IDP vs Chinese Driver’s License: Which Do You Actually Need?

Short answer: You cannot drive in China with just an International Driving Permit (IDP). China does not recognize IDPs at all. You must have a Chinese driver’s license – either temporary (3 months, no exam) or permanent (6 years, requires theory exam). Many websites incorrectly state that IDPs work in China, creating confusion for travelers. This guide clarifies the legal requirements, explains why IDPs don’t work, and shows you how to get the license you actually need.

While this guide provides complete information about both options, we also offer expedited license services for those who prefer professional handling of the application process.

Can You Drive in China with an International Driving Permit?

No. China does not recognize International Driving Permits under any circumstances.

This is the most important fact to understand. Despite what some outdated travel websites claim, and regardless of where your IDP was issued, it has zero legal validity in China.

Why IDPs Don’t Work in China

The International Driving Permit is based on the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, which China never signed. China also didn’t sign the later 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. As a non-signatory, China has no legal obligation to recognize IDPs.

What this means in practice:

• ❌ You cannot legally drive with IDP + your home license
• ❌ Car rental companies will not accept IDP
• ❌ Police will treat IDP as invalid (equivalent to driving without a license)
• ❌ Insurance won’t cover accidents if you’re driving with just IDP
• ❌ “But I got an IDP specifically for China” – doesn’t matter, still not valid

What Happens If You Drive with Just an IDP?

Driving in China with only an IDP + home country license is illegal and carries serious consequences:

Real scenario: In 2025, a British tourist drove in Shanghai with IDP after reading outdated blog advice. Police stopped them at a checkpoint. Result: ¥1,500 fine, car impounded, had to take taxi back to hotel, wasted 2 days of vacation dealing with police paperwork.

Why Do Some Sources Say IDPs Work in China?

You’ll find conflicting information online because:

1. Outdated information: Old travel guides from pre-2010 when enforcement was inconsistent
2. Confusion with Hong Kong: Hong Kong DOES accept IDPs, but Hong Kong ≠ mainland China (different legal systems)
3. Translation misunderstanding: Chinese “驾照翻译件” (license translation) is confused with IDP
4. IDP sellers’ marketing: Some IDP issuers claim “worldwide validity” without noting China exception

Official clarification: The China Ministry of Public Security explicitly states on their website (122.gov.cn) that foreign nationals must obtain a Chinese driver’s license to drive in China. IDPs are not mentioned because they’re not recognized.

Your Two Legal Options: Temporary vs Permanent Chinese License

Since IDPs don’t work, you need an actual Chinese driver’s license. You have two options depending on your stay duration and whether you’re willing to take an exam.

Option 1: Temporary Chinese Driver’s License (临时驾驶许可)

What it is: A temporary driving permit valid for 3 months, issued to foreign nationals for short-term stays.

Key characteristics:

Requirements:

• ✅ Valid passport
• ✅ Valid visa (tourist, business, or resident)
• ✅ Valid home country driver’s license (must not be expired)
• ✅ Certified Chinese translation of home license
• ✅ Medical examination certificate from designated hospital
• ✅ 3-4 passport photos (white background, 32mm×22mm)

Best for:

• Tourists visiting for 1-3 months
• Business travelers on short-term assignments
• Those who don’t want to take theory exam
• People wanting to test drive before committing to permanent license

Option 2: Permanent Chinese Driver’s License (正式驾驶证)

What it is: A standard Chinese driver’s license, equivalent to what Chinese citizens hold, valid for 6 years.

Key characteristics:

Requirements:

• ✅ Valid passport
• ✅ Valid residence permit or work visa
• ✅ Valid home country driver’s license (held for 3+ months)
• ✅ Certified Chinese translation of home license
• ✅ Medical examination certificate
• ✅ 6-8 passport photos
• ✅ Proof of residence (hotel registration or lease)
• ✅ Pass Subject 1 theory exam (90/100 score required)

Best for:

• Long-term residents (work visa holders, students, expats)
• Those needing to drive beyond 3 months
• People who plan to rent cars frequently
• Anyone willing to study 1-2 weeks for theory exam

Temporary vs Permanent: Complete Comparison

Cost Breakdown: Temporary vs Permanent

Key insight: Temporary license is cheaper upfront but costs 10-15× more per year of validity. If you stay longer than 3 months, permanent license offers far better value.

Decision Framework: Which License Should You Get?

Choose Temporary License If You:

• ✅ Are visiting China for tourism (2-12 weeks)
• ✅ Are on short business trip (1-3 months)
• ✅ Don’t want to study for theory exam
• ✅ Need to drive immediately (within 1-3 days)
• ✅ Are testing whether you want to drive in China before committing
• ✅ Have tourist visa only (permanent license requires residence permit in some cities)

Example scenario: You’re American, visiting Shanghai for 6 weeks, planning 2-week road trip to Hangzhou and Suzhou. Temporary license is perfect – fast processing, no exam, covers your entire trip duration.

Choose Permanent License If You:

• ✅ Are staying in China longer than 3 months
• ✅ Have work visa or residence permit
• ✅ Plan to rent cars multiple times over months/years
• ✅ Are willing to study 1-2 weeks for theory exam
• ✅ Want full legal driving privileges without restrictions
• ✅ Don’t want to carry multiple documents (home license + translation + permit)
• ✅ Want option to renew without leaving China

Example scenario: You’re Canadian, working in Beijing for 2-year contract, planning weekend trips to nearby cities. Permanent license makes sense – one-time effort for 6-year validity, no document hassles.

The Hybrid Strategy: Temporary First, Then Permanent

Some expats use this approach:

1. Month 1: Arrive in China, get temporary license (1-3 days processing)
2. Month 1-3: Drive with temporary license, get comfortable with Chinese roads
3. Month 2-3: Study for Subject 1 exam during evenings/weekends
4. Month 3: Take exam and convert to permanent license before temporary expires

Advantages:

• Drive immediately while learning exam material
• Test whether you actually want to drive in China before committing to exam
• No gap in driving privileges

Disadvantages:

• Pay for two applications (temporary + permanent = ¥500-1,000 total)
• Complete medical exam twice (required for both licenses)
• More time investment (two separate PSB visits)

How to Get a Chinese Driver’s License (Step-by-Step)

Getting a Temporary License (3-Day Process)

Step 1: Medical Examination (Day 1, 30-60 minutes)

1. Find designated hospital (search “外国人驾照体检医院” + your city)
2. Bring passport and payment (¥50-100, usually cash only)
3. Complete: vision test, hearing test, color blindness test, basic physical
4. Receive health certificate (valid 6 months)

Step 2: License Translation (Day 1-2, online or agency)

1. Find PSB-approved translation company (search “驾照翻译公证” + your city)
2. Provide scan of your home country license
3. Pay ¥100-200
4. Receive certified Chinese translation (1-day turnaround if urgent)

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

1. Locate your city’s Vehicle Management Office (车管所)
2. Bring: passport, visa, home license (original), translation, medical certificate, 3 photos
3. Fill out application form (staff will help)
4. Pay ¥20-50 application fee
5. Wait for processing (same-day to 2 days depending on city)
6. Collect temporary driving permit

Important: You must carry three documents when driving: (1) temporary permit, (2) home country license original, (3) certified translation. Missing any of these = driving without valid license.

Getting a Permanent License (7-14 Day Process)

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

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

1. Download study app: 驾考宝典 (Jiakao Baodian) with English support
2. Study 1-2 hours daily for 7-14 days
3. Complete 500-800 practice questions
4. Take 5+ mock exams scoring 90+ before booking real test

Step 4: Book and Take Exam (Day 7-14)

1. Book exam via 12123 app or at Vehicle Management Office
2. Exam format: 100 multiple choice questions, 45 minutes, 90% required to pass
3. Available in English at major city testing centers
4. Receive pass certificate same day if successful

Step 5: Submit Application (Day 8-15, same day as exam or next day)

1. Bring exam pass certificate + all documents from temporary license process + proof of residence
2. Apply at Vehicle Management Office
3. Photo taken for license (or bring pre-approved photos)
4. License produced in 1-5 business days
5. Receive 6-year valid Chinese driver’s license

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

The application process involves multiple government offices, Chinese-language paperwork, and scheduling coordination. For those who prefer streamlined processing, our license service handles all steps including medical exam booking, translation arrangements, exam scheduling, and document submission, reducing the process to 1-2 in-person appointments.

Common Myths and Misconceptions

Myth #1: “My IDP says it’s valid worldwide including China”

Reality: IDP issuers often print “valid in all countries that are signatories to the Geneva Convention.” Since China never signed, this doesn’t include China. The fine print usually mentions exceptions.

Myth #2: “I can use IDP as a translation of my home license”

Reality: No. China requires a certified translation (驾照翻译公证) from a PSB-approved translation company. IDPs are not accepted as translations, even though they contain translations of your license information.

Myth #3: “Enforcement is lax – many foreigners drive with IDPs without issues”

Reality: Police checkpoints are common, especially on highways. Automated license plate readers at checkpoints cross-reference with license databases. In 2024-2025, enforcement increased significantly. It’s not worth the risk – one ticket can cost more than getting a legal license.

Myth #4: “I can’t get a Chinese license with tourist visa”

Reality: You CAN get a temporary license with tourist visa in most cities. Permanent license typically requires residence permit, but temporary license is available to tourists.

Myth #5: “The exam is too hard for foreigners”

Reality: The exam is available in English and is highly passable with 7-14 days of study. First-time pass rate for foreigners who study properly is 75-85%. The questions are straightforward – you’re not tested on complex scenarios.

Myth #6: “My international license from AAA/CAA is different from IDP”

Reality: AAA (American Automobile Association) and CAA (Canadian Automobile Association) issue IDPs, just under a different name (“International Driving Permit” or “International Driving License”). These are still IDPs and still not valid in China.

What About Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan?

These regions have different rules from mainland China:

Important: You cannot drive between Hong Kong/Macau and mainland China without separate licenses for each region. The border crossing requires switching vehicles or having both regions’ licenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in China with an IDP and my home country license?

No. China does not recognize International Driving Permits at all, regardless of issuing country. Driving with only an IDP + home license is illegal in China and treated as driving without a valid license (¥200-2,000 fine minimum).

What’s the difference between IDP and Chinese license translation?

An IDP is a standardized international document issued in your home country, recognized by signatory countries (which excludes China). A Chinese license translation is a certified translation of your home license created by a PSB-approved Chinese translation company, specifically for use in China’s license application process. They serve different purposes and are not interchangeable.

Which Chinese license is easier to get – temporary or permanent?

Temporary license is significantly easier – no exam required, 1-3 day processing, only requires medical exam and translation. Permanent license requires passing Subject 1 theory exam (100 questions, 90% to pass), which needs 7-14 days of study for most people.

How long does temporary license processing take?

1-3 days in most cities. Some cities offer same-day processing if you arrive early with all documents. Permanent license takes 5-10 days due to exam scheduling and license card production time.

Can I convert temporary to permanent license without leaving China?

Yes. You apply for permanent license the same way whether you have a temporary license or not. Having a temporary license first doesn’t affect permanent license eligibility – you just need to pass Subject 1 exam and submit the application.

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

You cannot renew foreign licenses in China. If you have a temporary Chinese license, it becomes invalid when your home license expires (temporary permits require valid home license to be carried). If you have a permanent Chinese license, it remains valid regardless of home license status, since it’s a standalone license.

Do I still need IDP if I’m transiting through China?

If you’re not driving in China, you don’t need IDP or Chinese license. If you plan to drive even one day in China during transit, you need a Chinese license (temporary or permanent). There’s no “transit driver” exemption.

Can I use my Chinese license in other countries?

Generally no. Chinese licenses are not internationally recognized. You’d need to either (1) use your home country license in countries that accept it, (2) get an IDP from your home country (valid in IDP-accepting countries), or (3) convert to a local license in each country. However, Chinese licenses are recognized in some countries with bilateral agreements (check specific country requirements).

Summary: Your Action Plan

The bottom line: Forget about IDPs for China. They don’t work. Period.

If you’re staying less than 3 months:

1. Get temporary Chinese license (1-3 days, ¥200-300, no exam)
2. Process: medical exam → translation → application
3. Budget 3-4 hours of your time + 1-3 days wait
4. Drive legally with temporary permit + home license + translation

If you’re staying more than 3 months:

1. Get permanent Chinese license (5-10 days, ¥300-700, exam required)
2. Process: medical exam → translation → study for exam (7-14 days) → take exam → application
3. Budget 15-20 hours of your time + 5-10 days total
4. Drive legally with Chinese license only

Start early: Don’t wait until the day you need to drive. Begin the process as soon as you know you’ll drive in China. This gives you buffer for any unexpected delays and ensures you’re legal from day one.

For those who prefer not to navigate the process independently, or who want to minimize time spent at government offices, professional license services handle all logistics from medical appointments through final license collection. Whether you choose DIY or assistance, the key is having a valid Chinese license – not an IDP.