Sometimes the most scenic roads in life are the detours you didn't mean to take. - Angela N.Bloun
I love getting out of the city and exploring lesser-known places. I relish the feeling of accomplishment when you hike a mountain and earn the view at the top.
I wanted to keep hiking and exploring after I got my dog, but I don’t want to go hiking while I leave him home. That seems absurd to me. He loves getting out and hiking. At first, it was okay because I would just take a Didi within the city. But I wanted to start going on weekend trips to Zhejiang or Anhui. Now getting there as a person is easy, trains, busses, etc.. Getting there with a dog is another story. Hiring a driver or taking a Dida is really the only option, and they are not cheap. You also have the chance that you won’t get a ride home (has happened to us) if you go to more remote areas. Thus, the search for a better alternative. This is what inspired me to get my license. I thought it was going to be complicated, but to my surprise, it really isn’t that hard.
What is a temporary license?
A temporary license allows you to rent cars. It is mainly for tourists. The license can last up to 1 year, but you must have the car rental contract, your license, translated license, passport and Chinese license on you at all times while driving. This type of license does not require a written test and is by far the easier option.
For all license applications your current visa needs at least 3 months validity.
Step 1
This step is the same for both permeant license and a temporary license.
You need to get your license translated. This can be done in two places.
- Shanghai SISU Translation Service Co.
573 Chifeng lu (near Zhongshan Bei Yi Lu) - Shanghai Interpreters’ Association
1277 Beijing Xi Lu, floor 16, room 1607
I went to the first one and it took about 15 minutes to get my documents. They will hand you the translation in a sealed envelope. Do not open the envelope. The person at the motor vehicle department must do this.
Step 2
Go to vehicle administration office in Pudong located at 2999 Huaxia Xi Lu near Yanggao Nan Lu Pudong District
上海市公安局交警总队车管所(一分所)
华夏西路2999号, 近杨高南路
You can just show up, there is no need to make an appointment.
Make sure to bring:
- Unopened translation of license – they will ask you for a Chinese name here
- Your original drivers license and a photocopy (front and back)
- Passport and Photocopy
- Your permanent resident permit and a photocopy (I was never asked for this, but I know people who were).
Step 3
At the vehicle administration office, you will be asked to show green code and wear a mask.
Once inside the building head to the reception and hand her your passport. She will give you a number. Head to the lobby to wait your turn (the numbers move fairly quickly). Tell the worker behind the counter you want your temporary license. She will check your passport, license and the translation before sending you to get your pictures taken.
The pictures are passed the reception area nearby a little shop with drinks and snacks. Hand the worker your passport, pay 30 RMB and get your picture taken.
After this you will need to get a new number and wait again. From here it’s very easy, they will ask you to watch a muted video with Chinese subtitles for 30 mins. They didn’t seem to care if you were paying attention as long as you were facing the tv.
