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Mr Tony documents renewing his Chinese driver’s license in Shenzhen, including visits to police stations, a health check, a photo and paperwork. He explains that the written test requires learning Chinese characters and says foreigners are unlikely to bypass it. He travels by ebike and notes the risks they can pose to pedestrians. Finding the right government office is difficult, though communication is manageable with a translation app. He decides not to pursue a motorcycle endorsement and keeps his current license. The renewal costs 10 yuan and takes 24 hours.
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The renewal process in Shenzhen
Mr Tony explains the process of renewing his Chinese driver’s license, which takes him to police stations and other government offices. He says a Chinese written test is part of obtaining a license and requires learning around 200 characters. He does not believe that foreigners can easily bypass it. The trip includes a health check, a photograph and paperwork, and he uses an ebike to travel between locations.
One of the challenges is finding the correct office. Mr Tony says locating government services in a Chinese city can be difficult, while the actual communication and administrative task are more manageable once he gets to the right place. A translation app helps him talk with officials and understand what is needed.
Ebikes, documents and a license decision
Mr Tony observes that ebikes are common in China and can be dangerous for pedestrians, so he advises caution when riding or walking near them. He carries his passport and license as he visits the offices. The video mentions that foreigners were previously required by law to carry passports at all times, while the current status of that rule is unclear in the source.
He also considers adding a motorcycle endorsement but decides against the extra test process and keeps his current license. Despite that choice, he ultimately receives a renewed license. The episode shows the distinction between renewing the existing license and applying for a new endorsement.
Cost and timing
Mr Tony says the renewal cost 10 yuan, approximately $1.70 or £1.20, and took 24 hours in total. The video follows his visits, the required health check and photo, and submission of paperwork. The process is presented through his personal experience in Shenzhen rather than as a complete official guide for all license types or applicants.
For visitors or residents handling government services, his account suggests preparing the required documents, using a translation app if needed and allowing time to locate the right office. If you are considering a written test or endorsement, check the current requirements with the relevant authority. The main outcome of this trip is a renewed license after a day of paperwork and office visits.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: How difficult is it to get a Chinese driver’s license?
- A: Mr Tony says applicants need to take a Chinese written test and learn around 200 characters. He does not think foreigners are likely to bypass the test.
- Q: What risks did he mention about ebikes?
- A: He says ebikes can be more dangerous for pedestrians than cars, so people should be cautious when riding or walking near them.
- Q: What was the renewal cost and how long did it take?
- A: Mr Tony says the renewal cost 10 yuan, about $1.70 or £1.20, and the process took 24 hours.
