Convert Your Foreign License to a 6-Year Chinese C1/C2
Foreign nationals holding a Chinese residence permit (Work, Study, or Family) can convert their valid overseas driver license into a nationwide 6-year Chinese C1/C2 license by passing ONLY the Subject 1 computer theory test. Subjects 2 & 3 road driving exams are completely waived.
6-Year License Conversion Path Finder
- Theory Exam: 100 Computer Questions (45 mins, 90/100 to pass)
- Practical Road Test (Subj 2 & 3): 100% Waived for C1
- DMV Clinic Check: Vision & Color Blindness (~¥30 RMB)
4 Steps from Foreign License to 6-Year PRC Card
Translation & 3-Char Name
Print a standardized Chinese translation of your foreign license with a 3-character Chinese name, plus 4 white-background 1-inch photos.
On-Site DMV Medical Check
Complete the 10-minute health check right inside the DMV clinic or self-service cabin: eye chart (glasses OK), red/green color plates, and grip test.
Submit Dossier & Book Slot
Hand over your Passport, Residence Permit, Accommodation Registration Slip (住宿登记表), original foreign license, and translation. Select English as your exam language.
Score 90/100 & Print License
Pass the 100-question English touch-screen test (≥ 90 points; 1 immediate make-up retry included). Your 6-year license is laminated within 20 minutes!
Where to Take Subject 1: Tier-1 City DMV Foreign Desks
Shanghai DMV Branches 1, 2, 3 & Free Trade Zone
Supported Terminal Languages: English, Japanese, Korean, German, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic
Same-Day Re-test Rule: If you score below 90 on your first attempt, you are immediately allowed 1 free make-up attempt (当场补考一次) on the spot!
6 Bilateral Mutual Recognition Jurisdictions (Direct Swap)
Holders of full driving licenses issued by the following 6 countries/regions are legally exempt from taking Subject 1:
Direct swap to C1/C2 without written exam (Subject 1) or road test. Both permanent residents and temporary visitors can drive or swap directly.
Direct swap to C1/C2 without written exam or road test based on the 1994 Sino-Belgian mutual recognition accord.
Direct swap without theory or practical tests. UAE citizens can also drive temporarily for up to 3 months with their UAE license + translation.
Direct swap to C1/C2 without exam. Serbian citizens traveling in China can drive for up to 3 months on their native license accompanied by a certified translation.
Direct swap of full Hong Kong driving license to Mainland C1/C2 license at any Guangdong or municipal DMV with zero exams.
Direct swap and mutual recognition. Macau license holders can drive in the mainland or swap directly without taking Subject 1.