Driving In China

[DMikeS4321]

Also, nobody can drive "everywhere" because there are several cities (i.e. Shanghai, Guangzhou & Beijing, amongst others) where nobody can operate a motorcycle, period.

 

Is this true? I've seen lots of motorcycles in Guangzhou, and I've seen lots of motorcycle shops...

 

The license system is not like in the States where you can get a car license which automatically allows you to operate a motorcycle.

 

Are there any states where you don't need a special license for operating a motorcycle? I know you need what used to be called a "Class IV" motorcycle endorsement in to operate a motorcycle in California and that endorsement requires a separate written and operational test. I'm pretty sure that is true in WA, OR, NV, AZ, UT and CO as well. I would be pretty surprised if this weren't the case in every state now...

 

I looked at the wiki link Thread posted and it seems to say (rightfully or not) that the laws changed in early '07. I would really like to know.

Edited September 1, 2007 by DMikeS4321 (see edit history)

[DMikeS4321]

Heres my plan (though Im not hell-bent on using a motorcycle,maybe Ill switch to Donkey Cart):

 

Be married to a Chinese person in America who is a legal licensed driver in China.

Return someday to China.

Buy one of those lovely Sidecar style motorcycles,my Chinese spouse being the legal "owner".

License and Register the vehicle in my Chinese spouse's name.

Wear an Uncle Sam suit,top hat and everything,cover the vehicle with "BOYCOTT BEIJING 2008 OLYMPICS" bumperstickers,fill the sky with jubulent gunfire and drive around china,the sidecar filled with XinJiang ditch weed.

 

Is dinner free in Chinese jail?

 

Yeah, it's free, but do you think you'd really want to eat it?

 

Food is probably mixed with cardboard.

 

Don't forget, THEY RECYCLE THE CHOPSTICKS!!!!!

[chilton747]

Also, nobody can drive "everywhere" because there are several cities (i.e. Shanghai, Guangzhou & Beijing, amongst others) where nobody can operate a motorcycle, period.

 

Is this true? I've seen lots of motorcycles in Guangzhou, and I've seen lots of motorcycle shops...

 

The license system is not like in the States where you can get a car license which automatically allows you to operate a motorcycle.

 

Are there any states where you don't need a special license for operating a motorcycle? I know you need what used to be called a "Class IV" motorcycle endorsement in to operate a motorcycle in California and that endorsement requires a separate written and operational test. I'm pretty sure that is true in WA, OR, NV, AZ, UT and CO as well. I would be pretty surprised if this weren't the case in every state now...

 

I looked at the wiki link Thread posted and it seems to say (rightfully or not) that the laws changed in early '07. I would really like to know.

 

Hey Mike check out this thread about motorcycles in GZ as of recent.

 

http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?...;hl=motorcycles

[rogerinca]

Also, nobody can drive "everywhere" because there are several cities (i.e. Shanghai, Guangzhou & Beijing, amongst others) where nobody can operate a motorcycle, period.

 

Is this true? I've seen lots of motorcycles in Guangzhou, and I've seen lots of motorcycle shops...

 

Yes, what Bill says is very true !! As in the link that Charles posted, this was outlined here earlier in the year.

 

Besides the police, the only motorcycle 'types' you will now see in Guangzhou City, are those (small three wheeled trikes) that are painted 'orange' and are for those persons with disabilites only.

 

Motorcycles are still allowed, however, in the suburban districts of Guangzhou, such as Panyu and Huadu (where Lao Po lives). There the streets are filled with bikes of all types.

 

The near total absense of MC's on my last two trips to Guangzhou, was in stark contrast to my earlier trips, before the first of the year.

[DMikeS4321]

 

Hey Mike check out this thread about motorcycles in GZ as of recent.

 

http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?...;hl=motorcycles

 

Thanks, Charles. I remember reading that when it was first posted (amazing, as I usually can't remember yesterday!! ). This obviously means that it's been too long since my last trip to the Middle Kingdom.

 

Is it ever possible to really know what's going on in China?

 

Best Regards

Edited September 1, 2007 by DMikeS4321 (see edit history)

[chilton747]

 

Hey Mike check out this thread about motorcycles in GZ as of recent.

 

http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?...;hl=motorcycles

 

Thanks, Charles. I remember reading that when it was first posted (amazing, as I usually can't remember yesterday!! ). This obviously means that it's been too long since my last trip to the Middle Kingdom.

 

Is it ever possible to really know what's going on in China?

 

Best Regards

 

Hey Mike.....I guess we will never know what all is going on in China, much less the USA

[GZBILL]

Also, nobody can drive "everywhere" because there are several cities (i.e. Shanghai, Guangzhou & Beijing, amongst others) where nobody can operate a motorcycle, period.

 

Is this true? I've seen lots of motorcycles in Guangzhou, and I've seen lots of motorcycle shops...

 

Yeah, as of January 2007 motorcycles, mopeds, electric scooters and motorized bicycles have disappeared. It's great!

 

Every once in a while you see the police conducting raids on the fringes of the ban zone and hauling away flatbed trucks filled with "illegal" bikes.

 

Panyu, Huadu, Conghua and the more distant GZ suburbs still allow them, but only for now. The Guangdong party secretary has publicly stated that he will eliminate these items from the streets of every incorporated city during his tenure.

 

They've even gotten rid of half of those orange motorized tricycles because most of the owners weren't really handicapped at all.

 

I'd be wary of Wiki's claims to be able to get a temporary license. At least in Guangzhou, Beijing and Shanghai they are strictly enforcing the requirement to have a residence permit. No residence permit = no license.

[DMikeS4321]

I just found this on Rob's Nanning Site:

 

 

New Information for 2007

Driver's Licenses

Courtesy of ChinaNews, December 29, 2006

 

Foreigners Can Apply for Temporary Driving License in China.

 

Foreigners who have driving license issued by their home countries can apply for a temporary driving license and

drive in China without having to take related tests, according to a clause in a regulation issued by the Ministry

of Public Security. The regulation will start to take effect from January 1, 2007, the Beijing Youth Daily reported.

The regulation, which deals with the management of automobiles and foreigners that come to China for a short

stay, stipulates that the valid period for the temporary driving license should not exceed the period marked in

the entry and exit certificates, and the temporary license can be valid for three months at most. The valid period

can not be extended. In addition, the temporary driving license should be used together with foreigners' driving

license issued at his or her home country and foreigners should always take these two licenses with them, in case

traffic police ask them to show these licenses at any time.

Although foreigners who have obtained their driving license at home can get their temporary driving license in

China without having to take related tests, they need to attend lessons to study Chinese road safety regulations,

before they can drive in China. And they can only drive small cars or automatic-gear cars.

If foreigners will stay for a relatively long time in China, they can consider obtaining an official driving license in

China. To do so, they should take their foreign driving licenses and valid ID cards to the automobile

management bureau, fill up the automobile driving license application form, take related physical examination,

and attend a traffic regulation test. Once they have fulfilled all these procedures and passed related tests and

exams, they can get the official driving license issued by the Chinese government.

[rogerinca]

I just found this on Rob's Nanning Site:

 

 

New Information for 2007

Driver's Licenses

Courtesy of ChinaNews, December 29, 2006

 

Foreigners Can Apply for Temporary Driving License in China.

 

Foreigners who have driving license issued by their home countries can apply for a temporary driving license and

drive in China without having to take related tests, according to a clause in a regulation issued by the Ministry

of Public Security. The regulation will start to take effect from January 1, 2007, the Beijing Youth Daily reported.

The regulation, which deals with the management of automobiles and foreigners that come to China for a short

stay, stipulates that the valid period for the temporary driving license should not exceed the period marked in

the entry and exit certificates, and the temporary license can be valid for three months at most. The valid period

can not be extended. In addition, the temporary driving license should be used together with foreigners' driving

license issued at his or her home country and foreigners should always take these two licenses with them, in case

traffic police ask them to show these licenses at any time.

Although foreigners who have obtained their driving license at home can get their temporary driving license in

China without having to take related tests, they need to attend lessons to study Chinese road safety regulations,

before they can drive in China. And they can only drive small cars or automatic-gear cars.

If foreigners will stay for a relatively long time in China, they can consider obtaining an official driving license in

China. To do so, they should take their foreign driving licenses and valid ID cards to the automobile

management bureau, fill up the automobile driving license application form, take related physical examination,

and attend a traffic regulation test. Once they have fulfilled all these procedures and passed related tests and

exams, they can get the official driving license issued by the Chinese government.

 

 

This is really interesting Mike, I will check this out when I return to GZ in two weeks !!

 

It speaks not only to a temporary license, but also a long term license, but no mention of ¡®residency¡¯ ??

 

I may have a problem though, I cannot fit in most small cars, and I have forgotten how to drive a car with an automatic trans¡­..I have had a Ford F-350 with 5-Speed manual, for a few years now.

 

Now, with respect to having to study [Chinese road safety] regulations¡­..is that one of them oxymoron things ???

[rogerluli]

I just found this on Rob's Nanning Site:

 

 

New Information for 2007

Driver's Licenses

Courtesy of ChinaNews, December 29, 2006

 

Foreigners Can Apply for Temporary Driving License in China.

 

Foreigners who have driving license issued by their home countries can apply for a temporary driving license and

drive in China without having to take related tests, according to a clause in a regulation issued by the Ministry

of Public Security. The regulation will start to take effect from January 1, 2007, the Beijing Youth Daily reported.

The regulation, which deals with the management of automobiles and foreigners that come to China for a short

stay, stipulates that the valid period for the temporary driving license should not exceed the period marked in

the entry and exit certificates, and the temporary license can be valid for three months at most. The valid period

can not be extended. In addition, the temporary driving license should be used together with foreigners' driving

license issued at his or her home country and foreigners should always take these two licenses with them, in case

traffic police ask them to show these licenses at any time.

Although foreigners who have obtained their driving license at home can get their temporary driving license in

China without having to take related tests, they need to attend lessons to study Chinese road safety regulations,

before they can drive in China. And they can only drive small cars or automatic-gear cars.

If foreigners will stay for a relatively long time in China, they can consider obtaining an official driving license in

China. To do so, they should take their foreign driving licenses and valid ID cards to the automobile

management bureau, fill up the automobile driving license application form, take related physical examination,

and attend a traffic regulation test. Once they have fulfilled all these procedures and passed related tests and

exams, they can get the official driving license issued by the Chinese government.

 

 

This is really interesting Mike, I will check this out when I return to GZ in two weeks !!

 

It speaks not only to a temporary license, but also a long term license, but no mention of ¡®residency¡¯ ??

 

I may have a problem though, I cannot fit in most small cars, and I have forgotten how to drive a car with an automatic trans¡­..I have had a Ford F-350 with 5-Speed manual, for a few years now.

 

Now, with respect to having to study [Chinese road safety] regulations¡­..is that one of them oxymoron things ???

 

I remember reading somewhere??? not on CFL, about a foreigner studying for this road safety exam and it seems that they ask really unusual questions... The one I recall was about coming upon an accident in which a victim's guts were spilling out on the road and gave you a selection of objects to use to attempt to help... I helped laopo study for the test here and I do not recall anything remotely like that being asked...

[SinoTexas]

I remember reading somewhere??? not on CFL, about a foreigner studying for this road safety exam and it seems that they ask really unusual questions... The one I recall was about coming upon an accident in which a victim's guts were spilling out on the road and gave you a selection of objects to use to attempt to help... I helped laopo study for the test here and I do not recall anything remotely like that being asked...

Look in the Wisconsin Drivers Handbook, under the section "Making CheezWizConsun Sausages".

 

As aye,

 

Jim

[DMikeS4321]

This is really interesting Mike, I will check this out when I return to GZ in two weeks !!

 

It speaks not only to a temporary license, but also a long term license, but no mention of ‘residency’ ??

 

I may have a problem though, I cannot fit in most small cars, and I have forgotten how to drive a car with an automatic trans…..I have had a Ford F-350 with 5-Speed manual, for a few years now.

 

Now, with respect to having to study [Chinese road safety] regulations…..is that one of them oxymoron things ???

 

OK, it's official now..... I HATE YOU!!!

 

Seriously, have a great trip. If I can catch even a SMALL break, I should be going back in October. How long will you be there?? Let me know, there is an outside chance that I'll be heading back. I may even go for just a few days; if so, I'll spend the entire time in Guangzhou. We stay at a small hotel right around the corner from the China International, just down the street from Starbucks and the McDonalds and across from the international trade center place. It would be so cool to hang out...

 

Let's keep in touch.

 

As for the drivers license, it would be good to get the final word on that. I may indeed live in China someday, but I'd be a lot happier if I could drive. That is something I would really miss....

 

Best Regards to you and yours, Roger!

[chilton747]

This is really interesting Mike, I will check this out when I return to GZ in two weeks !!

 

It speaks not only to a temporary license, but also a long term license, but no mention of ‘residency???

 

I may have a problem though, I cannot fit in most small cars, and I have forgotten how to drive a car with an automatic trans?.I have had a Ford F-350 with 5-Speed manual, for a few years now.

 

Now, with respect to having to study [Chinese road safety] regulations?.is that one of them oxymoron things ???

 

OK, it's official now..... I HATE YOU!!!

 

Seriously, have a great trip. If I can catch even a SMALL break, I should be going back in October. How long will you be there?? Let me know, there is an outside chance that I'll be heading back. I may even go for just a few days; if so, I'll spend the entire time in Guangzhou. We stay at a small hotel right around the corner from the China International, just down the street from Starbucks and the McDonalds and across from the international trade center place. It would be so cool to hang out...

 

Let's keep in touch.

 

As for the drivers license, it would be good to get the final word on that. I may indeed live in China someday, but I'd be a lot happier if I could drive. That is something I would really miss....

 

Best Regards to you and yours, Roger!

 

Mike I can certainly tell you that when I retire in China, I will NOT miss driving I will not miss buying gas, car payments, insurance, accident risks, maintenance, buying tires, road rage and the such. Just tell me where the cheap bus and trains are and I am on my way. by the way I will be out GZ's way the end of October so keep in touch on that as well.

[rogerinca]

This is really interesting Mike, I will check this out when I return to GZ in two weeks !!

 

It speaks not only to a temporary license, but also a long term license, but no mention of ‘residency???

 

I may have a problem though, I cannot fit in most small cars, and I have forgotten how to drive a car with an automatic trans?.I have had a Ford F-350 with 5-Speed manual, for a few years now.

 

Now, with respect to having to study [Chinese road safety] regulations?.is that one of them oxymoron things ???

 

OK, it's official now..... I HATE YOU!!!

 

Seriously, have a great trip. If I can catch even a SMALL break, I should be going back in October. How long will you be there?? Let me know, there is an outside chance that I'll be heading back. I may even go for just a few days; if so, I'll spend the entire time in Guangzhou. We stay at a small hotel right around the corner from the China International, just down the street from Starbucks and the McDonalds and across from the international trade center place. It would be so cool to hang out...

 

Let's keep in touch.

 

As for the drivers license, it would be good to get the final word on that. I may indeed live in China someday, but I'd be a lot happier if I could drive. That is something I would really miss....

 

Best Regards to you and yours, Roger!

 

Too funny !!! My return ticket to CA is for Sept. 30th. I will be in GZ for about two weeks this trip, both for her birthday and the Moon Festival Holiday. Most of the time will be in the Huadu District of GZ, close to the airport, near where she and her family all live. We then make a couple of runs each week, into Guangzhou City, to shop, eat, and sight-see. I miss her so much !!!

[DMikeS4321]

This is really interesting Mike, I will check this out when I return to GZ in two weeks !!

 

It speaks not only to a temporary license, but also a long term license, but no mention of 憆esidency???

 

I may have a problem though, I cannot fit in most small cars, and I have forgotten how to drive a car with an automatic trans?.I have had a Ford F-350 with 5-Speed manual, for a few years now.

 

Now, with respect to having to study [Chinese road safety] regulations?.is that one of them oxymoron things ???

 

OK, it's official now..... I HATE YOU!!!

 

Seriously, have a great trip. If I can catch even a SMALL break, I should be going back in October. How long will you be there?? Let me know, there is an outside chance that I'll be heading back. I may even go for just a few days; if so, I'll spend the entire time in Guangzhou. We stay at a small hotel right around the corner from the China International, just down the street from Starbucks and the McDonalds and across from the international trade center place. It would be so cool to hang out...

 

Let's keep in touch.

 

As for the drivers license, it would be good to get the final word on that. I may indeed live in China someday, but I'd be a lot happier if I could drive. That is something I would really miss....

 

Best Regards to you and yours, Roger!

 

Mike I can certainly tell you that when I retire in China, I will NOT miss driving I will not miss buying gas, car payments, insurance, accident risks, maintenance, buying tires, road rage and the such. Just tell me where the cheap bus and trains are and I am on my way. by the way I will be out GZ's way the end of October so keep in touch on that as well.

 

Charles,

 

That is so cool! It would be great to meet some fellow CFL'ers over there. Let's keep in close touch and see what we can do. I'm betting our wives will really hit it off...

 

Best Regards