Is a residence permit required for obtaining a driver's license in Hechi?
2 Answers
No. According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses," there are two situations regarding obtaining a driver's license in a different location: 1. The first is within the same province, where residents from different cities can apply directly with their resident ID card and do not need to submit a residence permit or temporary residence registration certificate. 2. The other situation is for residents from other provinces, meaning those who work across provincial boundaries. After obtaining a residence permit from any city in the province where they reside, they can also directly apply for a small car driver's license within the entire province. Things to note when obtaining a driver's license: Subject 1 is a theoretical exam, so don't take it lightly. Before the exam, make sure to check your ID card. Subject 2 involves an in-car test, so after getting in the car, be sure to adjust the seat and mirrors first. After completing all parts of Subject 3 and pulling over, make sure to shift into neutral. Subject 4 includes multiple-choice questions, so don't mistake multiple-choice questions for single-choice ones. Be sure to read the question requirements carefully.
I got my driver's license in Hechi last year, and a residence permit was indeed required. At that time, I came from another city for work and thought just bringing my ID card would be enough for registration. However, the driving school staff informed me that I needed a local residence certificate first. They explained that this is a requirement under China's traffic regulations—non-local residents must obtain this document. I went to the local community police station with my rental contract and ID card, and it took three days to get a temporary residence permit before I could successfully register. The whole process of getting a driver's license involved many steps, including medical checks, theoretical study, and road tests. So, I suggest if you're planning to take the test, check the latest notices from the Hechi Vehicle Management Office first to avoid detours and wasted time like I did. Preparing your materials in advance will save you a lot of hassle.
