China driving license 21x26 mm Application Timeline for CN - Plan Your Application

Requirements

• Eligibility: Applicant must be a Chinese national aged 18–70 holding a valid PRC resident ID card
• Residency proof: Submit original and photocopy of your household registration booklet (hukou) or temporary residence permit
• Medical examination: Obtain a physical fitness certificate from a designated driving-school hospital checking vision, hearing, limb function and cardiovascular health
• Training certificate: Complete mandatory theory and practical training at a qualified driving school and secure a school-issued training completion form
• Photo requirements (21×26 mm): Provide two recent color photos on white background, matte finish, head height 20–24 mm, no hats or glasses tint
• Written examination: Pass the national traffic safety laws and regulations theory test (100 multiple-choice questions, 90-minute limit, 90 points or above to pass)
• Practical driving test: Pass the Field Driving Skill Test (standardized obstacle course) and On-Road Driving Test under C1 license guidelines
• Fee payment: Pay exam fees (~200 CNY for theory + practical) and license issuance fee (~100 CNY) at the traffic management bureau or designated bank
• Application timeline: Submit documents → receive exam slot within 1–3 working days → complete theory and practical tests within 30 days → license delivered within 3 working days after passing all tests

Step-by-Step Process

Content about China driving license 21x26 mm Application Timeline for CN - process

Tips and Best Practices

• Perfect Photo Compliance: ensure your headshot is exactly 21×26 mm with a plain white background, neutral expression and proper lighting to avoid instant rejection and retest delays
• Early Online Booking: reserve your driving‐license slot at least 10 working days in advance to dodge peak‐period backlogs and guarantee timely document acceptance
• Full Document Assembly: compile your ID, valid residence permit, health check certificate and completed application form beforehand to prevent last‐minute site visits and timeline extensions
• Avoid Seasonal Bottlenecks: steer clear of Chinese national holidays, month‐end surges and semester start dates because traffic management bureaus often slow processing during these peaks
• Proactive Status Tracking: check the Traffic Management Bureau’s online portal every 2–3 working days and immediately address any “missing information” alerts to keep your application on schedule

Conclusion

Conclusion:

Completing a China driving-license application with the required 21 × 26 mm photo generally follows a concise, predictable timeline:

• Photo preparation: obtain a 21 × 26 mm, front-facing color photo on white background before booking any appointments
• Day 1 – Submission & medical: present ID, residence permit, application form and photo; pass the mandated vision and health check
• Day 1 – Theory exam: sit for the written test once medical clearance is confirmed
• Day 2 – Practical exam & issuance: complete the driving skills test; successful candidates receive their license the same day or within 5 business days if additional processing is needed
• Foreign applicants: allow an extra 3–5 business days for document verification by public security authorities

Key tips: book your test slots early, double-check that your photo meets the 21 × 26 mm specification, and have all original documents on hand to avoid delays.