Becoming road legal in Shanghai

[dewsnap]

Just a quick request for info regarding the legal use of scooters and small motorbikes in Shanghai. I'm from the UK, hold a UK driving license, but no motorbike license. Is it possible for me to take a motorbike test here in Shanghai? How do i find an English speaking instructor, and what's the testing process to become road legal in China, without already having a license from my home country?
I've been riding a 150cc scooter in Shanghai for over a year now, but as of last week i can no longer get petrol as my bike wasn't made in Shanghai.

I'm thinking it's about time i became legal and buy a 'real' bike. Please advise.

[Nuhaus]

This is ZMC88's post on the topic: http://www.mychinamoto.com/forums/sh...rcycle-License. A simple search on the board will provide you with many more. The central office in Shanghai for taking your written test has moved since the summer but all the other information should be good. You should be advised that getting a street legal bike in Shanghai is very expensive right now, with A plates moving north of 45000 RMB (last I heard was 50000). As for getting a motorcycle license with your standing UK auto license, you will have to pass a practical test (roadsigns, etc.) and a driving test here in Shanghai. Good luck!

[euphonius]

Here's another useful post, if I may be so bold.

welcome to the forum.

cheers

[dewsnap]

Nuhaus, euphonius. thanks. those posts are fantastic, they've certainly given me plenty to think about and plan for. I'm just happy to know that their are other likeminded expats in China who are willing to go through this difficult process, and share their experiences for the beefit of others. I've been looking for information for a while now, and i've learned more through you guys than i have in weeks of dialogue with the local authorties.

[dewsnap]

So i passed the theory examination last week. The English theory test is now only 50 questions. I scored 94% They told me i now have to wait 3 weeks for the instructor to contact me to start taking lessons on the bike. I'm astounded the bikes used to learn on are only scooters. No gears. Not the best preparation for life on 2 wheels.

Here is the bank of 800 questions for the motorbike theory exam. (kindly posted by another member) http://www.shjtaq.com/db_update/dzjc/more/English.rar

This is the weblink to take the practice theory exam. (this exam has 100 q's not 50) http://www.gstxc.cn/kaoshi/cn/beginexam.asp

Most of the traffic signs should be fairly familiar if you've taken the test in your home countries (altough there are a few characters to memorize) so i'd suggest focusing on the laws and regs and police signals.

Here are the questions i think i could've got wrong.

When there is no speed limit sign or marking, the maximum speed for motorized vehicles on an urban road without the central dividing line is ________.
A. 30km
B. 40km
C. 50km
D. 70km
Answer: A

After a motorized vehicle driver has accumulated 12 penalty points within one scoring cycle and has received education, the vehicle management station should ______ within 20 days.
A. Conduct subject 1 test for him
B. Impose a fine and revoke his driving license
C. Conduct subject 2 test
D. Conduct subject 3 test
Answer: A

1.1.1.5 If _______, a motorized vehicle does not need the relevant registration.

A. The ownership has changed
B. It is used as a mortgage
C. It is under overhaul
D. It has been written off
Answer: C

[euphonius]

Congrats, Dewsnap. You'll be on the road in no time now!

Thanks also for posting these questions, which, if nothing else, give future test takers some sense of how they won't be able to rely on LOGIC or their previous experience in other countries for passing this exam. Driving in China has its own unique (il)logic.

cheers!

[dewsnap]

Excellent. Thanks for that. After scrolling through these threads i've found a wealth of info. I've also found a usefull link regarding getting a motorbike license in Shanghai from scratch. I don't know how correct the info is but itseems pretty valid to me. Check it out.
http://www.computersolutions.cn/blog...-from-scratch/
I'm heading out to a testing centre in Xinzhuang (all the way out on Metro Line 1) where apparantly they have English speaking instructors. I've been told i need to bring my passport, residents permit, housing contract, and work contract, and i'll also need to have a medical check to complete my application. The whole process for an E license (which enables me to drive anything on 2 wheels) should cost around 750rmb, which seems fairly inexpensive. I'll be sure to let you guys know how it all went. Wish me luck.