无论你是中国国籍还是外国国籍，当你拿着境外驾照，想要在中国内地开车自驾，一般会面临一个问题：能不能直接开车？

答案是不能，需要换驾照才行。

但是在北京换驾照，也是分两条路径的，临时驾驶许可和正式驾驶证。

这篇文章来分别讲讲这如何在北京换领临时驾照和正式驾照。

Whether you are a Chinese national or a foreign passport holder, if you have an overseas driver’s license and want to drive in mainland China, one practical question usually comes up first: can you drive with that license directly?

In most cases, the answer is no. You will usually need to apply for a Chinese driving credential before you can legally drive in mainland China.

In Beijing, there are generally two options: a temporary driving permit and a full Chinese driver’s license.

This article explains how to apply for both in Beijing, including the temporary permit for short-term driving needs and the full license for longer-term use.

 

临时驾照和正式驾照不是一回事儿

Temporary Driving Permit vs. Full Chinese Driver’s License

换临时驾照，还是正式驾照，其实要看你准备在国内待多长时间。

临时驾照 Temporary Driving Permit

如果只是出个差或者旅个游，其实临时驾照就够了。

临时驾照，好处是不用考试（科目一），办起来快，有效期仨月（可延长至1年），用来短期开车非常应景。

If you’re only in China for a short business trip or a visit, a temporary permit is usually enough. It’s quick to apply for, and there’s no need to take the written test (Theory Test / Subject 1). The permit is typically valid for three months and can be extended up to one year, making it a practical option for short-term driving.

正式驾照 Full Chinese Driver’s License

要打算长期在国内生活，还是老老实实换领正式驾照。虽然要考科目一，但一旦拿到手，以后就是一劳永逸。

If you plan to live in China for a longer period, it makes more sense to convert your license into a full Chinese driver’s license. This does require passing the Theory Test, but once you have it, you can continue using it long term without needing to reapply.

换驾照还有个问题是准驾车型究竟换C1还是C2。说白了，C1是手动挡和自动挡都能开，而C2只能开自动挡。

虽然C1能开更多车型，但是在实际情况来看，如果平时很少碰手动挡的车，建议直接申请C2。除非以后准备开手动挡的小货车或老款车，否则选C2更省心。

Another question is whether to apply for a C1 or C2 license.

Simply put, a C1 license allows you to drive both manual and automatic cars, while a C2 license is for automatic cars only.

C1 gives you more flexibility, but in real life, many people rarely drive manual cars. If you mostly use automatic vehicles, applying for a C2 license is usually the easier choice. Unless you plan to drive manual cars in the future—such as older vehicles or small trucks—C2 is often more practical.

中国籍和外籍需要关注的点不一样

Chinese nationals and foreign nationals need to pay attention to different issues.

外籍朋友换驾照就是看换哪种就行。

如果是刚入境呆不久，直接换临时驾照更省事，机场或者车管所都能搞定。但要是打算长住，就得办正式换证了。

但要注意的是，外国人换正式驾照，必须去车管所总所！

中国认持境外证回国要注意在别国逗留的时间。

如果你拿境外驾照的时候，在那个国家一年内待的时间不足90天，那么只考个科目一是不能拿证的，得科目1、2、3全考一遍。

For foreign drivers, the key is choosing the right option. For short stays, a temporary permit is usually enough and can be obtained at the airport or a vehicle administration office. For longer stays, you’ll need to convert to a full Chinese driver’s license. Foreign applicants must apply at the main vehicle administration office in Beijing.

Chinese nationals with an overseas license should note their stay duration abroad. If they stayed less than 90 days in the issuing country within a year, passing only the Theory Test may not be sufficient, and additional tests may be required.

在北京临时驾照如何办理

How to Apply for a Temporary Driving Permit in Beijing

北京能办临时驾照的地方很多，首选就是首都机场T3或大兴机场的车管服务站。

刚到中国一落地就可以办，省时间，但前提是你手里的材料得是现成的。

如果在北京市区，可以去车辆管理所总所/车管分所或者北京市政务服务中心。

不过得注意，如果驾驶人员已经超过70周岁，那别处都办不了，只能老老实实去车管所总所。

去之前，准备好材料，护照（或者入境证件）、境外驾照的原件，还有照片。关键的是驾照中文翻译件，这个必须得提前准备好，不能随便自己翻译，得是正规翻译机构出的才认。

You can apply for a temporary driving permit in Beijing at airport service counters (Capital Airport T3 or Daxing Airport) or at vehicle administration offices in the city.

Applying at the airport right after arrival is the most convenient, as long as your documents are ready.

Required documents include:

• Passport (or valid entry document)
• Original overseas driver’s license
• ID photo
• Certified Chinese translation of your license

The translation must be issued by a qualified agency. Self-translations are not accepted.

If the driver is over 70, the application must be made at the main vehicle administration office.

在北京如何换领正式驾照

How to Convert to a Full Chinese Driver’s License in Beijing

如果在北京长住，建议还是换个正式驾照。

材料有翻译件、体检、护照这些，然后去窗口提交申请。

接着就是约科一考试。

等考过了，就可以当场拿证了！

不过还是要看去哪里申请，外籍人士只能去南四环总所。

动身前先看一眼自己属于哪种，不然大热天的横跨半个北京城跑错地方，忒折腾人。

If you plan to stay in Beijing long-term, it’s best to convert to a full Chinese driver’s license.

Prepare your documents (passport, medical check, and certified translation), submit your application, then book and pass the Theory Test (Subject 1). Once you pass, the license is usually issued on the spot.

Note that foreign applicants must apply at the main vehicle administration office, so it’s worth checking the location before you go.

落地在机场换证需要注意的细节

Applying at the Airport: What to Watch For

另外，如果要在首都机场或大兴机场换证，还有个问题是翻译件是拿盖章原件还是彩打就可以。

根据具体案例来看，首都机场好像宽松一些，大多时候提供彩色打印件就可以。

大兴机场在去年下半年收紧了政策，要求带翻译公司红章的翻译件和营业执照复印件。

政策随时变动，大家在动身出发前还是要核实下为好。

如果需要的是盖章的翻译件原件，但人又在国外，文件交接又是一个问题。一般情况下，着急用且更稳妥的方式是翻译后通过国际快递邮寄到海外，入境时随身携带。落地再拿的话，可以找个闪送送到机场，但是需要跟师傅沟通位置。实在不行，就得先拿翻译件，去车管所跑一趟了。

If you apply at Capital Airport (T3) or Daxing Airport, the key issue is the translation document.

• Capital Airport: often accepts a color print of the translation.
• Daxing Airport: usually requires a stamped translation plus a copy of the translation company’s business license.

Rules may change, so it’s best to check before you go.

If a stamped original is required and you’re still overseas, it’s safer to courier it to yourself in advance and carry it when entering China.

You can also arrange local delivery to the airport after landing, but you’ll need to coordinate carefully. If that’s not practical, you may need to collect the document first and then go to a vehicle administration office.