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Shanghai Expat Forum Index » Hot Topics Forums » Visas, Taxes, and Legalities

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shanghai_flava
Rocker
Rocker

Joined: July 19, 2008
Posts: 616
Location: Century Park

Posted: Feb 26, 2009 - 11:01 PM

ChinaTong wrote:

Tips:

1) Bring a Chinese speaker with you, it will make the process much smoother including filling out the medical forms

If not then you may go to one of the nurses with a big smile and act like a "dumb" laowai and she will be more than happy to fill the forms for you.

_________________

jkahv

Seeker

Joined: Sep 05, 2007
Posts: 68

Status: Offline

Posted: Mar 11, 2009 - 12:12 PM
Post subject: Questions:

I have a US driver's license.

I understand that the translation of the foreign driver's license is required but do I need to have it ready beforehand or will the agency clerk do it on the spot?

Is the DMV in-house translating a regular, official service? From some of old posts I've read, it'd cost either ￥0 or ￥60?

Is the translation agency on NanJing East Road the only one accepted by DMV? Is ￥50 the fix price for English-Chinese translation?

Thanks!

tihZ_hO
Shanghai Royalty

Joined: Feb 17, 2004
Posts: 8871
Location: Jakarta - I got Paroled from Shanghai

Posted: Mar 11, 2009 - 12:21 PM
Post subject: Re: Questions:

jkahv wrote:

I have a US driver's license.

I understand that the translation of the foreign driver's license is required YES but do I need to have it ready beforehand YES or will the agency clerk do it on the spot? NO!!

Is the DMV in-house translating a regular, official service? From some of old posts I've read, it'd cost either ￥0 or ￥60? There is no in-house translating service

Is the translation agency on NanJing East Road the only one accepted by DMV? NO But they all coast the same and not all are acceptable Is ￥50 the fix price for English-Chinese translation? YES

Thanks!

Yer Welcome

_________________

"I can throw toilet paper into the toilet again! Thank you GTFO of China(tm)!!"

skyline5k
Board Legend

Joined: Sep 06, 2004
Posts: 10513
Location: is behind you with a knife O_O

Posted: Mar 31, 2009 - 12:41 PM

ChinaTong wrote:

Went to QinChun Lu #179 (02164987070) located in the Minhang District. The driver's license conversion is in bldg 8 second floor room 200. You'll have to do a few things before you can get your scheduled time slot for the test.

This still the right number? All I'm getting are hang-ups. Or is this just their customer service?

_________________
"Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony."
~Dennis

tihZ_hO
Shanghai Royalty

Joined: Feb 17, 2004
Posts: 8871
Location: Jakarta - I got Paroled from Shanghai

Posted: Apr 08, 2009 - 11:34 PM

A very good post by DILLIGAF in a troller's SPAM thread - I thought it shouldn't be lost if the thread is deleted.

DILLIGAF wrote:

Go to Shanghai Drivers License office at no. 179 Qing Chun Road , Xin Zhuang (Near Chun Shen Road / Hu Min Road ). The tel. no. is 021-64987070 x 54280 or 54279 (always busy) and get a real China D-license.

DILLIGAF

*********************************************

Scam catches foreign drivers

Shanghai Daily Newspaper 2007-6-31

SOME foreign motorists in the city may be driving illegally and be unaware of it thanks to a bogus application ruse.

Overseas drivers living in Shanghai should only apply for a Chinese driving license with local police.

Shanghai traffic police made the clarification yesterday following reports that some agencies are charging expatriates thousands of yuan to have licenses issued out of town. These licenses are not legitimate.

Shanghai Morning Post broke the story on Thursday after an undercover investigation of the agencies.

With photocopies of the driver's passport, driving license from his or her own country and head-shot photos, clients are told to expect a Chinese driving license, issued by out of town authorities, after a week to 40 days, the newspaper said.

The foreign clients don't need to show up in person but only pass on the material to agents and wait for the licenses to arrive.

Agents charge between about 2,000 yuan (US$263) and 5,000 yuan for the service.

Shanghai Daily interviewed officers from the vehicle administration office under the General Team of Traffic Police who said licenses required by the agents are illegal.

Foreign drivers should swap them for a driving license issued by traffic authorities in their exact area of residence.

Shanghai traffic police are investigating the matter.

"Expatriates with a Shanghai-issued residents' permit, should only apply for a driving license issued by Shanghai traffic police," said a police officer with vehicle administration.

It costs 40 yuan to sit for a test on computer in Chinese road traffic rules. You can obtain a Chinese driving license the same day you pass the exam after paying 15 yuan for certification.

To apply for the test, the expatriate need to come to the police office on 1179 Qingchun Road, with head-shot photos and a hospital-issued physical exam report. Applicants also need to take the driving license issued in their own country.

Police said that international driving license holders are not allowed to drive in China before gaining a Chinese license. Questions about applying for a Chinese driving license should be directed to a hotline, 24023456.

*********************************************

Foreigners warned on out-of-town driving license

Shanghai Daily Newspaper 2007-6-30

SHANGHAI police have warned local foreigners not to buy driver's licenses from out-of-town driving schools.

For those who want a driver's license, the application procedure for a local-registered one takes only one day and a small sum of money, police said. Passing a written test is a must.

For those who hold no license, police suggest them to learn to drive and sit for tests in the city.

Foreigners in Shanghai have been targets of out-of-town driving schools since last August when the schools' business with city residents was ruined by local police.

They were offering a driver's license service that required no written or road test to lure foreigners, said an insider surnamed Zhang.

"The schools offer 'apartment service,' which suited many foreign people," Zhang said.

They usually find it too troublesome to go to a city to do registration.

A salesperson would knock at the door, collect some basic information, get the fingerprints and photos and take copies of the passport.

Then, all in need to do is to wait patiently for at least 40 days when the applicant will receive a driver's license that has been registered outside Shanghai.

"Though foreigners have to pay 1,000 yuan (US$131) more and wait longer, they find it convenient and efficient," Zhang said.

Local students usually pay between 2,600 yuan to 4,200 yuan to get such a license from out-of-town driving schools. It takes at least 5,000 yuan from local schools.

Training outside of the city allows students to get a license quickly. Local regulations require drivers to do 86 hours of in-car training, and they can't spend more than six hours a day on training.

Drivers must also wait at least 40 days between taking a written test and sitting the actual driving test. The whole procedure may take three months.

Other provinces don't have similar regulations, so students can get a license much quicker.

_________________

"I can throw toilet paper into the toilet again! Thank you GTFO of China(tm)!!"

skyline5k
Board Legend

Joined: Sep 06, 2004
Posts: 10513
Location: is behind you with a knife O_O

Posted: Apr 22, 2009 - 08:48 AM

skyline5k wrote:

ChinaTong wrote:

This still the right number? All I'm getting are hang-ups. Or is this just their customer service?

No one answers at all now. Going to have to go there in person apparently.

_________________
"Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony."
~Dennis

mommy&kids

Talker

Joined: June 07, 2007
Posts: 89

Status: Offline

Posted: May 09, 2009 - 09:41 AM

Just went to the DL office last week to convert my US DL. The officer in counter 3 (Bldg 8, room 200) will translate your DL for you for free. They input the info in the computer, and a chinese data sheet will be issused for you to complete the process.

amp5

Lurker

Joined: Apr 28, 2005
Posts: 32
Location: Pudong/Yangpu
Status: Offline

Posted: June 12, 2009 - 12:02 PM

Looking for more info on if you DON'T have a driver's license (lost mine way back).

I just want a motorcycle/moped license, but it seems this requires 2500RMB class. Who gives these classes?

I'm looking to buy a 125cc gasoline bike and want to at least do the proper driver's license thing.

Is there a driver's license office in Pudong?? Would like to avoid minhang/hong qiao if possible

refusion

Lurker

Joined: June 21, 2006
Posts: 25
Location: Shanghai
Status: Offline

Posted: June 23, 2009 - 12:24 PM

I used my valid US license to get a Shanghai license a few years back. I didn't need to take the driving test but I did need to take the health check and the writtern test. The written test back then was only 100 questions. Just to update everyone, the test, as of July 2009, is now 1500 questions. Yes, you saw that correctly-1500. I know this is true for the Shanghai license. I don't know about the other cities.

ChiBob
Barker
Barker

Joined: Nov 04, 2008
Posts: 199

Posted: July 01, 2009 - 11:31 AM

What? You better add some details before throwing a post out like that...

ChiBob
Barker
Barker

Joined: Nov 04, 2008
Posts: 199

Posted: July 01, 2009 - 02:04 PM
Post subject: 100 it is

I had my office call the Xinzhuang facility, and confirmed today, July 1, 2009...The written exam is 100 questions, as it always has been.

tigersfan2468

Newbie

Joined: Aug 14, 2009
Posts: 5

Status: Offline

Posted: Aug 14, 2009 - 07:47 AM

Great info. Thanks Phrixus. Do you happen to know how long the license is valid for?

janlynn
Post Roaster

Joined: July 19, 2005
Posts: 4118

Posted: Aug 19, 2009 - 10:43 AM

I went with a NY license and knew little Chinese. I had the address written in Chinese. After 2 subway and 1 taxi ride, I arrived to a place where there were many "translators" offering to help for (to me) a lot of money. I passed and went through 4 or 5 lines, each person asking for different info or taking my picture etc. That done, they put me on a computer for the written test. It was in English, but it was timed and you had to click the answer then push ok. When I had completed enough questions correctly, the test stopped and people clapped. I went back to the person who showed me where to take the test and they handed me my license.
It is was good for 6 years.
I was told the laws are the same as in the USA.

_________________
Some people never go crazy. What truly horrible lives they must lead

jasonnoguchi

PopStar

Joined: Mar 05, 2005
Posts: 1014
Location: From Singapore
Status: Offline

Posted: Aug 19, 2009 - 11:57 AM

Call me skeptical but I would never drive in a city where the other "drivers" drive like 10 year old kids.

_________________
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jonr

Newbie

Joined: Aug 07, 2009
Posts: 2

Status: Offline

Posted: Aug 19, 2009 - 12:00 PM

I will be moving to Shanghai in September from Jilin Province. I already have a Chinese Driving Licence issued in Jiln. Does anybody know what is involved to convert this to a Shanghai Licence.
Thanks,
Jon.

utnapistim

Newbie

Joined: Dec 12, 2008
Posts: 3

Status: Offline

Posted: Sep 14, 2009 - 01:43 PM

Dear All License holders and experts,

I currently hold no drivers license from my home country but I am residing in Shanghai. I have looked through these forum and I am still unsure about some questions and I would highly appreciate any help on answering these issues:

1. Is it possible to get a Chinese drivers license for a foreigner with Work and residence permit?

1.1. What are the fees and where to apply? Can anyone recommend a good driving school with preferably English speaking instructors.

1.2 During the obligatory multiple choice test is it possible to get help from the instructors since I can not read Chinese (only speak at a basic level)

1.2. Anyone here have a copy or can tell me where to get the book for studying to these test.

2. With a Chinese drivers license can I use it internationally?

Again, Thanks to anyone who responds with an answer to my questions.

jasonnoguchi

PopStar

Joined: Mar 05, 2005
Posts: 1014
Location: From Singapore
Status: Offline

Posted: Sep 14, 2009 - 01:45 PM

jonr wrote:

Licenses in China can be used in all provinces. There is no need for conversion.

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chl11

Newbie

Joined: June 13, 2009
Posts: 2

Status: Offline

Posted: Sep 15, 2009 - 08:29 PM
Post subject: OFFER CHINA DRIVER LICENCE

WE CAN HELP EXPAT TO APPLY CHINA DRIVER LICEN, NO NEED INTERVIEW. EVERYTHING IS COPY IS OK, CAN CHECK ON INTERNET. 100% REAL.

[site had no experience, possible scam or illegal license]

officeguy

Seeker

Joined: Oct 22, 2008
Posts: 61

Status: Offline

Posted: Sep 15, 2009 - 08:39 PM

It is only when you come to China you realise the true meaning of 'without shame'

_________________
Not seeking.

jasonnoguchi

PopStar

Joined: Mar 05, 2005
Posts: 1014
Location: From Singapore
Status: Offline

Posted: Sep 15, 2009 - 09:33 PM
Post subject: Re: OFFER CHINA DRIVER LICENCE

[quote="chl11"]WE CAN HELP EXPAT TO APPLY CHINA DRIVER LICEN, NO NEED INTERVIEW. EVERYTHING IS COPY IS OK, CAN CHECK ON INTERNET. 100% REAL.

[spam deleted]

Can check on internet is 100% real??? hahahahha....

_________________
CEO, Optiontradingpedia.com, Futurestradingpedia.com

woaihuan

StreetBeater

Joined: Dec 15, 2007
Posts: 2462

Status: Offline

Posted: Sep 16, 2009 - 12:03 AM

These services for purchasing a license... do we need a work visa and a foreign license?

DILLIGAF

LoopKicker

Joined: Dec 21, 2004
Posts: 923

Status: Offline

Posted: Sep 16, 2009 - 12:10 AM

woaihuan wrote:

These services for purchasing a license... do we need a work visa and a foreign license?

why would you buy a fake Chinese driving license? getting the real thing is easy and bloody cheap! DILLIGAF

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Scam catches foreign drivers

Shanghai Daily Newspaper 2007-6-31

SOME foreign motorists in the city may be driving illegally and be unaware of it thanks to a bogus application ruse.

Overseas drivers living in Shanghai should only apply for a Chinese driving license with local police.

Shanghai traffic police made the clarification yesterday following reports that some agencies are charging expatriates thousands of yuan to have licenses issued out of town. These licenses are not legitimate.

Shanghai Morning Post broke the story on Thursday after an undercover investigation of the agencies.

With photocopies of the driver's passport, driving license from his or her own country and head-shot photos, clients are told to expect a Chinese driving license, issued by out of town authorities, after a week to 40 days, the newspaper said.

The foreign clients don't need to show up in person but only pass on the material to agents and wait for the licenses to arrive.

Agents charge between about 2,000 yuan (US$263) and 5,000 yuan for the service.

Shanghai Daily interviewed officers from the vehicle administration office under the General Team of Traffic Police who said licenses required by the agents are illegal.

Foreign drivers should swap them for a driving license issued by traffic authorities in their exact area of residence.

Shanghai traffic police are investigating the matter.

"Expatriates with a Shanghai-issued residents' permit, should only apply for a driving license issued by Shanghai traffic police," said a police officer with vehicle administration.

It costs 40 yuan to sit for a test on computer in Chinese road traffic rules. You can obtain a Chinese driving license the same day you pass the exam after paying 15 yuan for certification.

To apply for the test, the expatriate need to come to the police office on 1179 Qingchun Road, with head-shot photos and a hospital-issued physical exam report. Applicants also need to take the driving license issued in their own country.

Police said that international driving license holders are not allowed to drive in China before gaining a Chinese license. Questions about applying for a Chinese driving license should be directed to a hotline, 24023456.

*********************************************

Foreigners warned on out-of-town driving license

Shanghai Daily Newspaper 2007-6-30

SHANGHAI police have warned local foreigners not to buy driver's licenses from out-of-town driving schools.

For those who want a driver's license, the application procedure for a local-registered one takes only one day and a small sum of money, police said. Passing a written test is a must.

For those who hold no license, police suggest them to learn to drive and sit for tests in the city.

Foreigners in Shanghai have been targets of out-of-town driving schools since last August when the schools' business with city residents was ruined by local police.

They were offering a driver's license service that required no written or road test to lure foreigners, said an insider surnamed Zhang.

"The schools offer 'apartment service,' which suited many foreign people," Zhang said.

They usually find it too troublesome to go to a city to do registration.

A salesperson would knock at the door, collect some basic information, get the fingerprints and photos and take copies of the passport.

Then, all in need to do is to wait patiently for at least 40 days when the applicant will receive a driver's license that has been registered outside Shanghai.

"Though foreigners have to pay 1,000 yuan (US$131) more and wait longer, they find it convenient and efficient," Zhang said.

Local students usually pay between 2,600 yuan to 4,200 yuan to get such a license from out-of-town driving schools. It takes at least 5,000 yuan from local schools.

Training outside of the city allows students to get a license quickly. Local regulations require drivers to do 86 hours of in-car training, and they can't spend more than six hours a day on training.

Drivers must also wait at least 40 days between taking a written test and sitting the actual driving test. The whole procedure may take three months.

Other provinces don't have similar regulations, so students can get a license much quicker.

leidelaohu

Board Royalty

Joined: June 11, 2007
Posts: 7196

Status: Offline

Posted: Sep 16, 2009 - 12:24 AM

I don't know why you guys are making such a big deal out of this. Just get the license out of a box of Crackerjack like everyone else does around here.

woaihuan

StreetBeater

Joined: Dec 15, 2007
Posts: 2462

Status: Offline

Posted: Sep 16, 2009 - 12:39 AM

DILLIGAF wrote:

woaihuan wrote:

These services for purchasing a license... do we need a work visa and a foreign license?

why would you buy a fake Chinese driving license? getting the real thing is easy and bloody cheap! DILLIGAF

I don't have a work visa and my foreign license doesn't allow for motorcycle use. (haven't a motorcycle at home, so I can't take the road test)

ChiBob
Barker
Barker

Joined: Nov 04, 2008
Posts: 199

Posted: Sep 16, 2009 - 12:48 AM
Post subject: Not so difficult

utnapistim wrote:

1) Of course.
1.1) I didn't keep track but I think around 300-400cny after everything. You pay a small fee for almost every step in the process.
1.2)No. Unless "techinical difficulties". It is in english and easy to understand.
1.3) You cannot take the exam same day anymore(xinzhuang). usually they will schedule about 3 weeks after you take the medical checks, etc. They will give you an english version of the test with all the answers to take during your wait time to study. CAUTION...The order of the questions will be different on the exam, so do not simply memorize only #3=A, etc.

I am american and of 100 questions, approx 65-70 are common sense. The remainder you need to study a bit, especially the road signs, speed requreiments in certain situations, and some other odd chinese stuff. If you study a couple hours, you will pass no problem.