Shenzhen Driving License Guide 2024: A Comprehensive Guide for Hong Kong Residents on Obtaining a Mainland Chinese Driver's License and Passing the Driving Test.

In recent years, more and more Hong Kong people choose to develop their careers or settle in Shenzhen. Although mainland China currently allows permanent residents of Hong Kong to exchange for a mainland driving license without a test using their Hong Kong and Macau Pass, many Hong Kong people still choose to directly apply for a novice driving license in Shenzhen. Why is that? It turns out that learning to drive in Shenzhen not only allows you to get a mainland driving license at an incredibly low tuition fee, but also gain practical road driving experience. Moreover, after passing the mainland driving test, Hong Kong residents can also exchange it for a Hong Kong driving license, making it a win-win situation! Check out the editor's guide on Shenzhen driving school and a complete tutorial on the driving test process! What exactly is the process of learning to drive in Shenzhen? It can be roughly divided into three steps:

First, you need to register and pay at a driving school designated by the Shenzhen traffic police department. Generally, you need to bring identity documents (such as a return permit) and photos. Afterwards, you will undergo a physical examination to check your vision, hearing, height, medical history, etc., costing around 200-300 yuan. After passing the physical examination, you can receive your learner's permit and officially begin your driving journey.

Driving schools in Shenzhen generally adopt a closed management system, requiring students to study at the school for about a month. The course is divided into two parts: theory and skills. Theory mainly focuses on learning traffic regulations, safety knowledge, etc., and simulated exams are used to strengthen memory. Skills training takes place at the driving school grounds, covering subjects such as reversing into parking spaces, cornering, hill start parking, and simulated road tests. Each day's training time is around 2-3 hours.

## Theory Test: The theory test generally consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering traffic regulations, safe and civilized driving knowledge, and vehicle structure. The test is computer-based and must be completed within 60 minutes. ## Practical Test: The practical test mainly assesses the student's basic control over the vehicle. Depending on the vehicle type, there are five to six assessment items, including: * **Right-angle turn** (Only for small cars) * **Side parking** (Only for small cars) * **Curve driving** * **Reverse parking** * **Parking and starting on a slope** ## Road Test (Urban Road Driving Skills Test): The road test is an important stage for assessing the student's driving skills and safety awareness. The entire test takes approximately 30-40 minutes and mainly includes the following assessment points: * Basic driving maneuvers such as vehicle start, lane changing, turning, passing intersections, and overtaking. * Adherence to traffic signals, signs, and markings. * Giving way to pedestrians and non-motor vehicles. * Safe and civilized driving awareness. * Ability to respond to unexpected situations. The passing standard for the exam is 100 points. If deductions reach 20 points, the student will fail.

After about a month of training, students can take their driving test. The test is divided into two parts: the written theoretical exam (subject one) and the practical on-road test (subject two). The theory test uses computer-based answering and requires passing over 90% of the questions within 45 minutes. Passing subject one allows you to schedule the on-road test (subject two), which mainly tests students' basic driving skills such as starting, changing lanes, crossing pedestrian crossings, turning left and right at intersections, and parking. The test takes about 20 minutes, and the examiner will sit in the passenger seat providing guidance. Passing the on-road test completes the entire learning process, and you can then receive your mainland C1 driver's license! From registration to obtaining the license, the whole process generally doesn't exceed two months. In contrast, exchanging a Hong Kong driving license for a mainland one is much simpler. Simply bring your identity proof, original and copy of your Hong Kong driving license, driving record certificate, and other documents to the Shenzhen Vehicle Management Office to apply. After review, you can receive your license. There is no need to relearn or take the road test, and the entire process can be completed within a day at the fastest.

However, the mainland driver's license issued after exchange is marked as "transfer of registration" and can only be used in the province where the issuing authority is located. Driving across provinces requires processing a temporary driving permit. In addition, due to the right-hand steering wheel limit, drivers with Hong Kong and Macau licenses who convert their licenses lack experience driving on the left side. It may take some time to adapt after getting on the road. Compared with this, directly learning to drive in mainland China not only familiarizes oneself with left-hand steering but also learns more local driving experience and road knowledge, which is ultimately more beneficial to improving safe driving skills. In general, whether it's exchange or retaking the exam, for Hong Kong residents who want to drive carefree in mainland China, a driver's license is an indispensable requirement. If you don't have plans to live in mainland China long-term or use a car temporarily, using your Hong Kong and Macau driver's license for exchange is undoubtedly the most convenient option. But if you have already settled in mainland China, for better adaptation to the road traffic environment, it is recommended to directly take the mainland driving test. This is definitely a worthwhile and necessary long-term investment! (Image source: @驾培-小婷)

Q: How can Hong Kong residents exchange a driver's license obtained in Shenzhen for a Hong Kong driver's license? A: Generally, it takes 5 years. But if you can provide 6 months of entry-exit records and proof of employment in mainland China, you can exchange it in one year. (You can ask the local driving school to help you with the process.) After preparing the materials, apply for an exchange at the Hong Kong Transport Department. Q: Can a mainland driver's license be exchanged for an international driver's permit? A: Mainland driver's licenses cannot be directly exchanged for international driver's permits. You need to first exchange them for a Hong Kong driver's license, and then you can apply for an international driver's permit. The procedures and materials required are relatively simple.