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Longer stays in China: schooling and driving licences

2026-11-10 Settlement Guide

If you stay longer, two questions come up sooner or later: schooling for children, and whether you can drive. Rules differ significantly by city, so this page explains where to ask and what to prepare rather than promising fixed timelines or document lists.

1. Schooling for children

  • Common options: public schools, private schools, schools for children of foreign personnel, and international divisions or programmes. Eligible schools and admission rules are published by local education authorities and the schools themselves.
  • Documents often requested (confirm with the school and local education authority): passports and visa / residence documents for the child and guardians, accommodation registration, proof of address, previous transcripts or enrolment letters, health checks and vaccination records.
  • Places, application windows and the academic calendar vary by city and school. Contact admissions and the local education authority at least one term in advance, and check curriculum continuity, language support and fees.

2. Driving

  • A foreign licence is not automatically equivalent to a Chinese driving licence. To drive in China you must complete the conversion or testing procedure required by the public security traffic administration authority.
  • Eligibility, tests, medical checks, certified translations, and validity periods follow the local vehicle administration office's official guidance and may differ by city.
  • Until the process is complete, use public transport, ride-hailing, taxis or a car with a driver. Never drive without a valid licence.

3. The quickest way to get an answer

Check the official guidance on the local education authority or traffic administration website, then call 12345 to confirm the office and document list. For questions about your residence status, call 12367. Ignore any agent promising "no test needed" or "no personal appearance".

General guidance only, not a commitment or agency service. Conditions, documents and timelines follow the latest local authority rules.

Official Source

https://www.gov.cn/

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All guides on this platform are based solely on official public information from the relevant Chinese authorities. We only organize and plainly restate it; we do not interpret, promise, or offer any agency service. Visa, residence and permanent-residence policies follow the latest official publications. Content about immigration / PR quotes official texts verbatim without exaggeration. We do not provide any unlawful or shortcut options. Report discrepancies via the footer "Contact / Report".

Verification Info

This guide was manually verified on 2026-11-10 (0 days ago). Based on official publications; always refer to the latest official source.

Official source: https://www.gov.cn/

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