How to Apply for a Driver's License Exam in Another Location?
2 Answers
Go to a local driving school or the vehicle management office to apply. For non-locals, a temporary residence permit valid for more than one year is required to take the exam for a C1 or lower-level driver's license. For B2 or higher-level driver's licenses, the exam must be taken in the place of household registration. Driver's licenses obtained in another location can only be renewed at the traffic management department that issued them (C1 or lower-level licenses do not require annual review and can be renewed every six years). If you obtain a C1 or lower-level driver's license in another location, you can transfer it to the traffic management department in your place of household registration. The transfer process is also very simple.
Last year when I was working in Beijing, I signed up for an out-of-town driving test, and the process was quite smooth. First, find a local certified driving school to inquire and register, bringing your ID card and a few one-inch photos—they'll explain the specific requirements. Then, undergo a medical check-up, usually at a hospital designated by the driving school, which isn't expensive. After registration, training and tests begin, with subjects one through four taken in order, and the driving school provides guidance throughout. The key to an out-of-town test is the transfer of records—if your household registration is elsewhere, you'll need to provide proof of your original records, though most systems are now connected to simplify this. I recommend calling the local vehicle management office in advance to confirm policies to avoid wasted trips. The training period typically lasts 1-2 months, and once you pass the exams, you can wait to receive your license. Getting licensed out-of-town saves you the hassle of traveling back home, but don't choose a small driving school just to save money—safety comes first.
