Are there any special requirements for driving or hiring a car in China?
If you're planning to drive in China as a tourist, there is a lot you need to know, here you'll find a comprehensive guide on driving in China, what you need to know, what documention you need and what to expect. Whilst China has invested heavily in it's infrastructure and road networks, it's still considered by many to be dangerous to drive in China. However, with the right knowledge and preparation, it needn't be something to avoid.
Driving License Requirements
The first major hurdle to driving in China is the small issue of your driving license. China is one of the only countries in the world that does not recognise the international driving license or foreign driving licences at all. If you intend to drive in China you need to obtain a Chinese driving license. That doesn't mean you need to sit a driving test in China, rather you can apply for a temporary driving license on a visitor's visa. The temporary license is usually granted and is valid for 3 months. If you plan to stay for longer than this you will need to apply for a regular driving permit.