study apps available.

Is my UK photocard or paper licence valid for conversion?

Both photocard and paper UK driving licences are accepted for conversion, but they must be currently valid (not expired). Photocard licences are easier and faster to process. If you have a paper licence, ensure all details are clearly legible for translation. Consider upgrading to photocard before traveling to China.

What happens to my UK licence after conversion?

You keep your original UK driving licence – it is NOT surrendered or invalidated. You can hold both UK and Chinese licenses simultaneously. Use your UK licence when driving in UK/Europe, and use your Chinese license when driving in China. Both remain valid according to their respective expiry dates.

Can I convert if I’m only visiting China short-term?

Yes, you can convert even on a tourist visa. However, consider whether it’s worth the 5-7 days required. For stays under 3 months, a temporary license (no exam required) may be more practical. For stays over 3 months or if you plan frequent China visits, permanent license conversion is better value.

Ready to Convert Your UK License?

You now have complete instructions for converting your UK driving licence to a Chinese license. The process is straightforward if you prepare documents carefully and dedicate 1-2 weeks to exam study. Most UK drivers successfully complete the conversion within 7-10 days.

Your next steps:

1. Schedule your medical examination
2. Find a PSB-approved translation agency
3. Download a study app and begin practicing
4. Book your theory exam when ready
5. Collect your Chinese license after passing

Following these steps, you’ll successfully navigate the conversion process independently. However, if you’re concerned about the theory exam pass rate, language barriers during the process, or simply want guaranteed first-time success, our conversion service includes comprehensive exam preparation materials, document verification, and English-speaking support throughout the process. We maintain a 95% first-time pass rate for clients.

Questions about conversion? Contact us for personalized guidance on your specific situation.

Already have your Chinese license? Learn about renting cars in China or explore our complete driving guide.