INTERNATIONAL DRIVING AUTHORITY
Login
Apply
  1. Homepage
    2.  / 
  2. Travel Guide
Suggested languages
EN English
AF Afrikaans AM Amharic AZ Azerbaijani BE Belarusian BG Bulgarian BN Bengali BS Bosnian CS Czech DA Danish DE German EL Greek ES Spanish ET Estonian FI Finnish FIL Filipino FR French GA Irish HI Hindi HR Croatian HU Hungarian ID Indonesian IT Italian JA Japanese KA Georgian KK Kazakh KM Khmer KO Korean KY Kyrgyz LO Lao LT Lithuanian LV Latvian MK Macedonian MN Mongolian MS Malay MY Burmese NE Nepali NL Dutch NO Norwegian PL Polish PT Portuguese RO Romanian RU Russian SI Sinhala SK Slovak SL Slovenian SQ Albanian SR Serbian SW Swahili TA Tamil TG Tajik TH Thai TK Turkmen TR Turkish UK Ukrainian VI Vietnamese ZH Chinese

Blog languages
AR Arabic CA Catalan FA Persian HE Hebrew HY Armenian IS Icelandic JV Javanese MT Maltese PA Punjabi PS Pashto SV Swedish UR Urdu UZ Uzbek

Apply for an International Driver License for Chinese-speaking countries.

Apply for driving license translation from English to Chinese now, and forget about the problems with renting and driving a car in Chinese-speaking countries.

A driving license has an absolutely different design and form depending on the country, its national language, and the region or state where it was issued. When travelling abroad you may find out that your domestic driving license fails to meet standards and is considered invalid. This would be an unpleasant surprise for you but you can avoid it by using to our services.

List of countries

You may compare different driving licenses against each other for visual clarity:

Compare licenses in  English 
with licenses in
Driver's licenses in English
Driver's licenses in Chinese
APPLY
English-speaking countries
Curacao
American Samoa
Antigua and Barbuda
Australia
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Bermuda
Botswana
British Virgin Islands
Brunei
Burundi
Cameroon
Canada
Caribbean Netherlands
Cayman Islands
China

The research was last conducted in October 2025, and the information is subject to change over time. You may copy this information only if you provide a link back to this page.

1. Participation in the 1949 and/or 1968 United Nations Conventions on Road Traffic

  • China is not a party to either the 1949 Geneva Convention or the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. [1] [2]

2. Recognition of the International Driving Permit (IDP)

  • International Driving Permits or other foreign driver's licenses are not recognized in China. [3] [4]

3. Duration of driving with a foreign license (+ IDP) if resident or non-resident

  • For non-residents:
    • If you're a foreigner visiting China and need to drive, you can apply for a temporary driving license, also known as a China Provisional Driving Permit (earthly) 机动车型吸许可) without having to do any written, driving, or health examinations. The only requirement for this permit is to have a valid foreign driver's license and Chinese visa. [3] [4]
    • It is typically valid for 90 days and can be extended for up to a year, but cannot exceed the validity of your visa. You will also be limited to driving rental cars. [3] [4]
  • For residents:
    • To drive a car in China, you will need to obtain a Chinese driver's license. Only foreigners with a valid residence permit can apply for a permanent Chinese driver's license. [3]

Source links:

  1. https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetailsV.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsq_no=Xl-B-1&chapter=11&Temp=mtdsq5&clang=_en
  2. https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetailsIII.aspx?src=IND&mtdsq_no=Xl-B-19&chapter=11&Temp=mtdsq3&clang=en
  3. https://www.thechairmansbao.com/blog/can-you-drive-in-china-with-your-overseas-license/
  4. https://www.registrationchina.com/articles/get-a-chinese-drivers-license/

Insurance in China is important. Stay always insured abroad.

Flights to China.

  • We always check Aviasales first.
  • And then we check TripCom to compare prices.
  • Compensair helps to get compensation in case of cancellations and delays.

Train and bus tickets in China.

eSIM to always stay connected in China.

  • Yesim is a reliable Swiss made service, which works all across the globe. Tested.

Transfers and airport pickups in China.

  • GetTransfer offers the cheapest and most variable options.

Car rentals in China.

  • We love LocalRent, it offers cars from small local car rental companies with a human face.
  • Rentalcars is a #1 service aggregator in car rentals.

Moto rentals in China.

Accomodation in China.

Tours in China.

  • Viator is a service from Tripadvisor, the world's largest experiences marketplace.

Excursions in China.

  • Tiqets has brought millions of people to museums.

Luggage storage in China.

Driving tips for China:

  • To drive freely in China, you need to get a local driver's license. Keep in mind that your national and international driving licenses are invalid in China. If you are going to stay in the country for less than 3 months, you must obtain a temporary license. Before you are allowed to drive, you will need to attend classes on the local traffic rules. You should always keep your temporary license with you and produce it with national one. This document gives you the right to drive small cars, as well as cars with automatic transmission. If you plan to stay in China for a long time, process a permanent license.
  • There is a right-hand driving in China.
  • Overtaking on the right is prohibited.
  • The minimum age to drive in the country is 18.
  • It is forbidden to use a mobile phone if there is no wireless headset.
  • The maximum permissible blood alcohol content is 0.02 ppm.
  • The country has the following speed limits: in built-up areas - from 30 to 70 km/h, on national motorways - from 40 to 80 km/h, on high-speed urban highways - 100 km/h, on highways - 120 km/h. It’s allowed to exceed a limit by 10 km/h.
  • Give way to pedestrians.
  • Always wear a seat belt.
  • It is impossible to get to Tibet without permission.
  • We advise you to refrain from traveling to China in the rainy season (from May to November).
  • It is prohibited to drive with dipped headlights on in the daytime.
  • Keep in mind that truck drivers often don’t turn on headlights when driving at night.
  • We advise you to refrain from driving in the dark. It is dangerous.
  • In heavy traffic, when all main traffic lanes are occupied, cars start to use bike lanes.
  • Chinese drivers usually run a red, if there is no oncoming traffic. They can do it even with oncoming traffic.
  • Drivers in China often forget to change the main beam to the dipped one and not blind oncoming cars. Keep this in mind.
  • Drivers often ignore traffic lights on country roads.
  • Drivers in China rarely look left when turning right.
  • Try to complete the maneuver when overtaking as quickly as possible, especially if it concerns a blind turn.

Check the video of driving in China

Read more

Cook Islands
Cyprus
Dominica
Eswatini
Ethiopia
Falkland Islands
Fiji
French Southern and Antarctic Lands
Gambia
Ghana
Gibraltar
Greenland
Grenada
Guam
Guernsey
Guyana
Honduras
Hong Kong

The research was last conducted in October 2025, and the information is subject to change over time. You may copy this information only if you provide a link back to this page.

1. Participation in the 1949 and/or 1968 United Nations Conventions on Road Traffic

  • Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. Since China is not a Contracting Party to the Geneva, 19 September 1949 United Nations Convention on Road Traffic or the Vienna, 8 November 1968 United Nations Convention on Road Traffic, Hong Kong does not independently appear in the lists of Contracting Parties to these Conventions. [1] [2]

2. Recognition of the International Driving Permit (IDP)

  • Hong Kong recognizes driving with an overseas license in conjunction with an International Driving Permit, even though it is not a party to either Convention. [1] [2]
  • In practice, the IDP's validity period in Hong Kong does not derive from the 1949 or 1968 Conventions. Instead, the holder may drive temporarily in Hong Kong under local regulations, generally for up to 12 months from the date of arrival, provided that the foreign license remains valid. [3]

3. Duration of driving with a foreign license (+ IDP) if resident or non-resident

  • For non-residents:
    • Non-residents (e.g., tourists) with a valid foreign driving license and/or an IDP may drive in Hong Kong for up to 12 months from the date of their last arrival. [3]
    • A visitor to Hong Kong, as a holder of a valid International Driving Permit issued outside Hong Kong, can drive in Hong Kong the class of motor vehicle authorized by his/her valid International Driving Permit issued outside Hong Kong for 12 months starting from the date of his/her arrival in Hong Kong provided that he/she satisfies the legal age requirement - 18 years old for private car, light goods vehicle, motorcycle and motor tricycle; 21 years old for other types of motor vehicles. [4]
  • For residents:
    • Residents who intend to stay longer than 12 months or settle in Hong Kong are typically required to obtain a Hong Kong driving license through a direct issue or by passing the local driving tests, depending on their country of origin. [3]

Source links:

  1. https://treaties.un.org/pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=XI-B-1&chapter=11&clang=_en
  2. https://treaties.un.org/pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=XI-B-19&chapter=11&clang=_en
  3. https://www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/licences_and_permits/driving_licences/how_to_apply_for_a_driving_licence/driving_in_hong_kong_for_overseas_driving_licence/index.html
  4. https://www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/licences_and_permits/driving_licences/how_to_apply_for_a_driving_licence/driving_in_hong_kong_for_overseas_driving_licence/index.html

Insurance in Hong Kong is important. Stay always insured abroad.

Flights to Hong Kong.

  • We always check Aviasales first.
  • And then we check TripCom to compare prices.
  • Compensair helps to get compensation in case of cancellations and delays.

Train and bus tickets in Hong Kong.

eSIM to always stay connected in Hong Kong.

  • Yesim is a reliable Swiss made service, which works all across the globe. Tested.

Transfers and airport pickups in Hong Kong.

  • GetTransfer offers the cheapest and most variable options.

Car rentals in Hong Kong.

  • Rentalcars is a #1 service aggregator in car rentals.

Moto rentals in Hong Kong.

Accommodation in Hong Kong.

Tours in Hong Kong.

  • Viator is a service from Tripadvisor, the world's largest experiences marketplace.

Excursions in Hong Kong.

  • Tiqets has brought millions of people to museums.

Luggage storage in Hong Kong.

Driving tips for Hong Kong:

  • Hong Kong drives on the left. The right side of the road is for overtaking.
  • You are prohibited to use your phone while behind the wheel.
  • Road signs are duplicated in two languages: English and Chinese.
  • The minimum driving age in Hong Kong is 18 years (motorcycle, private car, light goods vehicle) and 21 for those who drive commercial cars.
  • The maximum allowed speed limit is 50 or 70 km/h on urban roads (mind the road signs) and 30 km/h in residential areas.
  • First and foremost, buckle up!
  • The maximum allowed alcohol level is 50 mg per 100 ml of blood.
  • If you enter from the secondary road, you are obliged to give way to the vehicles driving on the main road.

Read more

India
Ireland
Israel
Jamaica
Jersey
Kenya
Kiribati
Lebanon
Lesotho
Liberia
Malawi
Malaysia
Malta
Marshall Islands
Mauritius
Micronesia
Montserrat
Namibia
Nauru
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
Niue
Northern Cyprus
Northern Mariana Islands
Pakistan
Palau
Palestine Autonomous
Papua New Guinea
Philippines
Puerto Rico
Rwanda
Saint Martin
Samoa
San Marino
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Sint Maarten
Solomon Islands
Somaliland
South Africa
South Sudan
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent
Sudan
Tanzania
Tokelau Islands
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Turks and Caicos Islands
Tuvalu
US Virgin Islands
Uganda
United Kingdom
United States of America
Vanuatu
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Chinese-speaking countries
Macau

The research was last conducted in October 2025, and the information is subject to change over time. You may copy this information only if you provide a link back to this page.

1. Participation in the 1949 and/or 1968 United Nations Conventions on Road Traffic

  • Macau does not appear on the Geneva, 19 September 1949 or Vienna, 8 November 1968 United Nations Convention on Road Traffic lists. [1] [2]

2. Recognition of the International Driving Permit (IDP)

Despite not being a signatory to the aforementioned conventions, Macau recognizes International Driving Permits (IDPs) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. These IDPs are valid for a period of one year from the date of issue. [3]

3. Duration of driving with a foreign license (+ IDP) if resident or non-resident

  • Non-residents:
    - If you stay in Macau longer than 14 days, you must register your driving licence with the Macau Public Security Police Force (CPSP). [4]
    - The registration validity period is based on the limit of stay in Macau and the validity of the driving licence of the person. In general, the normal validity period for holders of Macau BIR or Non-resident Worker's Identification Cards is six months. [4]
  • Residents:
    - A Macau resident with a driving licence issued by a contracting party to the Convention on Road Traffic may apply for direct issue of a driving licence issued by the Transport Bureau within one year from the first day of residence in Macau or the first day of entry into Macau after obtaining the aforesaid driving licence. [4]

Source links:

  1. https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetailsV.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=XI-B-1&chapter=11
  2. https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetailsIII.aspx?src=IND&mtdsg_no=XI-B-19&chapter=11
  3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Driving_Permit
  4. https://www.gov.mo/en/services/ps-1488/ps-1488a/

Insurance in Macau is important. Stay always insured abroad.

Flights to Macau.

  • We always check Aviasales first.
  • And then we check TripCom to compare prices.
  • Compensair helps to get compensation in case of cancellations and delays.

Train and bus tickets in Macau.

eSIM to always stay connected in Macau.

  • Yesim is a reliable Swiss made service, which works all across the globe. Tested.

Transfers and airport pickups in Macau.

  • GetTransfer offers the cheapest and most variable options.

Car rentals in Macau.

  • Rentalcars is a #1 service aggregator in car rentals.

Moto rentals in Macau.

Accomodation in Macau.

Tours in Macau.

  • Viator is a service from Tripadvisor, the world's largest experiences marketplace.

Excursions in Macau.

  • Tiqets has brought millions of people to museums.

Luggage storage in Macau.

Driving tips for Macau:

  • Driving in Macau is on the left side of the road.
  • The maximum allowed drink drive limit is 50 mg per 100 ml of blood.
  • The minimum driving age is 18 years. The minimum rental age is 21.
  • Seat belt is a must.
  • Do not transport children under the age of 12 in the front seat.
  • Hands-free is a must.
  • Those who have insufficient driving experience (less than 1 year) are not allowed to transport passengers.
  • Do not park at bridges, in tunnels.
  • Slow down before hospitals, schools, zebra crossings.
  • The maximum allowed speed limit in Macau is 20 to 60 km/h in residential areas and 80 km/h on public roads and highways.
  • Keep in mind that roads in Macau are narrow and curvy.
  • If you are involved in a car accident, try to move your vehicle to the left side of the road.
Taiwan
The research was last conducted in March 2025, and the information is subject to change over time. You may copy this information only if you provide a link back to this page.

  1. Participation in the 1949 and/or 1968 United Nations Conventions on Road Traffic

    • Taiwan is not listed as a contracting party to either the Geneva, 19 September 1949 Convention on Road Traffic or the Vienna, 8 November 1968 United Nations Convention on Road Traffic. [1] [2]

  2. Recognition of the International Driving Permit (IDP)

    While Taiwan is not a party to the aforementioned conventions, it recognizes International Driving Permits (IDPs). [3]

  3. Duration of driving with a foreign license (+ IDP) if resident or non-resident

    • Non-residents:
      - You may drive in Taiwan for up to 30 days after landing without an IDP. After 30 days of landing, driving with an IDP is warranted. [4]
      - An IDP is valid for a maximum of one year, subject to the validity of your original domestic driver's license. [4]
      - During your first 30 days in Taiwan, you may drive using a valid International Driving Permit (IDP). [4]
    • Residents:
      - Individuals who are going to stay in Taiwan for more than 30 days should apply to register an International Driving Permit. [4]

Source links:

  1. https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetailsV.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=XI-B-1&chapter=11
  2. https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetailsII.aspx?src=IND&mtdsg_no=XI-B-19&chapter=11
  3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Driving_Permit
  4. https://oia.nsysu.edu.tw/p/412-1308-22739.php?Lang=en

Travel SIM card

Driving tips for Taiwan

  • Taiwan is a right-hand drive country.
  • The maximum allowed speed limit is 40-50 km/h on urban roads, 80-90 km/h on rural roads and 100-110 km/h on highways.
  • Seat belt is a must.
  • The minimum driving age in Taiwan is 18 years. If you want to rent a car, you must be at least 25.
  • Hands-free kit is a must.
  • The maximum allowed alcohol limit is 50 mg per 100 ml of blood. If you violate the rule, you risk being put in jail. Keep this in mind. Drive sober!
  • According to Taiwan child safety rules, children under the age of 12 are not allowed to sit in the front seats. Thus, transport your children in the rear seat and make sure you are using an appropriate restraint system.
  • The third-party insurance is a must.
  • You must carry a waring road triangle.
  • You are prohibited to turn on a red light of the traffic unless stated otherwise.
  • Taiwanese drivers are not that polite. Thus, drive defensively. Do not act like a raging bull.
  • Road signs in Taiwan are written in Mandarin and English.
Read more

We provide you with driver license translation (DLT) services from English to 70 languages including Chinese:

  • Afrikaans
  • Albanian
  • Amharic
  • Arabic
  • Armenian
  • Azerbaijani
  • Belarusian
  • Bengali
  • Bosnian
  • Bulgarian
  • Burmese
  • Catalan
  • Chinese
  • Croatian
  • Czech
  • Danish
  • Dutch
  • English
  • Estonian
  • Filipino
  • Finnish
  • French
  • Georgian
  • German
  • Greek
  • Hebrew
  • Hindi
  • Hungarian
  • Icelandic
  • Indonesian
  • Irish
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Javanese
  • Kazakh
  • Khmer
  • Korean
  • Kyrgyz
  • Lao
  • Latvian
  • Lithuanian
  • Macedonian
  • Malay
  • Maltese
  • Mongolian
  • Nepali
  • Norwegian
  • Pashto
  • Persian
  • Polish
  • Portuguese
  • Punjabi
  • Romanian
  • Russian
  • Serbian
  • Sinhala
  • Slovak
  • Slovenian
  • Spanish
  • Swahili
  • Swedish
  • Tajik
  • Tamil
  • Thai
  • Turkish
  • Turkmen
  • Ukrainian
  • Urdu
  • Uzbek
  • Vietnamese

With the DLT you will overcome any language barriers and will be able to easily drive worldwide. It doesn’t matter what foreign country you are going to visit, as you can rent a car all around the world with the International Driver Document (IDD). If you are stopped while driving, show both your International Driving License (IDL) and your domestic driving license. You will also have a translation book and can show it if needed.

You need to fill out a simple application form and apply online if you want to get the International Driving Permit (IDP). We need only to obtain some personal information: your domestic driving license ID, your personal info, your address and a photo of you.

We have a nice price, so traveling in comfort without problems with renting or taking a car will not cost you a fortune.

Get English to Chinese driving license translation now!

APPLY
Subscribe and get full instructions about the obtaining and using of International Driving License, as well as advice for drivers abroad