Traffic and Driving

Traffic rules and procedures might be very different in China compared to your home country. Be aware of how drivers and bicyclists behave before you get on the road. Be prepared to handle traffic disputes if you get into an accident.

If you do decide to drive a motor vehicle in China, it is essential that you get a valid drivers’ licence. International licences are not accepted; visitors are required to get Chinese licenses.


Rules of the Road

Traffic can be very different in China than in some other countries. In general, many visitors describe traffic in China to be more chaotic and difficult to navigate than traffic in many other countries.

It is essential that you understand the traffic situation before attempting to ride a bicycle, motorcycle or car. China has the highest rate of traffic-related deaths in the world; more than 300 people die every day in traffic accidents in China, despite the fact that vehicle ownership is still relatively low.

The major difference in the traffic rules is that the rules in place are often not strictly followed or enforced. The key to driving or riding any vehicle in a Chinese city is to allow other drivers to predict your actions and to try to predict the actions of those around you. This isn’t always easy, as turn signals are not often used and sudden turns are common.

Bicycles, motorcycles and sometimes even cars will drive on the wrong side of the road for short amounts of time if it saves them trouble. Many people do not turn their headlights on at night. In any collision between a motor vehicle and a pedestrian it is generally assumed that the vehicle is at fault.

Try to observe how traffic works from a pedestrian’s viewpoint before you decide to take a bicycle or anything else on the road. Many foreigners find it easier to take buses, taxis and subways because driving on your own might be more trouble that is worthwhile.


Traffic Accidents

If you do end up getting into a traffic accident in China, it’s important that you know the proper way to resolve the issue. Unless there is a serious injury or damage to a vehicle, the police are usually not called and insurance information is not exchanged.

Instead each party involved in the accident gets out and begins to discuss or argue about the accident. First it’s established which party is at fault, and then a price is agreed on to cover the repairs on the vehicle. Whether you or the other party is at fault, don’t be afraid to bargain hard. It’s expected that each side will try to get the best deal possible.

During this process, pedestrians may come and inspect the scene. They might begin to discuss the situation with both parties and make suggestions to resolve the conflict. Don’t be angry or alarmed if people just come and stare; this is perfectly normal, and frequently happens whether a foreigner is involved in the accident or not.

If there is serious damage to either vehicle, or either party is injured, it’s always best to exchange insurance information and get medical attention if necessary.


Getting a Chinese Driver’s Licence

If you want to operate any car or motorcycle in China, you must get a Chinese driver’s license. Foreign or international licenses are not valid in China. If you’re caught driving without a Chinese license, your vehicle will be taken away and you may be fined heavily.

If you already have a foreign or international license you are not required to take an actual driving test. The only thing you need to do is pass a written test. To take the written test, first go to the nearest office that handles driver’s licenses in your city. The local police should be able to give you this information. Make sure you prepare the following things:

-    Passport photos (sometimes as many as seven photos are required, so be sure to bring a lot)
-    Temporary residence form (which you obtain by registering with the police)
-    Foreign driver’s license
-    Results of a physical exam (the same results required for to obtain a Residence Permit)
-    Passport with valid Residence Permit (not an L- or F-visa)
-    About 300 RMB

When you arrive at the registration office, fill out the paper work they provide for you. After getting an eye-exam and paying you fee, you can take the written test. The test is composed of 100 randomly selected questions; you have 45 minutes to finish the test. To pass, you must answer 90% of the questions correctly. If you fail, you have one free re-test; otherwise you must pay the test fee again.

In larger cities, the written test can be taken in various foreign languages including English. Some cities do not provide this service. In these cases you are allowed to take along a translator.

The address for the testing location in Beijing is the following:

No. 18 South Fourth Ring East Road, Chaoyang District

朝阳区南四环东路18号 (南四环外环十八里店南桥西南侧)

The address for the testing location Shanghai is the following:

No. 179 Qinchun Road, Minhang District

闵行区沁春路179号