Can I drive in China with an Australian licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
An IDP alone is not enough: you need a local licence or permit. Smartraveller says: “Foreign driver's licences and International Driving Permits (IDP) aren't valid in mainland China.” (Smartraveller advice for China, checked on 17 October 2026).
Rules change, and car hire companies can ask for more than the law. We quote the official travel advice word for word, with its date; this is information, not legal advice. If you are unsure, ask the embassy of the country you are visiting, your car hire company or your travel insurer before you travel.
What the official source says
Smartraveller advice for China: “Local travel” › “Driving permit”
You must hold a valid Chinese driver's licence or a temporary driving permit to drive.
Foreign driver's licences and International Driving Permits (IDP) aren't valid in mainland China.
You can apply for a Chinese driver's licence or a temporary driving permit at a local Vehicle Management Office or service centre. Call 12123 from within China for more information (Chinese language only).
If you're hiring a car, check driving licence requirements with your car hire company. Age and health restrictions apply and vary depending on the class of driver's licence.
Source: Smartraveller: China, page updated 28 September 2026, “still current at” 17 October 2026 (Australian time), checked on 17 October 2026. Quoted word for word; we show only the sentences about driving licences and permits.
What to bring and where to get an IDP
Smartraveller says (in its advice for Vietnam):
Fraudulent websites may claim to issue valid IDPs.
The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders.
Source: Smartraveller: Vietnam, checked on 17 October 2026.
Hire a car in China
Local permit needed in China: the official advice quoted above says an IDP alone is not enough with an Australian licence, and that you need a local licence or permit. Check the licence and IDP rules above before you book: the rental desk can refuse your booking without the right permit.
Hiring a car in China? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars.
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Other licences in China
| Licence | In China | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| UK licence | Local permit needed | 28 October 2026 |
| Canadian licence | Local permit needed | 28 October 2026 |
Before you travel to China
- British passport: China entry requirements
- Canadian passport: China
- Australian passport: China
- Italian citizens: Cina
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for China with an Australian driver's licence?
An IDP alone is not enough: you need a local licence or permit. Smartraveller says: “Foreign driver's licences and International Driving Permits (IDP) aren't valid in mainland China.” (Smartraveller advice for China, checked on 17 October 2026).
Where do I get an international driving permit in Australia?
Smartraveller says: “The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of Smartraveller, read on 17 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
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