Driving license in China

Yeah!

I passed the theoretical driving test that was required to transfer my driving license to a Chinese one. 100 points out of 100. Completed test in 26 minutes of maximum 45 minutes.

Some things were a bit tricky, for example the penalty point system and the different fine levels, as well as some of the signs. Overall, most questions are actually quite entertaining.

Let me share some of my favourites. The first one is related to "Driving with civility and profession ethics".

1) What should a driver do when he needs to spit while driving?
A. spit through the window
B. spit into a piece of waste paper, then put it into a garbage can
C. spit on the floor of the vehicle

Correct answer: B

The second one is in the category of "Laws, rules and regulations on road traffic safety".

2) All vehicle drivers, pedestrians, passengers and other people related to road traffic:
A. must obey "The Law of the P.R.C. on Road Traffic Safety."
B. can sometimes disobey "The Law of the P.R.C on Road Traffic Safety."
C. need not obey "The Law of the P.R.C on Road Traffic Safety.", only vehicle drivers must obey.

Correct answer: A

Finally, one example from the chapter about "Related Knowledge on safe driving".

3) Can the driver be barefooted or shirtless while driving?
A. no, he can't
B. at night, he can
C. when its vehicle is running on highway he can

Correct answer: A

Ok, this was the theoretical test. In reality, traffic rules look very different. Close to no driver follows the rules. That is particulary clear for rules about when to blow horn, wait in line, use lights and pass other vehicles.

In a typical situation at a crossing, if one vehicle is waiting for a green light to make e.g. a right turn. Then the vehicle behind will blow horn several times when it approaches the car that has stopped and then pass on either the inside or outside of that car... Against the rules, of course!

All the best,
-- Olof