Can I drive in China with a UK licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
An IDP alone is not enough: you need a local licence or permit. GOV.UK says: “You must have a Chinese driving licence and valid insurance to drive in China.” (FCDO travel advice for China, GOV.UK, checked on 28 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
FCDO travel advice for China: “Transport risks”
You must have a Chinese driving licence and valid insurance to drive in China. There are harsh penalties for driving without these, including fines and detention.
Source: FCDO travel advice: China travel advice, page updated 27 August 2026, checked on 28 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
GOV.UK says:
You can get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint.
An IDP costs £5.50.
A 1926 or 1949 permit lasts for 12 months. A 1968 permit lasts for 3 years or until your UK driving licence expires, whichever comes first.
You must always have your driving licence with you, as well as your IDP.
Source: GOV.UK, Get an international driving permit (IDP) and Check if you need an IDP, checked on 28 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 a UK 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian licence | Local permit needed | 28 October 2026 |
| Australian licence | Local permit needed | 17 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 a UK photocard driving licence?
An IDP alone is not enough: you need a local licence or permit. GOV.UK says: “You must have a Chinese driving licence and valid insurance to drive in China.” (FCDO travel advice for China, GOV.UK, checked on 28 October 2026).
Where do I get an international driving permit in the UK?
GOV.UK says: “You can get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint.” “An IDP costs £5.50.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of GOV.UK, read on 28 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
Spotted a change? Tell us. Every country for a UK licence · Driving abroad: all licences.