第十三课 考驾照 Lesson Thirteen: How to Get a Driver’s License(1)

For most foreigners living in China, their time here is a refreshment and break from the responsibilities that come with driving a car back home. But if you wanna stay here for a long time, then getting a Chinese driver’s license is indeed a wise investment. In order to have the opportunity to enjoy driving around the streets and highways of China, you need a Chinese driver’s license in order to do so, because it’s illegal to operate a car here without one. Possibly, you never know when having a Chinese driver’s license may come in handy. So, before we get start, the first thing we need to do is to go to the driving bureau located in the southeast in Beijing. So let’s go!

(Inside driving bureau)

Lance: The first thing you need to do is to go to the driving bureau in order to pick up the paperwork information that is required to get your driver’s license. They will give you all the information, and tell you which document you need. Of course, you need to bring them back. That’s when you register for the test.

Lance: 您好，我要考驾照。
Policewoman: 您需要准备这些材料。

GRAPHIC FLASH: 我要考驾照。驾照driver’s license, 考to take an exam, 要 want to, 我I, 我要考驾照。I would like to get my driver’s license.

Lance: The materials you need are,
 
1. A passport photo with a white background
2. Ear and eye test results
3. Paperwork showing you’ve registered with your local police department
4. Passport with Chinese visa info on it
5. A minimum of a Class C driver’s license from your home country

Lance: Before you come to the driving bureau, you need to have a Chinese name. They’ll ask you what your Chinese name is, and when you’re given a driver’s license, they’ll actually put your Chinese name on the license. Now let’s find out how much it costs to take the exam.

Lance: 您好。
Policewoman: 您好。
Lance: 请问报名费多少钱？ 
Policewoman: 报名费五十块。如果第一次不过的话，补考免费。
Lance: 谢谢。
Policewoman: 不客气。