German License to Chinese License: Conversion Guide 2026

Yes, Germans can convert their driver’s license (Führerschein) to a Chinese license by passing a written theory exam in English. No practical road test is required. The process takes 7-14 days and costs ¥350-700 total. China recognizes all German licenses issued by TÜV, DEKRA, or state authorities (Führerscheinstelle), whether EU-format or older paper licenses. This guide covers everything German drivers need to know about license conversion, the theory exam, driving differences, and practical tips for 2026.

This guide provides complete DIY conversion instructions. We also offer expedited license services for Germans who prefer professional handling of the application process.

Can You Drive in China with a German License?

No. You cannot drive in China with only a German driver’s license.

China does not recognize foreign licenses for driving, including German licenses. This means:

• ❌ Your German Führerschein alone is not valid
• ❌ An International Driving Permit (IDP/IFS) doesn’t help – China doesn’t recognize IDPs
• ❌ EU format or old paper license – both require conversion
• ✅ You MUST obtain a Chinese driver’s license (temporary or permanent)

Driving with only a German license carries penalties of ¥200-2,000 fine, vehicle impounding, and potential visa complications.

Your Two License Options

Important for Germans: Germany has high driving standards recognized worldwide. The conversion process is smooth – Chinese authorities accept German licenses as valid proof of driving competency, so you only need a written exam, no road test.

Prerequisites: What German Drivers Need

German License Requirements

Your Führerschein must be:

• ✅ Valid (not expired – check expiration date on front)
• ✅ Held for at least 3 months (some cities require 1 year)
• ✅ Full license – not Prüfbescheinigung (test certificate) or L17 provisional
• ✅ Physical card or paper document (not digital/photo)

License class mapping:

Note for EU format vs old paper licenses: Both are accepted. If you have an old gray/pink paper Führerschein (pre-1999), conversion is identical – just ensure it’s not expired and is legible.

Visa and Residence Requirements

For temporary license (3 months):

• ✅ Tourist visa (L visa) accepted
• ✅ Business visa (M visa) accepted
• ✅ Any valid visa works

For permanent license (6 years):

• ✅ Work visa (Z visa) or residence permit required in most cities
• ✅ Student visa (X visa) accepted in some cities
• ⚠️ Tourist visa sometimes accepted (Beijing, Shanghai allow; smaller cities may not)
• ✅ Proof of residence (hotel registration or lease agreement)

Converting German License to Chinese License (Step-by-Step)

Option 1: Temporary License (No Exam, Fast)

If you’re in China for less than 3 months, temporary license is quickest.

Timeline: 1-3 days total

Cost: ¥200-350

Step 1: Medical Examination (30-60 minutes)

1. Find designated hospital (search “外国人驾照体检医院” + your city)
2. Major cities with English-speaking hospitals:
   • Beijing: Haidian Hospital, Beijing International SOS
   • Shanghai: Parkway Health, Shanghai United Family Hospital
   • Guangzhou: Clifford Hospital, Guangzhou United Family Hospital
3. Bring: Passport, ¥50-100 cash
4. Tests: Vision, hearing, color blindness, basic physical
5. Duration: 30-60 minutes
6. Receive: Health certificate (valid 6 months)

Step 2: License Translation (1-2 days)

1. Find PSB-approved translation service (search “驾照翻译公证” + your city)
2. Provide: Scan/photo of German license (front and back)
3. Cost: ¥100-200
4. Duration: Same-day to 2 days (urgent service available)
5. Receive: Certified Chinese translation with official seal

Note for Germans: German licenses (both EU format and old paper) are straightforward to translate. German translators familiar with Führerschein structure. If license contains special restrictions (Auflagen), ensure translator includes these.

Step 3: Application at Vehicle Management Office (1-2 hours)

1. Locate Vehicle Management Office (车管所, Che Guan Suo) in your city
2. Bring complete documents:
   • Passport (original + photocopy of photo page and visa)
   • German license (original + photocopy)
   • Certified translation
   • Medical certificate
   • 3-4 passport photos (white background, 32mm×22mm)
3. Fill out application form (staff will assist with Chinese sections)
4. Pay ¥20-50 application fee
5. Wait: Same-day to 2 business days depending on city
6. Collect temporary license

Important restriction: With temporary license, you must carry THREE documents when driving: (1) temporary permit, (2) original German license, (3) certified translation. Missing any = driving without valid license.

Option 2: Permanent License (Exam Required, 6-Year Validity)

For stays longer than 3 months or if you want a proper standalone license.

Timeline: 7-14 days total

Cost: ¥350-700

Steps 1-2: Same as temporary (medical exam + translation)

Step 3: Study for Subject 1 Theory Exam (5-14 days)

Subject 1 (科目一) is the ONLY test Germans must pass. No road test required when converting valid German license.

Exam specifications:

• Format: 100 multiple-choice questions
• Time limit: 45 minutes
• Language: Available in English at major testing centers
• Passing score: 90/100 (must get 90+ correct)
• Question types: True/False, single choice (A/B/C/D), multiple choice
• Testing format: Computer-based at official testing centers

Content breakdown:

• 30% – Traffic laws and regulations (penalty points, violations, legal responsibilities)
• 25% – Traffic signs and signals (warning, prohibition, mandatory signs)
• 25% – Safe driving knowledge (speed limits, following distances, weather driving)
• 20% – Common knowledge (vehicle maintenance, first aid, environmental protection)

Study resources:

1. 驾考宝典 (Jiakao Baodian) – Most popular app, English version available
   • Contains full 1,300+ question bank
   • Organizes by category and difficulty
   • Mock exam mode simulates real test
   • Tracks progress and weak areas
2. China Driving Test apps – Designed for foreigners
   • Better English translations
   • Includes explanations for answers
   • Smaller question bank (~900 vs 1,300+)
3. Online practice: www.chinesedrivingtest.com (free, browser-based)

Recommended study plan for Germans:

Study strategy that works for Germans:

1. Days 1-5: Study by category (traffic signs → traffic laws → safe driving → common knowledge). Do 100-200 questions per day. Read explanations for every wrong answer.
2. Days 6-10: Switch to random question mode mixing all categories. Complete 200-300 questions daily. Target 85%+ accuracy.
3. Days 11-14: Take full 100-question mock exams under timed conditions (45 minutes). Score 90+ on at least 3 consecutive mock exams before booking real test.

What’s different from German traffic rules: The exam tests Chinese traffic laws, which differ significantly from German StVO (Straßenverkehrsordnung). Pay special attention to:

• Penalty points system: 12-point system (12 points = license suspended). Different from Germany’s 8-point Flensburg system
• Speed limits:
  • Highways: 100-120 km/h (similar to Germany but strictly enforced with cameras everywhere)
  • Urban roads: 30-60 km/h (lower than German 50 km/h default)
• Blood alcohol limit: 0.02% (effectively zero tolerance, much stricter than Germany’s 0.05%)
• Right turn on red: Generally allowed (similar to rechtsabbiegen bei Rot with green arrow in Germany)
• Autobahn vs Chinese highways: China has speed limits everywhere (no unlimited sections like German Autobahn)

Step 4: Book and Take Exam (Day 7-12)

1. Book exam 1-2 weeks ahead:
   • Via 交管12123 app (official traffic management app)
   • Or in person at Vehicle Management Office
2. Bring on exam day: Passport, booking confirmation
3. Arrive 30 minutes early for check-in
4. Take exam at assigned computer station
5. Select “English” language at start
6. Complete 100 questions in 45 minutes
7. Results displayed immediately on screen
8. If pass (90+): Receive pass certificate same day
9. If fail (<90): Can rebook after 10 days (unlimited attempts, usually free)

German pass rates: Approximately 80-90% pass on first attempt after proper preparation. Germans generally score high due to strong driving education background.

Step 5: Submit Permanent License Application (Day 8-14)

1. Return to Vehicle Management Office with:
   • All documents from temporary license process
   • Subject 1 exam pass certificate
   • Proof of residence (hotel registration/lease)
   • Additional 3-4 passport photos
2. Submit application
3. Photo taken for license card (or bring pre-approved photos)
4. Pay license production fee (¥10-50)
5. License card produced: 1-5 business days
6. Collect 6-year valid Chinese driver’s license

Total cost breakdown:

Time investment: 15-20 hours total (study 12-16 hours + administration 3-4 hours)

For detailed exam preparation strategies, see our Subject 1 exam guide.

Key Road Rule Differences: Germany vs China

As a German driver, you’ll notice significant differences in Chinese traffic rules and driving culture.

Major Rule Differences

China’s Penalty Points System (Critical to Understand)

China uses a 12-point demerit system (different from Germany’s 8-point Flensburg system):

If you reach 12 points:

• License immediately suspended
• Must complete 7-day traffic safety education course
• Must retake and pass Subject 1 exam
• License reinstated after passing

For foreigners: Accumulating 12 points may cause visa renewal complications.

Points reset: Every 12 months on your license issue date (not calendar year, unlike Germany’s Punkte in Flensburg which reset progressively).

Practical Tips for German Drivers in China

Cultural and Behavioral Differences

1. Traffic culture shock coming from Germany

German driving culture (disciplined, rule-following, predictable) is vastly different from China’s aggressive, chaotic style. Expect:

• Frequent honking (communication, not aggression – don’t take personally)
• Cars cutting in with minimal space
• Motorcycles and e-bikes weaving between cars
• Pedestrians crossing anywhere (not just designated crossings)
• Drivers blocking intersections when light changes
• Minimal turn signal use before lane changes

Adaptation strategy: Drive defensively (more than you would on German roads), maintain larger following distances, assume other drivers might do unexpected things. German “Vorausschauendes Fahren” (anticipatory driving) is essential but harder due to unpredictability.

2. No Autobahn equivalent – cameras everywhere

Unlike Germany where sections of Autobahn have no speed limit, China has:

• Speed cameras every 1-5km on highways
• Red light cameras at most intersections
• Lane violation cameras
• Mobile phone use cameras (can detect phone in hand)
• Seatbelt cameras

Download Baidu Maps or Gaode Maps: These navigation apps warn you 200m before cameras, showing speed limit and camera type. Essential for avoiding fines (unlike in Germany where many drivers know camera locations by memory).

3. Parking requires mobile payment apps

Finding and paying for parking differs significantly from Germany’s parking meters and Parkscheinautomat:

• Most parking requires apps (ETCP, P+) – cash/card often not accepted
• Underground parking is common (malls, offices) – can be confusing to navigate
• Street parking usually requires scanning QR code to pay via Alipay/WeChat Pay
• Parking spaces narrower than German standard – expect tight squeezes

Setup before driving: Install ETCP app, link to Alipay or WeChat Pay, add credit card. This enables parking payment.

4. Toll roads require payment methods

China’s highways have tolls (¥0.4-0.6 per km), unlike Germany’s largely toll-free Autobahn (except for HGV Maut). Payment options:

• Manual lanes (人工收费): Accept cash, Alipay, WeChat Pay
• ETC lanes: Electronic toll collection (requires registered device – not for foreigners)

For Germans: Carry ¥500-1,000 cash for tolls if you don’t have Chinese payment apps. Alternatively, set up Alipay/WeChat Pay before trip (most convenient).

5. Gas stations = payment challenges

Unlike Germany where EC-Karte or credit cards work everywhere, Chinese gas stations often only accept:

• Cash
• Alipay/WeChat Pay
• Chinese bank cards

International credit cards frequently rejected. Solution: Always carry ¥500+ cash for fuel, or set up mobile payment apps before trip.

Emergency Numbers and Procedures

Essential numbers to save in phone:

• 122: Traffic police (accidents, breakdowns on highway)
• 120: Ambulance
• 119: Fire
• 110: General police

If you’re in an accident:

1. Don’t move vehicles (unless minor accident blocking traffic)
2. Call 122 immediately
3. Take photos: vehicle positions, damage, license plates, road conditions
4. Exchange info with other driver: name, phone, license plate, insurance
5. Wait for police – they’ll determine fault (unlike Germany’s self-reporting for minor accidents)
6. Get police report (事故认定书) – required for insurance claim
7. Call your insurance company (if rental car, call rental company hotline)

Important for Germans: Chinese police determine fault at scene, not insurance companies (different from German Europäisches Unfallprotokoll system). Don’t admit fault or sign anything in Chinese you don’t understand. If language barrier, say “我需要翻译” (I need translator) or use translation app.

Common Questions from German Drivers

How long does the conversion process take?

Temporary license: 1-3 days from start to finish. Permanent license: 7-14 days including study time for theory exam. If you start immediately upon arrival, you can be driving legally within 2 weeks.

Is the theory exam hard for Germans?

No, with proper preparation. The exam is available in English and tests basic traffic knowledge. Germans typically pass on first attempt after 7-14 days of study (1-2 hours daily) due to strong driving education background. Pass rate for prepared German drivers: 80-90%.

Do I need to retake a practical driving test?

No. When converting a valid German license, you only take written theory exam (Subject 1). No practical driving test required. This is a major advantage over applying as first-time driver.

What if my German license expires while I’m in China?

If you have temporary Chinese license: it becomes invalid when German license expires (must carry valid German license). If you have permanent Chinese license: no impact – it’s standalone and independent of German license status. You can renew German license at German embassy/consulate in China or wait until returning to Germany.

Can I drive with my Chinese license in Germany?

Not permanently. Chinese licenses are not recognized in Germany for long-term use. However, for short visits (up to 6 months as tourist), some German states may allow driving with Chinese license + certified German translation. For longer stays, you must convert Chinese license to German license (requires theory and practical exam at Fahrschule).

What about my German points in Flensburg – do they transfer?

No. Your Chinese license starts with clean record (12 points). German Punkte in Flensburg don’t transfer. However, some PSBs may ask for German Führungszeugnis (police clearance) or Fahreignungsregister Auskunft during application to verify license validity.

Can I convert my old gray/pink paper Führerschein?

Yes, both EU-format card licenses and old paper Führerschein (gray or pink, issued before 1999) are accepted, as long as they’re valid and legible. Translation companies are familiar with both formats. If your paper license is very old and faded, consider getting it replaced in Germany before traveling to China (though not strictly required).

I have BF17 (Begleitetes Fahren) – can I convert?

Not until you turn 18 and receive your full unrestricted Klasse B license. BF17 allows supervised driving from age 17 in Germany, but it’s not a full license. China requires full, unrestricted licenses. Wait until 18th birthday and full license issuance.

Summary: German Driver’s Action Plan

For stays <3 months (temporary license):

1. Medical exam (day 1) → translation (day 1-2) → application (day 2-3)
2. Cost: ¥200-350, Time: 3-4 hours + waiting
3. When driving: carry temporary permit + German license + translation

For stays >3 months (permanent license):

1. Medical exam + translation (days 1-2)
2. Study for Subject 1 exam (days 3-14, 1-2 hours daily)
3. Take exam (day 10-14)
4. Apply for license (day 11-15)
5. Cost: ¥350-700, Time: 15-20 hours total

Before starting:

• Verify your Führerschein is full Klasse B (not BF17, L17, or provisional)
• Check expiration date (must be valid throughout process)
• Bring original license card or paper document (not copy or digital version)
• Allow 2-3 weeks for complete process if getting permanent license

After getting license:

• Download navigation apps (Baidu/Gaode Maps) – essential for camera warnings
• Set up mobile payment (Alipay or WeChat Pay) for parking and tolls
• Adjust to aggressive traffic culture – drive more defensively than in Germany
• Understand strict speed enforcement – no Autobahn unlimited sections exist
• Carry emergency numbers and understand penalty points system

The license conversion process is straightforward for Germans – no road test required, just a written exam. The bigger adjustment is adapting to China’s aggressive driving culture compared to Germany’s orderly, disciplined traffic. Coming from a strong driving education system (Fahrschule with intensive theory and practice), German drivers typically excel in the Subject 1 exam. With proper preparation and defensive driving mindset, thousands of German expats drive successfully in China every year.

For those preferring professional assistance through the application process, our service handles medical exam booking, translation arrangements, exam scheduling, and all document submission. Whether DIY or assisted, starting early ensures you’re legal and ready to drive when needed.