I. Recognition of International Driving Permits (IDPs) in China

1. Basic Regulations

• China has not joined the United Nations Road Convention: Therefore, International Driving Permits (IDPs) are not directly recognized in mainland China and cannot be used alone.
• Exception Cases:
• Hong Kong and Macao Regions: Hong Kong and Macao allow short-term tourists to use IDPs (must be accompanied by the original domestic driver's license).
• Specific Car Rental Companies: Some international car rental platforms (such as Hertz, Avis) may accept IDP + domestic driver's license for rentals, but confirmation is required beforehand (legality still follows Chinese traffic regulations).

2. Alternative Solution: Domestic License + Notarized Translation

• Applicability: Foreign license holders can drive short-term (≤90 days) after entry, provided the following conditions are met:
• The license must be valid original, with an accompanying Chinese translation (must be certified by a notary office or embassy/consulate).
• The type of vehicle driven must match the authorized vehicle category on the license (e.g., Class C corresponds to small passenger vehicles).
• Supported Countries/Regions:
• Countries that have signed mutual recognition agreements for driver's licenses with China (such as Belgium, France, UAE, etc.) can directly use their domestic license + translation.
• Other countries require obtaining a temporary driving permit or exchanging for a Chinese license (see below).

II. How to Apply for a Temporary Driving Permit?

1. Eligible Individuals

• Holders of foreign licenses visiting China short-term (e.g., tourism, business), and not from countries that have signed mutual recognition agreements with China.
• Those who need to drive in China for more than 90 days but less than one year.

2. Application Process

3. Costs and Time

• Costs: Processing fee 10 RMB + exam fee (if applicable) + translation notarization fee (approximately 200-500 RMB).
• Time: Within 1-3 working days if all materials are complete (exam requires an additional day).

III. Long-Term Residents: Exchanging for a Chinese Driver's License

If planning to reside in China for over one year, it is recommended to directly exchange for a Chinese driver's license: 1. Materials: Same as above (temporary permit materials), plus residence permit. 2. Exam: Need to pass Subject One (theory), some cities may require Subject Two/Three (road test). 3. Validity: Chinese driver's license validity is 6 years, renewable upon expiration.

IV. Notes

1. Driving Restrictions:
2. Temporary permits are limited to driving non-commercial small cars, motorcycles and trucks are prohibited.
3. Commercial operations such as ride-hailing and taxis are not allowed.
4. Insurance Requirements:
5. When renting or driving a car, purchase Compulsory Traffic Insurance (mandatory) and commercial insurance (recommended third-party liability ≥1 million RMB).
6. Violation Handling:
7. Driving without a license incurs fines of 200-2000 RMB, detention up to 15 days; accident responsibility may involve criminal liability.

V. Recommended Tools and Queries

• List of Mutual Recognition Countries: Ministry of Public Security Traffic Management Bureau website (https://gab.mps.gov.cn) → “Service” → “Driver’s License Business”.
• Traffic Rules Study: Download the "Traffic Management 12123" APP or "JiaKao BaoDian" APP to study the Subject One question bank.
• Urgent Consultation: Call the traffic service hotline 12123 (24-hour bilingual service).