You already have a driver's license from your own home country and you want to be able to drive any car, including your own. You already have a driver's license from your home country and you just want to drive rental cars. Skip to the section that applies to you and read on. You're coming at this three ways depending on your own situation. Here's the full guide on how to get a Chinese driver's license. Nor can you drive with an International Driver's Permit (IDP). The first rule to know is this: Foreigners aren't allowed to drive in China using their home country driver's license. Renting a car, however, is a fun and affordable way to get out of the city for a weekend trip, and something relatively easy to do. For most people, owning a car is more something for long-term expats with money to spare. Driving a car in Shanghai has become a lot less absolutely terrifying in recent years, compared to, let's say, 10 years ago when traffic rules were kinda more just suggestions than actual regulations.
