Job Discussion Forums

Mark Beckman · Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2004 3:21 pm Post subject: Driving a car

I am aware (well I've been told) that driving a car in China for a Westener generally isnt allowed, but to what degree ?

Is there a way around it, a permit of some desciption ect ....

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Bribery...the ancient art that is well and alive in most places will allow you to drive.

Guest · Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 6:04 pm Post subject:

I know quite a few foreigners who do drive here, but I think you need to have a death wish.

I read in the China Post that 68,000 people were killed on the roads here in the first 8 months of this year. 320,000 were injured.

You actually have enough trouble crossing the bl***dy road on foot. Pedestrian crossings are completely ignored by drivers, and the middle line on the road, plus the lights are generally ignored also.

I would not drive in China if you paid me.

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

It's legal! Well, a few years back it wasn't, but times are a-changing, mates! Although, I am not saying you should follow the latest fads...

Way too expensive. And even more dangerous!

If the cops have any doubts as to who hit whom first, it's always the laowai that is the guilty party!

And, by the way, there still are regions that are inaccessible for foreigners. If you get caught travelling there you might spend a few nights at the local guesthouse with iron bars on the window!

shenyanggerry · Joined: 02 Nov 2003 Posts: 619 Location: Canada

I wouldn't recommend driving in China. Taxi's are cheap, cars aren't. Also, I haven't been able to figure out the rules.

A third of a century of driving in Montreal did not prepare me for what I saw in China. Passing on two lane roads with oncoming traffic is routine. The car/truck being passed moves to the right, the approaching car/truck also pulls a bit to the side and you pass in the middle. It's insane!

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Sounds a lot like Mexico. I too cut my teeth driving in Montreal...thought there was no better proving ground than the Decarie. In Mexico City, one-way streets become two way streets, red lights are mere suggestions, and zebra crossings are a white-striped path of certain death.

Mark Beckman · Posted: Sat Dec 11, 2004 3:11 pm Post subject:

Thanks for your reply's people.

I might look into a motorbike and for what its worth I'm a motorcycle mechanic by trade and I still race motocross at 43 so I have heard all the comments about death wishes, donor cycles (thats what Nurses call them) ect.

Is there a license/permit reqired for these there ??