Driver's license in China

The Driving License of the People's Republic of China is the legal driving license in mainland China. It is issued, ratified, and regularly inspected by the traffic administrative department of the public security organ. The minimum age varies from 18 for cars to 26 for large buses.

Learner's licenses, although granted, have little effect, as most training takes place within the confines of specially-designed training areas inaccessible, on paper, to the general motoring public. Previously, expressways were inaccessible even for holders of a normal driver's license if their license was less than a year old. However, this restriction has now been removed. Drivers with licenses less than a year old, however, are still considered "intern drivers" or "new drivers", and certain limitations apply to them (for example, displaying a uniform label on the car when they are driving, or having a person with at least three years experience in the front passenger seat while on highways). The PRC considers the driving license, under a new law, an administrative license.

The PRC is not a party to any of the three conventions regarding an International Driving Permit and therefore such licences are not valid in the country. Foreign drivers with a valid residence permit can apply for a Chinese driver’s license, but drivers visiting the PRC must obtain a temporary licence for the length of their stay. Those bringing their own vehicles must additionally register their vehicle, obtain a temporary Chinese license plate and be accompanied by a native guide.

History
On April 10, 2019, the Ministry of Public Security announced that applications for light motor vehicles (Type C1, C2, and C5) are no longer required to provide proof of residence in the issuing region if their hukou is not in the region. Before that, anyone whose hukou is not in the issuing region must have a "temporary living permit" (暂住证 or 居住证) of the region or other similar proof in order to take a test and get a license (of any Type). In October 2020, the Ministry of Public Security said that obtaining a motorcycle driver's license (Type D, E, and F) will not require a hukou starting on 20 November 2020. Some regions within China do not issue motorcycle licenses, effectively banning motorcycle driving.