If you are moving to Shanghai, one of the first practical questions you will ask is: Do I need to re-learn how to drive?
The answer depends on whether you already have a license. The process is different for license holders compared to complete beginners. This guide covers both scenarios in detail, with the latest 2026 rules for Shanghai.
The good news? If you already hold a valid foreign driver‘s license, you can convert it to a Chinese license — and in most cases, the only test you will take is the written one.
The 90-Day Rule: The Most Important Detail
Before you start, there is one rule that determines everything.
To convert a foreign license to a Chinese one without taking a full driving test, your foreign license must have been issued in a country where you resided for at least 90 days within a single year.
This rule is in place to ensure that applicants have genuinely lived in the country that issued their license, rather than simply taking a short trip to obtain one.
| Scenario | What This Means |
|---|---|
| You lived in the US/UK/Europe for 90+ days before getting your license | ✅ You qualify for conversion with just the written test |
| You obtained your license during a short trip (less than 90 days) | ❌ You will need to take the written test AND the driving test |
| You do not have any foreign license | ❌ You must start from scratch with a driving school |
This is worth double-checking. If you are unsure about your stay duration, check your passport stamps or travel records before applying.
Scenario 1: You Have a Valid Foreign License (Conversion Path)
This is the simplest route. If you already hold a valid license from your home country, you can convert it to a Chinese license.
Eligibility Requirements
- You must hold a valid Chinese visa with a residence permit (Z, X, Q, or S visa). Tourist visas do not qualify.
- Your foreign license must be valid and unexpired.
- You must have a Chinese residence permit valid for at least 90 days at the time of application.
- You must have resided in the license-issuing country for at least 90 days within the year before the license was issued.
Required Documents
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Passport | Original with valid Chinese visa and residence permit |
| Foreign driver‘s license | Original; must be valid and not expired |
| Certified Chinese translation | Must be done by an approved translation agency (not self-translated) |
| Medical exam certificate | From an approved clinic (vision, hearing, color perception, mobility) |
| Passport photos | 6 white-background, 1-inch photos |
| Proof of residence | Rental contract or police registration slip |
| Completed application form | Available at the Vehicle Administration Office |
Translation: Where to Get It Done
If your foreign license is not in Chinese, you will need a certified translation. The Shanghai government recommends these agencies:
- Shanghai International Studies University Translation Company
- Location: 573 Chifeng Road, Hongkou District
- Phone: 65362032
- Shanghai Translators Association
- Location: Room 1607, 1277 West Beijing Road, Jing’an District
- Phone: 63218568, 63239910
You can also use the embassy or consulate of your home country in Shanghai. Expect to pay around 100–300 RMB for the translation.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Translate your foreign license
Use one of the approved translation agencies listed above.
Step 2: Complete the medical exam
Most vehicle administration offices have approved clinics nearby. The exam tests vision, hearing, color perception, and basic mobility. Cost: 30–50 RMB.
Step 3: Submit your documents
Visit the Vehicle Administration Office (车管所) in Shanghai. Bring everything listed above. Staff will review your file and issue a test appointment.
Step 4: Study for the written test
The test covers Chinese traffic laws, road signs, and safety rules. You need to score 90 out of 100 to pass.
Apps to help you study:
- LuPass – available for iOS, works in English, includes 1,660 official questions
- Driving Test China – available for iOS/Android
Premium options are typically a one-time fee of around $7.99 USD.
Step 5: Take the written test
The test is computer-based with 100 questions, and you have 45 minutes to complete it. It is available in multiple languages including English.
Step 6: Pass and collect your license
If you pass, pay the license fee (around 10–100 RMB). Your license is issued the same day.
What If You Fail?
You can retake the written test immediately or within a few days. There is no limit on retakes, but each attempt costs a small fee.
Scenario 2: You Do Not Have a Foreign License (Start from Scratch)
If you have never held a driver‘s license in any country, you cannot convert anything. You will need to go through the full licensing process, just like a Chinese citizen.
Step 1: Enroll in a Driving School
You must enroll in a licensed driving school in Shanghai. Some schools offer classes in English.
Where to find one:
- Search for “driving schools in Shanghai for expats” or ask your compound‘s WeChat group for recommendations.
- The Shanghai government website also provides a list of licensed schools.
Step 2: Medical Exam
Same as for license conversion. You need a medical check-up to confirm physical fitness for driving.
Step 3: Written Test (Subject 1)
You will study the same traffic laws and road signs as the conversion route. The test is 100 questions, 90/100 to pass.
Step 4: On-Campus Driving Test (Subject 2)
This test evaluates your ability to perform key maneuvers in a controlled environment.
For a manual transmission (C1) license, the test includes:
- Parallel parking
- Reverse bay parking
- Hill start and stop
- Right-angle turns
- Curve driving (S-curve)
For an automatic transmission (C2) license, the test excludes the hill start and stop.
Step 5: On-Road Driving Test (Subject 3)
After passing the on-campus test, you will take a real-world driving test on public roads.
You are required to complete 24 hours of on-road driving lessons and 16 hours of theoretical training before taking this test.
Step 6: Final Written Test (Subject 4)
A final written exam on safe and civilized driving practices, using case studies and images.
Step 7: Collect Your License
Once all tests are passed, your license is issued within 5 to 15 working days.
Cost Estimate (From Scratch)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Driving School Tuition | 5,000 – 8,000 RMB |
| Medical Exam | 30 – 50 RMB |
| Written Test Fee | 50 – 100 RMB |
| License Issuance Fee | 10 RMB |
| Total | ~5,100 – 8,200 RMB |
Temporary Driving Permit (For Short-Term Stays)
If you are in Shanghai for a short period and do not want to convert your license, you can apply for a temporary driving permit. This is valid for up to one year and is based on your existing foreign license.
Requirements:
This option is simpler and faster than the full conversion, but you cannot drive outside of China with it.
The Role of Agencies: Do You Need One?
Yes, there are agencies that can handle the paperwork and appointment logistics for you.
They are not mandatory. The process is straightforward and self-service is entirely possible if you have time and patience.
What an agency typically does:
- Translates your license
- Books your medical exam and test appointments
- Accompanies you to the Vehicle Administration Office
- Helps with document submission
What an agency does not do:
- You still need to study for the written test.
- You still need to pass the test on your own.
- You still need to meet all eligibility requirements.
Agency fees: Expect to pay an additional 1,500 – 3,000 RMB for full service.
When to consider an agency:
- You speak limited Chinese and want help navigating the offices
- You have a tight schedule and want to avoid queues
- You want someone to double-check your documents
When to skip the agency:
- You speak basic Chinese and have time to handle the process yourself
- You are comfortable with online research and using apps
If you decide you want agency help, we can connect you with reliable ones in Shanghai — just ask.
Final Checklist
| Task | Done? |
|---|---|
| Confirm your visa qualifies (Z, X, Q, or S with residence permit) | ☐ |
| Check the 90-day rule on your foreign license | ☐ |
| Get your license translated (approved agency) | ☐ |
| Complete medical exam | ☐ |
| Study for the written test (use LuPass or similar app) | ☐ |
| Submit documents at Vehicle Administration Office | ☐ |
| Pass written test (90/100) | ☐ |
| Collect your license (same day) | ☐ |
Contact us if you need help with any of these steps.
Shanghai Rentals
WeChat: 13816427716
Email: info@shanghai-rentals.com
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