I think you should be able to get a Zhong Guo license on a student visa (or other PR visa) as long as the visa is valid for at least one year. Last time I checked, they will not issue permenant driving licenses to tourista visas.

Not sure if having your father in Shanghai will help or not... probably not. Every part of China is like it's own little world in this regards. It also depends on who you happen to meet the day you apply for the card. Just like everything else... it's a dice roll!

CC