Road House

(Written for China Grooves Expat Magazine)

In China the economy is on a steady incline, and so are the number of cars and drivers on the road. Recently my good friend Jackie Gong began taking her driver’s training courses here in Xi’an. I sat down with Jackie to find out what it was like for a Chinese person to get their license. I also wanted to know what the process would be for a foreigner living in the city.


Sumner: How old do you have to be to get a driver's license in China?
Jackie: We can get a driver’s license between 18 and 70 years-old.

S: Where do you go to take the test?
J: Department of Motor Vehicles
S: Sounds familiar!

S: Do you have to take driver’s training before the real road test?
J: Yes, we do. Usually the driving lessons we take help us practice and get ready for the real test.

S: Do you have to pass a written exam before you can take the driving test?
J: Yes! We can only take the road test if we pass a computer exam.

S: How many questions on the computer exam?
J: There are 1500 questions in total, but 100 questions are randomly picked out, we must get 90+ questions correct to pass.

S: What is the process to sign up for lessons?
J: First, we need to go to the Department of Transportation Management to sign up and get fingerprinted. Second, according to the rules of the Traffic Control Department of the Public Security Organ, we need a health examination, with particular interest on out eyes. Third, if our eyesight qualifies, then we can go to the driving schools to apply for the tests, then school will help arrange all the tests. Finally, if we pass all the tests we’ll be given the qualified driver’s license.

S: If you pass one time, do you have to go back in a few years and take the test again?
J: Yes, the driver’s license is required to be rechecked every 6 years.

S: If you are a foreigner how would you get a Chinese driver's license?
J: If you have a driver’s license from your country, then to drive in China, you only need to take and pass the computer exam. Then you take your passport and a copy, your residency visa, your foreign driver’s license and a couple of one-inch photos to the Department of Motor Vehicles and apply for a Chinese driver’s license. (Translator suggested)

S: Is there a Web site that we can look up?
J: http://www.jxedt.com/ it is all in Chinese but in general, it is a very useful Web site.

S: Thanks Jackie, Good luck with your test!

So if you are brave enough to get behind the wheel on the busy Xi’an streets grab a translator and head down to one of the many DMV locations listed below. Make sure you have all your papers in order and a driver’s license from your home country, and sign up for the test. Remember that every city has their own traffic rules and regulations so make sure you are in the know! Buckle up and best of luck!

1、The East Department of Motor Vehicles
Tel: (029)83222318
Address: 西安市长路东路82号 ( No.82, Chang Le Dong Lu, Xi'an )

2、The West Department of Motor Vehicles
Tel: (029)82378301
Address: 西安市三桥西部车城院内 ( Xi Bu Che Cheng, San Qiao, Xi'an )

3、The South Department of Motor Vehicles
Tel: (029)88239551
Address: 西安市电子城东仪路19号 ( No.19, Dong Yi Lu, Dian Zi Cheng, Xi'an )

4、The North Department of Motor Vehicles
Tel: (029)86280195
Address: 西安市北二环伊势威车城院内 ( Yi Shi Wei Che Cheng, Bei Er Huan, Xi'an )