Driving in China

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 6 min read

China has one of the world's most extensive road networks, but foreign visitors face an important legal reality before they even get behind the wheel: overseas driving licences — including international driving permits — are not valid in China. Driving without the correct permit is illegal and can create serious difficulties. Here is exactly what you need to know before you plan to drive in China, and what the alternatives look like.

The temporary driving permit: how it works

A foreign national who holds a valid driving licence from their home country can apply for a temporary driving licence (临时驾驶许可) in China. This permit is valid for up to three months and is tied to your visa or residence status in the country.

The process typically involves:

1. Presenting your original foreign driving licence, your passport with a valid Chinese visa, and completing an application at a local Vehicle Administration Office (车辆管理所, VAdmin) — the Chinese equivalent of a DVLA or DMV.
2. Passing a short written road-rules examination, usually available in a range of foreign languages including English, at the VAdmin office. The test is based on Chinese traffic law and is not difficult, but requires some preparation using the official study materials.
3. Providing a certified Chinese translation of your home licence if it is not in English or Chinese.
4. Paying a small administrative fee.

Processing can sometimes be completed within a day, though it varies by city and how busy the office is. Major cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou have well-organised VAdmin offices with staff accustomed to foreign applicants. In smaller cities, the process may take longer and less English support may be available.

Note that a temporary licence is tied to the province or municipality where it is issued in some cases — check current regulations, as rules can change. Consult your home country's embassy or the VAdmin directly for the most current requirements before travel.

Hiring a car with a driver

For many foreign visitors, the most practical solution is not to drive at all, but to hire a car with a driver (包车, bāo chē). This is widely available across China, particularly for day trips from major cities, longer cross-country transfers or excursions into rural areas where public transport is limited.

Car-plus-driver arrangements are offered by hotels, travel agencies and platforms such as DiDi (China's dominant ride-hailing app, which also offers chartered day-hire options). Costs vary by distance, vehicle type and whether the driver is hired for a half-day or full day, but for many shorter journeys the price is reasonable when split between a group. For touring remote areas — say, the Silk Road cities, the karst landscapes of Guilin or the Tibetan Plateau — having a dedicated driver removes significant logistical complexity.

DiDi is useful for urban trips; for longer chartered transfers, negotiate through your accommodation or a local travel agent, agree the route and price in advance, and if possible get the arrangement in writing.

China's expressway network

China's national expressway network (高速公路, gāosù gōnglù) is one of the largest in the world and of generally high quality, with well-signposted routes connecting all major cities. Speed limits on expressways are typically 120 km/h, with lower limits in tunnels and near cities.

Expressways are almost universally toll roads. Tolls are collected at gantries using either manned booths or ETC (electronic toll collection) lanes. Foreign-registered or foreign-hired vehicles without an ETC transponder use the manned lanes and pay in cash. Toll costs vary by distance and vehicle class; they are moderate but can add up over long routes. For reference, a 300–400 km expressway journey might incur tolls of several hundred RMB.

The network is colour-coded on maps as green routes (expressways) and the signage is consistent. However, GPS navigation in China requires a Chinese-specific mapping app: international services like Google Maps and Apple Maps do not function correctly in mainland China due to a deliberate coordinate offset in the mapping system (known informally as the GCJ-02 offset). Use AutoNavi (Amap / 高德地图) or Baidu Maps instead — both offer English-language interfaces in their apps and are widely used by foreign visitors.

Rules and conventions you should know

• China drives on the right.
• Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal; hands-free equipment is required.
• Seatbelts are compulsory for front-seat passengers; rear seatbelts are required where fitted.
• The blood-alcohol limit is strict: 20 mg per 100 ml (lower than most countries), and penalties for drink-driving are severe.
• Electric vehicles (EVs) are extremely common in Chinese cities; many domestic brands may be unfamiliar to international visitors, but operate as standard.
• Driving in central Beijing, Shanghai and other large cities involves traffic management systems including odd-even plate restrictions on certain days — check local rules if you are driving a hired car in a major city.

Fuel and charging

Petrol stations are widely available on expressways and in towns. For electric vehicles — now the norm for many hire fleets — charging infrastructure has expanded rapidly, though in rural areas it may be limited. If hiring an EV, confirm charging logistics with your rental company before setting off on a long rural route.

Is driving in China worth it?

For most short-stay tourists, the temporary permit process adds bureaucratic overhead that makes driving less attractive than alternatives. China's rail network is superb — see our guide to long-distance rail travel for comparison — and in cities, the combination of metro, DiDi and high-speed trains covers most needs easily. Driving comes into its own for rural exploration: remote areas of Yunnan, Sichuan, the Tibetan Plateau edges, or stretches of the old Silk Road where trains and buses only go so far. In those contexts, a car with driver or the temporary permit process is well worth the effort. You may also wish to review our guide to international driving permits for background on how IDPs work in other countries.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use an international driving permit in China?

No. International driving permits are not recognised in mainland China. You must obtain a Chinese temporary driving licence from a Vehicle Administration Office to drive legally. Hong Kong and Macau are separate and do recognise IDPs.

How long does it take to get a temporary driving permit in China?

It varies by city, but the process can sometimes be completed in a single day in large cities. You will need your passport, valid visa, original home driving licence, and may need to pass a short written test on Chinese traffic rules.

What mapping app should I use for driving in China?

Use AutoNavi (Amap / 高德地图) or Baidu Maps. Google Maps and Apple Maps do not display accurately in mainland China due to the coordinate offset used by Chinese mapping authorities.

Are Chinese expressways free?

No. The vast majority of expressways charge tolls, collected at gantries. Vehicles without an ETC transponder use manned cash lanes. Costs vary by distance and vehicle class.