Driver License

Obtaining a driver's license in Taiwan is a straightforward process, whether you are a local or foreign resident. The latest information can be found on the official website:

Using an International Driving Permit (IDP)

International Driving Permits (IDPs) in Taiwan follow the principles of equality and reciprocity, meaning Taiwan recognizes foreign driving privileges in the same way other countries recognize Taiwanese driving permits. Visitors staying for 30 days or less can drive without registering their IDP. Those staying longer than 30 days must register their IDP at the Motor Vehicle Offices.

The registration is valid for up to one year, based on the expiration dates of the applicant's resident certificate, entry visa, and international driver's license. Registration is intended for short-term stays of one to six months. If you plan to stay longer than six months, you must obtain a Taiwanese driver's license, which is standard international practice. You can check Taiwan's IDP reciprocity status with your home country here:

Required Documents

• One of the following documents:
  • For nationals, your original ID card and passport.
  • For foreigners, your original Alien Resident Card (ARC) and original passport.
• Your original foreign driver's license.
• Your original international driving permit (IDP). Note that applications will not be accepted if the IDP has expired.
• One recent ID photo (3cm x 2.5cm) showing your face from the front without a hat. The photo must have been taken within the past two years.
• An application fee of NT$150.

Converting Your Foreign Driver License

If you have a valid foreign or international driver's license, you may be eligible to transfer or convert it to a Taiwanese driver's license. The process depends on the type of license and your country of origin.

Eligibility Requirements

• Your license must be valid and issued by a country that has a reciprocal agreement with Taiwan.
• For a foreign driver's license, you must have held it for at least 2 years and provide proof of its validity along with evidence of your residency status (e.g., ARC).
• For an international driver's license, ensure it remains valid during the transfer process.

Steps to Transfer or Convert

1. Gather Required Documents:Your original driver's license (foreign or international), passport, and proof of residency (e.g., Alien Resident Certificate, ARC).
2. Visit the Local Motor Vehicle Office:Submit the documents. For international licenses, you may skip the written test if your country has a reciprocal agreement with Taiwan.
3. Complete the Required Tests:A simple vision test is typically required. Some foreign license holders may also need to take a basic written exam.
4. Pay the Fee:A nominal fee is required to process your application.
5. Receive Your Taiwanese Driver’s License:If all requirements are met, you will be issued a Taiwanese driver’s license.

Useful Phrase

How do I transfer my international license? (我該如何轉換國際駕照? Wǒ gāi rúhé zhuǎnhuàn guójì jiàzhào?)

If your license does not qualify for direct transfer or conversion, you may need to follow the full licensing procedure, including a written test, driving test, and additional fees.

Getting your Taiwan Driver License

Eligibility Criteria

To get a driver's license in Taiwan, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a valid residency status or a tourist visa (if applying as a foreigner).
• Pass the physical and vision tests.

Useful Phrase: Am I eligible to apply? (我可以申請嗎? Wǒ kě yǐ shēn qǐng ma?)

Required Documents

Gather the necessary documents before heading to the licensing office:

• Your passport or national ID card (for foreigners, a valid ARC - Alien Resident Certificate - is required).
• Two passport-sized photos.
• Proof of residency or legal status in Taiwan.
• A medical certificate, including a vision test (available at most local hospitals or clinics).

Important Note: Make sure that all documents are up to date, especially the medical certificate.

Application Process

Follow these steps to apply for a driver's license:

1. Visit the nearest Department of Motor Vehicles (交通部運輸署, Jiāo Tōng Bù Yùn Shū Shǔ) office.
2. Fill out the application form (申請表格, Shēn Qǐng Biǎo Gé) provided at the counter.
3. Submit your documents, including proof of identity and residency.
4. Pay the application fee (費用, Fèi Yòng).

Tip: Some offices allow online booking for appointments to avoid long waiting times.

The Written Test

After submitting your application, you will need to pass a written exam. The test is in Mandarin, but you can request an English version in some locations.

The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and basic driving knowledge. Here's how to prepare:

• Study the official driver's handbook, available at the licensing office or online.
• Take online practice tests to familiarize yourself with the format.
• Focus on road signs (標誌, Biāo Zhì), traffic laws (交通規則, Jiāo Tōng Guī Zé), and rules of the road.

Important Phrase: How do I take the test? (我怎麼參加考試? Wǒ zěn me cān jiā kǎo shì?)

The Practical Driving Test

If you pass the written exam, you will be scheduled for a practical driving test. This will involve a road test where you demonstrate your ability to drive safely under various conditions. The test includes:

• Driving in a controlled area to test basic skills such as parking and maneuvering.
• A road driving portion to assess your ability to follow traffic rules and handle real-world driving situations.

Tip: Practice driving with a licensed instructor to increase your chances of passing the test.

Issuance of License

If you successfully pass both the written and practical tests, your driver's license will be issued. You can either pick it up at the licensing office or have it mailed to you. The standard license is valid for 6 years, and you can renew it as needed.

Driver License Types

In all, there are 15 different license types in Taiwan. Types 9, 10 were integrated into other categories, while type 13 is no longer reconized due to the ceding of deplomatic relations to the PRC.