The Diaries

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July 8, 2009

Chinese Driver's License 101

Posted by Kelly

They say that teachers have eyes in the back of their head. And I honestly believe this! When a teacher has their back to the class and is writing on the board, it’s amazing that they still know you are trying to pass a note to a friend. (Not like I’ve ever done this, I’m just assuming.)

My mom is a fifth and six grade teacher. I figured having taught many years, she would have a keen sense of “eyes in the back of her head,” while visiting in China. However, I also learned that when teachers go on summer break, their special skills take a vacation also.
[Side note: In China, the traffic is crazy. I think I’ve heard someone say that the rule of driving in China is there are no rules (much like the movie, “Fight Club”). Knowing this, when you are walking on the sidewalk, it is imperative that you keep your eyes and ears open. Especially around the shopping centers, it’s always good to look ahead for a few steps and then check behind you for cars. And crossing the street, that’s a whole diary entry!]
As I was saying, I thought my mom would be prepared for this. Nope! I was consistently locking arms with her to pull her to the side of the walk area to ensure we didn’t get flattened by the oncoming sidewalk vehicles. Where were her “teacher-senses” when we needed them?

At my company, we often help foreigners with different services such as Visas, residency permits, employment permits, and driver’s licenses. Whenever I meet a foreigner who wants to receive their driver’s license here in China, I marvel at their bravery. I wonder if I lived in China for a longer period of time, if I’d ever be brave enough to get behind the wheel?

However, if I did go off the deep end and decide I want to drive in China, it’s actually an easy process with the help of a professional company like DDA FESCO. Since I am already licensed to drive a vehicle in the US (as my dad reminds me, they do let ANYONE drive in America!), there are only a few steps and some paperwork until I could be honking instead of using a turn signal and driving on sidewalks. First there’s a physical examination. Basically you have to go around at a hospital stations with a piece of paper to get the “OK” at each station. Height, weight, eye test, a look-over, and ta-da! You’re done! Next it’s picture time where you need to get a few mug shots. Then you pass along your regular driver’s license, passport, physical examination form, and pictures to the professional staff. The team handles the paperwork, translates documents, and gets things in order with the government. Next, the theory test. Taking a driver’s test completely in Chinese characters is a little intimidating. Never fear, one of the employees is there to guide you through the exam. A few days later, you are behind the wheel darting in and out of traffic like there’s no tomorrow.

Businesses have tried to copy what DDA Fesco has achieved, but never does well. When I asked a coworker what makes our company so successful her answer was simple, “Professionalism and strong relationships.”