January 2013 - Getting a Chinese driving licence

[euphonius]

Dear Modron,

Why not propose that you take the new exam in Chinese, but because it's available only in Chinese you'll need a translator with you. This sounds unlikely, but it was standard procedure for many years when the test was only available in Chinese. It's worth a shot.

That said, from what we've heard from various testing centers around China, they are scrambling to resume provision of exams in English and other languages. I'm sure that many centers are feeling acute demand from expats who want and need drivers licenses or, worse yet, expats like you who are being treated very unfairly.

That said, you might go in once again and make your case that they should issue you your license on the basis of the test that you passed. You didn't break any rules, you took it in December (before the new exam was rolled out), and you passed. Ask for a supervisor, and be sympathetic to their situation (not much they can do but wait for English exams), then ask them to be sympathetic to yours. It just might work.

Oh, and, the payoff for you will be enormous, given your proximity to some of the best motorcycling in eastern China there in Zhejiang (you are in Taizhou, right?). The YBR250 will be a brilliant choice for carving through those mountains. Check out the ride posts from Bikerdoc, Felix ("Zhejiang is the shit") and others.

Keep us posted!