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phrixus
Raver
Joined: Sep 02, 2005
Posts: 383
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 Posted:
Feb 05, 2007 - 12:38 PM |
 
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| Not NY. They don't give anybody anything. |
ahaha i guess they dont
and yes its not mailed - you get the card same day |
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guel27
Board Royalty
Joined: Oct 10, 2005
Posts: 7462
Location: iwahig
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Feb 05, 2007 - 01:01 PM |
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thanks phrixus! |
_________________
umamin ka na kasi, halata naman e |
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srini87
Squeeker
Joined: July 17, 2006
Posts: 15
Status: Offline
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| Posted:
Feb 05, 2007 - 01:14 PM |
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right on... it is easy
to be able to get a drivers license then a laowai needs to have a employment visa (Z) or a residence permit/visa.
also there are three methods...
1. the one as detailed in Tom_32 above, is for a laowai holding a current valid drivers license from overseas (though not all other countries driving licenses are acceptable).
2. if the laowai does not hold a valid drivers license then the laowai must enrol in an apporved driving school same as a local to go through the required lessons etc.
3. there are some ways to get a drivers license by paying a large amount of RMB for the said license... though i suggest it is wise to have read the chinese road code since some of the regulations and road rules are a little surprising...
by the way this topic has been posted numerous times... doing a search will provide a range of posts.
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Hi Sinned69
Do you know if they would accept Indian Driving license issued in English
and provide me an equivalent Chinese one?
Is there a website for Shanghai DMV?
Thank you
Srini |
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8lrr8
StreetBeater
Joined: Oct 14, 2004
Posts: 2340
Location: here!
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| Posted:
Feb 05, 2007 - 01:30 PM |
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| phrixus wrote: |
| Quote: |
| Not NY. They don't give anybody anything. |
ahaha i guess they dont
and yes its not mailed - you get the card same day |
not anymore i dont think. this might have been changed as soon as this yr. i tried getting my license about 1 month ago. turns out after filling out all the paperwork, u then need to schedule a date to come back and take the written test (it's actually done thru a computer interface). u can not take the test the same day. |
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CFM
Reacher
Joined: Feb 12, 2005
Posts: 237
Location: Hangzhou
Status: Offline
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| Posted:
Feb 10, 2007 - 07:38 AM |
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I just went through the process & got my license this past week. No matter what you or your staff are told before you go to the bureau, you CANNOT take the exam the same day but have to schedule an appointment to take the test - the rules changed after first of the year. It was a 10 day wait for me. With the holidays coming, you'll be lucky to get a testing slot the first week of March which is what was being assigned to folks applying Thursday.
Other things to consider:
1. You MUST get your drivers license translation done at the appropriate agency & it MUST be kept in the sealed envelope from that agency or they will not accept it.
2. You need to have photocopies of your passport, visa & work permit/residency permit. You can bring them or pay a few quai to have copies made.
3. YOUR MUST SHOW UP WITH YOUR NAME, ADDRESS & CONTACT DETAILS IN CHINESE. Have your staff, friend, significant other translate this before you leave. You are about to apply for a Chinese drivers license - not a foreign license so english spelling is not permissible.
4. Visit Bldg #11 first before applying (looks like coverted shipping container or single wide trailer) to have photos made, vision & hearing check & also where you can get copies made. Don't laugh too hard when they hand you a serving spoon to use during your vision test.
It greatly helps to either be able to speak & write in Chinese or take someone with you who can since the health forms are ONLY in Chinese & need to be filled out as such. Or can smile sweetly like I did, act like the dumb foreigner & get one of the stern-faced attendents to do this for you.
5. Application & testing for foreigners is in Bldg #8 upstairs, room 200. Just walk past the crowds of new wannabe drivers, go up the stairs & down the hall to the right. The clerks speak enough english to get by so you'll have no problem getting through this part alone.
6. The test is a breeze BUT you it helps to think local when you answer the questions. You will be given a test with answers to study when you make the appointment. I studied it an hour before my test & missed two questions.
7. Once passing your test, you spend a few minutes getting processed, be asked to go downstairs to pay, then go back upstairs to the waiting hall at the top of the stairs to #16 lane to hand in your receipt. Twenty minutes later, viola!, you are legal to drive like Mad Max on the streets of Shanghai!
Good luck & we'll see you on the road! |
_________________
"China is a sleeping giant. Let her sleep, for when she wakes she will shake the world." ~ Napoleon Bonaparte |
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ship
Reacher
Joined: Sep 08, 2005
Posts: 287
Status: Offline
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Feb 10, 2007 - 03:45 PM |
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CFM I got my license translated at a place just up the road from the Peace Hotel and it was just a piece of paper printed out by computer and handed to me (5 minutes tops whole process)- no sealed envelope or anything special and I had no trouble getting my Chinese license last week |
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CFM
Reacher
Joined: Feb 12, 2005
Posts: 237
Location: Hangzhou
Status: Offline
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Feb 10, 2007 - 07:22 PM |
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| ship wrote: |
| CFM I got my license translated at a place just up the road from the Peace Hotel and it was just a piece of paper printed out by computer and handed to me (5 minutes tops whole process)- no sealed envelope or anything special and I had no trouble getting my Chinese license last week |
I was about to open mine up during the application & the clerk jumped all over me about it - told me the same regs my PA was advised the day prior that they wouldn't except anything but the official translation in the sealed envelope. Oh well, this is China & nothing surprises me.. |
_________________
"China is a sleeping giant. Let her sleep, for when she wakes she will shake the world." ~ Napoleon Bonaparte |
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waingro
Reacher
Joined: Nov 06, 2006
Posts: 217
Location: Downtown, People's Square
Status: Offline
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Feb 11, 2007 - 01:30 PM |
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Adding to the question list: how long is the chinese drivers license good for?
Answer: 6 years
Also is it usable anywhere in China? If I moved to Hainan would I have to get a new one? |
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waingro
Reacher
Joined: Nov 06, 2006
Posts: 217
Location: Downtown, People's Square
Status: Offline
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Mar 25, 2007 - 12:26 PM |
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I just wanna add the translation company's business hours. I went there Saturday and found out they are only open 9AM-4:30PM Mon-Fri.
Does anyone know how much it costs? I need to go there this week but I don't wanna get gyped. |
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Batavia
Rocker
Joined: Sep 15, 2006
Posts: 606
Status: Offline
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Mar 25, 2007 - 05:18 PM |
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How do I get a Chinese driving license if I do not have my home driving license ( I lost it)? |
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Snippets
PopStar
Joined: Apr 09, 2005
Posts: 1099
Status: Offline
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Mar 25, 2007 - 05:27 PM |
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| underh20 wrote: |
| Not NY. They don't give anybody anything. |
Where do you get your information from??? First you give out misinformation about US Visas and getting extensions and now this about NYS driver's license's.
Your NYS DL can be renewed without any effort at all and sent to you in China even if it has been expired..for up to 2 years. You don't have to take any tests or show up in person.
I just renewed mine and they sent it to Shanghai and mine was expired. |
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underh20
Shanghai Royalty
Joined: Sep 27, 2006
Posts: 9641
Location: EOA Seminar
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Mar 25, 2007 - 05:39 PM |
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| Snippets wrote: |
| underh20 wrote: |
| Not NY. They don't give anybody anything. |
Where do you get your information from??? First you give out misinformation about US Visas and getting extensions and now this about NYS driver's license's.
Your NYS DL can be renewed without any effort at all and sent to you in China even if it has been expired..for up to 2 years. You don't have to take any tests or show up in person.
I just renewed mine and they sent it to Shanghai and mine was expired. |
Nice try, $hit-for-brains. 
Although you are right about renewing an expired license for up to two years after expiration, they'll only do that under certain conditions. If your address has changed or your original license application didn't contain your social security number, you must register in person.
I see you are still pissed because you got shown a liar in your claims that anybody can get a tourist visa to the US. Get over it. |
_________________
بارك الله ، بارك الله |
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waingro
Reacher
Joined: Nov 06, 2006
Posts: 217
Location: Downtown, People's Square
Status: Offline
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 Posted:
Mar 26, 2007 - 09:55 PM |
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| waingro wrote: |
I just wanna add the translation company's business hours. I went there Saturday and found out they are only open 9AM-4:30PM Mon-Fri.
Does anyone know how much it costs? I need to go there this week but I don't wanna get gyped. |
I just answer my own questions now hehe. The translation costs 50RMB for a US license, so let's add that in to the total cost of getting a local license. |
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momof2
Talker
Joined: Mar 07, 2006
Posts: 93
Location: Puxi
Status: Offline
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Mar 27, 2007 - 10:49 AM |
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Just to add a bit to the translation part --
If your foreign license is in English, then you DON'T need to get it translated ahead of time. One of the ladies there are certified and she'll do it on the spot with no waiting.
If your foreign license in languages other than English, then you must have it translated ahead of time. You can have it translated to English or Chinese.
Another little tip to save time: make copies of your documents before you get there. The line in front of the copy machine is long and confusing.
Another unimportant note: they'll ask you when was the first date you got your license. Say you replied yyyymmdd. Then your Chinese license is valid for 6 years starting from 2006mmdd or 2007mmdd, depending on your mmdd is before or after your exam date. So if you want to make the 6 year as long as possible, pick some mmdd just before the exam date. 
Another very unimportant note: the maximum points you can score on the exam is 99, not 100. The first question is a sample question so doesn't count. Don't lose sleep thinking which one question you missed.
And I agree with many posts up there that you can do it without hauling along a local assistant. I saw a few locals who were more lost than I did... |
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foreverinchina
PopStar
Joined: Nov 21, 2005
Posts: 1249
Location: 徐家汇
Status: Offline
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Mar 27, 2007 - 02:00 PM |
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Some EU member countries have an agreement with PRC. Citizens of these countries who have an EU driving licence don't have to do the test. They just have to do all the other paperwork, translation, photo, medical tests, but no exam. Check with your consulate to know if you have to do the exam. |
_________________
To govern a big country is like cooking a small fish.
Stir as little as possible.
- Lao Zi, Daode Jing 256 BC |
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waingro
Reacher
Joined: Nov 06, 2006
Posts: 217
Location: Downtown, People's Square
Status: Offline
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Mar 31, 2007 - 03:40 PM |
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| momof2 wrote: |
Just to add a bit to the translation part --
If your foreign license is in English, then you DON'T need to get it translated ahead of time. One of the ladies there are certified and she'll do it on the spot with no waiting.
If your foreign license in languages other than English, then you must have it translated ahead of time. You can have it translated to English or Chinese. |
I just wasted 50RMB *sigh*
By the way, the DMV is open on Saturday, but you can't apply on Saturdays. You can only do the photos, copies, and medical check. I have to make another trip all the way back down there Mon-Fri. The chick downstairs told me I could take the test the same day, but she probably doesn't know what she's talking about. |
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TorstenReckleben
Newbie
Joined: Apr 20, 2007
Posts: 7
Location: ZhuHai
Status: Offline
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Apr 20, 2007 - 12:09 PM |
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| underh20 wrote: |
Yes, one requirement is that you have a residence permit. "F" and "L" visa holders are not elegible. |
It is right that you need a resident permit to apply for a Driver License in ShangHai,also in BeiJing and ShenZhen.
But the requirements vary from province to province.
We can help you with any type of visa.
See you on the road! - Torsten Reckleben - |
_________________
I am a German,living in ZhuHai and responsable for the laundry at home. http://www.ChinaDrivingLicense.com |
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TorstenReckleben
Newbie
Joined: Apr 20, 2007
Posts: 7
Location: ZhuHai
Status: Offline
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Apr 20, 2007 - 12:20 PM |
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| Perouse wrote: |
| On a slightly different note, I've been told horror stories of foreigners driving here and getting into an accident. makes it sounds like it's in some uncivilised jungle.... Any experience to share, good or bad? |
In China you have to call your insurance company immediatly.
I have an VIP Card with an english speaking agent and they will help you immediatly.
My wifes brother suggested it,he judge accidents for an insurance company.
I feel better,but nevertheless I don't like to drive alone. 
See on the the Road! - Torsten Reckleben - |
_________________
I am a German,living in ZhuHai and responsable for the laundry at home. http://www.ChinaDrivingLicense.com |
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guel27
Board Royalty
Joined: Oct 10, 2005
Posts: 7462
Location: iwahig
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Apr 20, 2007 - 12:31 PM |
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@TorstenReckleben
We can apply for an official driving license on your behalf here in China, within 15 working days. All you have to prepare are:
1. Copy of your visa page.(Any visa type is ok)
2. Copy of your passport pages.
3. Copy of the latest entry stamp in your passport.
4. Copy of oversea driving license ( both sides ).
5. 8(eight) Colour photos of you,
Note: Remove spectacles if worn.Must be: 3cm L X 2cm W.
Must have white background.Must be FULL face
(Not profile)
6. Chinese name.
7. Height.
8. 1500RMB deposit.
This service is suitable for:Foreigners,Hongkong,Macao and Taiwan citizen as well as Chinese with foreign passport and or Foreign driving license.
If you need it, please contact us by email or phone.
Remark: If you have no home country driving license, We still can apply it for you, please contact us for detail information.
-so aside from 1500RMB deposit we still have to pay more after getting the license?
is your license made of gold! |
_________________
umamin ka na kasi, halata naman e
Last edited by guel27 on Apr 20, 2007 - 03:13 PM; edited 2 times in total |
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TorstenReckleben
Newbie
Joined: Apr 20, 2007
Posts: 7
Location: ZhuHai
Status: Offline
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Apr 20, 2007 - 01:01 PM |
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| guel27 wrote: |
@TorstenReckleben
so aside from 1500RMB deposit we to pay more after getting the license?
is you license made of gold! |
The License not,but the service.
I agree with you,that the different to,if you can do it by yourself,is high.
ShangHai is an especially case(low cost for a license,if you can do it by yourself).
But please see the requirements in ShangHai,such as a resident permit.
We (better my wife)have customers from whole China,but the most are from BeiJing,ShanGhai and ShenZhen,because there is a resident permit required.
For many people,not only rich businessman without time,is the service gold.
See you on the Road! - Torsten Reckleben - |
_________________
I am a German,living in ZhuHai and responsable for the laundry at home. http://www.ChinaDrivingLicense.com |
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dfoo
Post Roaster
Joined: Jan 19, 2005
Posts: 4140
Status: Offline
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Apr 20, 2007 - 01:16 PM |
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| underh20 wrote: |
I've always heard it must be translated, but I haven't actually tried getting a license so I cannot be 100% sure.
Yes, one requirement is that you have a residence permit. "F" and "L" visa holders are not elegible. |
I got a valid chinese drivers license on an F visa with no issues straight from the authority -- so unless something has changed this is not correct. |
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waingro
Reacher
Joined: Nov 06, 2006
Posts: 217
Location: Downtown, People's Square
Status: Offline
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Apr 20, 2007 - 09:05 PM |
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Thank you to everyone who contributed to this thread. I just passed the test and got my license today. When registering, they were asking myself and everybody else for the translation, so I'm guessing it is required.
Torsten Reckleben: I'll be moving to Hainan this Fall/Winter. Hainan is a driving paradise; open roads with no traffic; plus you can explore all those empty beaches on the east coast. Apparently there are a lot of car rental agencies in Sanya that rent cars for as little as 150rmb/day for a little QQ. This price was quoted by eLong.com Check it out! |
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TorstenReckleben
Newbie
Joined: Apr 20, 2007
Posts: 7
Location: ZhuHai
Status: Offline
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| Posted:
Apr 22, 2007 - 09:58 PM |
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| waingro wrote: |
Torsten Reckleben: I'll be moving to Hainan this Fall/Winter. Hainan is a driving paradise; open roads with no traffic; plus you can explore all those empty beaches on the east coast. Apparently there are a lot of car rental agencies in Sanya that rent cars for as little as 150rmb/day for a little QQ. This price was quoted by eLong.com Check it out! |
Hi waingro!
Congratulation and take care on the road!
We thought about too,to buy an apartment in Hainan and live there,but then we made the decision to live in ZhuHai.We sold our apartment in ShenZhen and bought here a new one.
I have a car,so there is no need to rent one,perhabs for our daughter,she is 6 and like little red QQ's
ZhuHai is not so far away from Hainan and it is possible to take the car by ferry to Hainan.
We spend there already 3 times for holiday,empty and clean beach/water,empty roads and the "Hainan Chinese" are o.k.
See you in Hainan! - Torsten Reckleben - |
_________________
I am a German,living in ZhuHai and responsable for the laundry at home. http://www.ChinaDrivingLicense.com |
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TorstenReckleben
Newbie
Joined: Apr 20, 2007
Posts: 7
Location: ZhuHai
Status: Offline
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Apr 29, 2007 - 12:25 PM |
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Hi dfoo!
May I ask you from where your license is and when you got it?
I think we need here clear information.
I still say,you can't get a driver license in ShangHai with a F or L Visa,perhabs you got yours from outside?
See you on the road! - Torsten |
_________________
I am a German,living in ZhuHai and responsable for the laundry at home. http://www.ChinaDrivingLicense.com |
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dfoo
Post Roaster
Joined: Jan 19, 2005
Posts: 4140
Status: Offline
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Apr 29, 2007 - 01:50 PM |
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I got my license in Shanghai in April 2005. |
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