Hello from China

**Lao Jia Hou** · 09-08-2012, 01:40 PM

@ChinaV - totally agree. Many agents' are completely legit, and help people get around the very confusing and convoluted "system." Further, there have been several cases reported (in Beijing) where a foreigner with a legit overseas license is told (by the Traffic Police) "nope, looks fake to me" and brushed aside. Grounds for appeal? Yeah, right, TIC. Back of the line, buddy, and try again another day.

Also, to get the MC license in an "easy" city like Beijing, there are weird rules. For example, to get a new MC endorsement, you have to take the one week set of all-day classes (Monday to Friday) - not many professionals can book off a week. And the "classes" are a complete waste of time - I know from my own staff who have taken them, and I went down to watch. Further, if you have a C1 license, you have to wait a minimum of one year before any "upgrade" can be done (i.e., adding the "E"). Using an agent in Beijing to get you through the bureaucratic mess currently costs 1,100 rmb at FESCO (a government-owned agency that is designed to help foreign expats settle in Beijing). Other agents are charging about 1,300 rmb, but provide additional "extras."

Every case is different, and it is possible to do it all on your own, but a little North of a grand (rmb) for a 6 year license, with minimal headaches and wasted time, seems to be quite acceptable. Yup, nothing at all wrong with using agents, IMHO.

**Gregsw** · 09-12-2012, 02:08 PM

I ran into two guys from Russia today on big bikes.
I asked them about getting a moto lic, in Wuhan, they both laughed and said now way they will not give one to a foreigner.
So, I asked what do you guys do if they stop you? They replied don't stop!
I don't want to have to ride this way.....

**euphonius** · 09-13-2012, 10:22 AM

Dear Greg,

Did you go to the Wuhan Vehicle Management Bureau and ask? If they say that licenses are not available to any Wuhan resident, ask them to help you find a jurisdiction -- perhaps a suburb where bikes are still legal -- that will grant you a license. If that doesn't work, PM me and I'll ask my cop friends here what can be done.

cheers

**Gregsw** · 09-14-2012, 09:07 AM

Originally Posted by euphonius

Dear Greg,

Did you go to the Wuhan Vehicle Management Bureau and ask? If they say that licenses are not available to any Wuhan resident, ask them to help you find a jurisdiction -- perhaps a suburb where bikes are still legal -- that will grant you a license. If that doesn't work, PM me and I'll ask my cop friends here what can be done.

cheers

Euphonius,

No, I haven't gone to the Wuhan Vehicle Management Bureau yet.
I will go in the next week or so and see what the deal is.
I really appreciate all your guys help.
If I have a problem I will let you know.

Thanks so much!

Greg

**Graham** · 09-14-2012, 12:07 PM

Originally Posted by Lao Jia Hou

Wow! THAT is incredible! I've never heard of that before, and can't help wondering if it is the same in other primitive, regressive cities.

What about the "D" category? In Beijing, most are held by so-called "retired" or "handicapped" individuals who zip around on the 3-wheeled "things." "D" includes the "E" category.

.
.
Shenzen = no motorbikes and no electric bikes, absolutely amazing to see NO bikes at all.
Coming from Weifang, where every one has a bike, be it electric or petrol (gas).
And even then, I would guess 40% of the petrol motorbikes have no licence plate at all.

Gra.

**Astroboy66** · 09-22-2012, 10:16 AM

Hey Gregsw

Im in Wuhan I have a Qianjiang 150-19C plated and legal even tho bikes plates are not available in Wuhan you can get. Hubei plate

Need help I can share with you.

If you wanna mee up le know know Wuhan needs more bikers ;-)

Bob

**euphonius** · 09-22-2012, 10:33 AM

Originally Posted by Astroboy66

If you wanna mee up le know know Wuhan needs more bikers ;-)

Bob

Dear Bob,

Here's some extra Ts since it seems your computer is having trouble producing them!

t t t t t t t t t t t t t

T T T T T T T T T T

cheers!

**Astroboy66** · 09-22-2012, 10:46 AM

Hahaha

Yeah I dunno is my iPad has his rouble I can never seem o find he bloody ( ) key ;-)