How Long Does It Take to Get a Driver's License in Guangzhou?
2 Answers
In Guangzhou, compared to other domestic cities, the process of obtaining a driver's license takes a relatively long time. While it used to take an average of over a year to get the license between 2014 and 2017, it now generally takes about a year. Due to various factors, the time required to obtain a license varies among different driving schools, ranging from 5 to 12 months. Below is more detailed information on the time required for each subject: 1. Subject 1 takes about 1.5 months: After registration, it takes 3-5 days to prepare and submit all the student's materials for review, which typically takes 20-30 days to process. Once approved, the student is notified to collect the training card and attend in-person classes. After completing the classes, the student is promptly scheduled for the written exam, which takes about 10-15 days. Therefore, Subject 1 generally takes around 1.5 months. 2. Subject 2 takes about 2 months: This is divided into basic driving practice and pre-exam practice. The basic practice must first complete the hours required by the vehicle management office before the exam can be scheduled. Normally, it takes about 1 month to complete the basic practice and clock in the required hours, and another month to successfully schedule and take the Subject 2 exam, totaling about 2 months. 3. Subjects 3 and 4 take about 2 months: Since the second half of 2018, Guangzhou has implemented a combined exam for Subjects 3 and 4, allowing students to take the Subject 4 (civilized driving) exam on the same day after passing Subject 3. From completing Subject 2 to taking Subject 3, it normally takes about 2 months. As long as the student's priority is high enough, the driving school will promptly assist in scheduling the exams. Each subject is expedited as much as possible within the system's framework.
When I got my driver's license in Guangzhou, the whole process took about two and a half months. After enrolling in the driving school, I first had to pass the theory test for Subject 1, waited a week for scheduling, then practiced for Subject 2 at the training site every day after work—passed after ten days of practice. However, scheduling for the Subject 3 road test took some time, waiting half a month before my turn. After that, Subject 4 (safety and civilization test) was quick, done in just a few days. If you pass all tests in one go, you can get your license in as fast as one and a half months. But like me, having to retake Subject 2 added an extra ten days. The key is to find an efficient driving school and arrange more practice time—don’t rush or slack off. Guangzhou’s summer heat can affect concentration. The whole process normally takes about three months. After enrollment, hurry to schedule exams and don’t let procrastination delay important matters.
