RoadVisa Beta

Can I drive in China with an Australian licence?

Pick where your licence is from and where you're going.

Australia→ChinaVisiting
Extra document needed
Only with a Chinese temporary driving permit
How longUp to 3 months, extendable to 1 year
What to carry
  • Your passport and visa
  • Your valid licence
  • A Chinese translation of the licence
  • A temporary driving permit from the traffic police
International Driving Permit (IDP)

Not valid in China.

Good to know
  • China doesn't recognise foreign licences on their own.
  • Get the permit at a Vehicle Administration Office or, in some cities, at the airport, after a short traffic law session.
  • With a permit you can rent only small cars (C1 manual, C2 automatic).
  • An International Driving Permit isn't valid in China. You need a Chinese temporary driving permit.
  • Turning right on red is usually allowed unless a red arrow or sign says otherwise. Watch for e-bikes on all sides.
Official sourcesShanghai government: Temporary driving permit for foreigners ↗Ministry of Public Security: Regulations on driving licences (Order 162, Chinese) ↗Last checked 20 Oct 2026

Coming with your own car

Not covered yetBringing a car to China usually means shipping it and going through customs. Most visitors rent a car instead.

Driving in China: the basics

This is general information. Always follow the road signs.

Driving sideRight
Default speed limit: towns30–50 km/h, as signed
Default speed limit: outside towns40–70 km/h, as signed
Default speed limit: motorways60–120 km/h on expressways
HeadlightsNot required in daylight.
Winter tyresNot required. Northern China has long, icy winters.
Required in the carWarning triangle.
Road tollsMost expressways charge tolls: ETC tag, or pay at the booth.
Filling upUsually attendant-served.
Ministry of Public Security: Regulations on driving licences (Order 162, Chinese) ↗Last checked 20 Oct 2026

Rules in China for every licence →

RoadVisa covers 42 countries. Rules change, so every answer links to the official source. Check it before you drive or book anything.

Wrong information? Help us fix itTell us what's incorrect and we'll check it against the official sources.

About: This page

Frequently asked questionsCoverage, sources and how RoadVisa works.

Why isn't my country listed?

RoadVisa is still growing. It covers 42 countries and all 50 US states plus Washington, D.C. so far, and more are added step by step. Each country is checked against its own official sources, in its own language, before it goes live.

Why isn't Africa covered?

Many African licensing authorities publish little detail about their driving rules online, so we can't yet check the answers against official sources. We'll add African countries as official information becomes available.

Where does the information come from?

From official sources only: licensing authorities, ministries, police and government websites, read in each country's own language. Every answer links to its sources and shows when it was last checked.

What's the difference between Visiting and Moving?

Visiting covers short stays such as holidays and business trips, when you keep your home licence. Moving covers becoming a resident, when most countries want you to exchange your licence or take tests by a deadline.

What is an International Driving Permit?

A translation of your licence in a standard format. It's only valid together with your own licence, and you get it in the country that issued your licence, usually from a motoring club or the licensing authority. RoadVisa tells you when a country expects one.

Does RoadVisa cover motorcycles or trucks?

Not yet. The answers are about car licences: category B in Europe, and the local equivalent elsewhere, such as Class C or D in most US states. Other licences may follow later.

Is RoadVisa official?

No. RoadVisa is an independent guide and isn't linked to any government or licensing authority. The authority that handles your application always has the final word.

Is RoadVisa free?

Yes, RoadVisa is free to use.

I found a mistake. What should I do?

Use "Wrong information? Help us fix it" above. We check every report against the official sources and correct the answer.

About RoadVisa and disclaimerWho we are, and how to use this information.

An independent guide. RoadVisa is a private project. It is not run by, linked to or approved by any government, licensing authority (such as a national road traffic agency or a US DMV), embassy or driving school.

Information only, not legal advice. RoadVisa sums up official rules in plain English. It does not replace the official rules, and it is not a decision about your case. Only the authority that handles your application can decide that.

Rules change. Every answer shows when it was last checked and links to the official source. Check that source before you drive, book a test, move or apply. If RoadVisa and the official source differ, follow the official source.

Your situation matters. The answer can depend on your residence status, licence category, age and when your licence was issued. If you're unsure, ask the licensing authority or your embassy.

Car hire and insurance. Car hire companies and insurers can set their own rules, for example asking for an International Driving Permit even where it isn't required. Check with them too.

Our responsibility. We work hard to keep RoadVisa correct, but we can't promise it is complete or up to date. As far as the law allows, we are not responsible for fines, refused applications, costs or other losses that come from relying on it.

Links to other sites. We link to official and other websites for your convenience. We don't control them and aren't responsible for their content.

Found a mistake? Use the report form above. What you send is used only to check and correct the information. See our privacy notice.