China Temporary Driving Permit · Fast-track Service · Same Day
Short answer: You do not need a full Chinese driver license — we issue you a temporary Chinese driving permit at the border, valid for the duration of your car's temporary import period.
Many foreign drivers ask whether they need to take a Chinese driving test, or get a full Chinese driver license, to drive their own car inside China. The answer is no: as long as you hold a valid driver license from your home country, we can process a temporary Chinese driving permit for you at the border on the same day you arrive. This permit is valid for up to 90 days, matching your car's temporary import period.
You do not need an International Driving Permit to drive in China for tourism purposes. The only requirements are:
If your home country license is not in English or Chinese, we will handle the required translation as part of the permit processing at the border — you do not need to get a translation done in advance.
If you are travelling with another driver who will also drive the car inside China, you can add them to the temporary permit for an additional 500 RMB fee. They will need to bring their own valid home driving license, and their own passport. We do not recommend letting someone drive your car who is not listed on the temporary permit — if you are pulled over by traffic police, unlicensed driving carries heavy fines.
If you are planning to live in China long-term, you will eventually need to convert to a full Chinese driver license, which requires taking a written test. But for all short self-drive tourism trips, the temporary permit we issue at the border is all you need — no tests, no waiting, no lengthy application process.
If you are unsure whether your home country license is valid for the temporary permit, send us a copy when you contact us, and we will confirm before you start your trip to the border.
Want to confirm your license is valid? Send us a photo of your license for a free check →