motorcycle and motor scooter Q & A (excluding electric scooters)

[CantDecide]

I found this page useful reading about how to get a license, although I haven't gone through the process, so I don't know if it is accurate. You will need a Temporary Residence Permit to get a license, and as far as I can tell, a TPR is only available on some types of visas:

http://www.howchinaworks.com/2008/12...ivers-license/

That page also has links to all of the questions that can be on the license test as well.

Here is a direct link to the Beijing Traffic Management Bureau's English page detailing licensing requirements (this link might be broken in the future, it looks volatile):

http://www.bjjtgl.gov.cn/publish/portal1/tab183/

Here is Wikipedia's page on the Rules of the Road in the PRC:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rules_o...ublic_of_China

Also, according to http://www.mychinamoto.com/forums/sh...w-member-in-BJ here are some rules about Beijing:

Foreigners only get A plates, don't know for what reason. Maybe it's because A plates go for 12000 - 15000 and B's for 800 and foreigners are considered rich
If you buy a small Chinese bike (200cc), usually the dealer registers it to a local on a B plate. You should ask for a letter stating you are allowed to use it, probably on the same sheet with a copy of your passport and one of the owners ID card. You can get insurance in your name.

A plated bikes are allowed within the 4th ring road, Bs are not. I have seen many B's inside 4th but not inside 3rd ring.

And lastly, here is a link to one person's experiences riding in China, in case you are trying to decide if it is for you:

http://www.teachabroadchina.com/ridi...cles-in-china/

I hope having all this information in one place is helpful to someone!