Can I Learn to Drive in Another City?
3 Answers
You can take the driver's license test in another city. According to the new regulations on driver's licenses, the restrictions on taking the test in a non-resident city have been lifted, and the driver's license can be applied for in a city other than the applicant's registered residence. The full name of the driver's license is the Motor Vehicle Driver's License, which is the certificate required by law for motor vehicle drivers. The following are the relevant regulations regarding the nationwide unified test and the cross-regional subject tests for driver's licenses: 1. The small car driver's license can be applied for nationwide with just one ID. With an ID card, you can directly apply for a small car driver's license anywhere in the country, and no longer need to submit proof of residence or temporary residence permits. 2. Cross-regional subject tests are allowed. If an applicant changes their place of residence due to work, study, or other reasons after completing part of the test, they can apply once to continue the test in another location, and the scores already passed will remain valid.
Indeed, you can complete your driver's license learning in another city, which fully complies with traffic regulations. I've checked the relevant rules—as long as you've lived outside your registered residence for a certain period (usually over six months), you can enroll at a local driving school by providing your ID and proof of residence, such as a temporary residence permit or rental contract. This is especially convenient for people like me who work or study away from home, as it saves time and travel expenses without needing to take leave to return to my hometown. However, be aware that policies may vary slightly by location—some cities may require additional medical certificates, so it’s safer to consult the local vehicle management office or driving school in advance. Personally, I recommend checking local policies online first to ensure all documents are prepared before proceeding, making the entire process much smoother. Don’t wait until the last minute to find out you’re missing materials and delay your progress.
I personally tried getting a driver's license in another city. Last year when I was working in Hangzhou, I enrolled in a driving school. At that time, I brought my ID card and the rental contract for my apartment to register, and the process was straightforward. The driving instructors were very professional, and the training cycle lasted about two months, with two or three driving sessions scheduled each week. The test location was at the local vehicle management office, and after passing the written test, I could directly schedule the road tests. Overall, it was very hassle-free, and I didn't encounter any major issues—just needed some time at the beginning to adapt to the new city's traffic rules and test points. If you're worried about language barriers, some driving schools provide study materials, and with good preparation, you can pass on the first try. I think the advantage of choosing this approach is that it fits well with your daily routine and is more efficient. However, don't forget to check the driving school's reputation in advance to avoid poor service providers.
