The Ultimate 7-Step Guide to Getting Your Driver’s License in Taiwan as a Foreigner
Navigating a new country’s rules and regulations can feel overwhelming. Getting a driver’s license often seems like a complex challenge. This guide is designed to be the only resource you will need. It will walk you through every step of the process in clear detail. We will make this journey simple and straightforward for you. In Taiwan, there are two main paths to getting a license. You can either convert your existing foreign license. Or you can take the local Taiwanese driving test from scratch. This guide covers both options completely. At Shin Yong Driving School, we specialize in helping foreigners get on the road.
We are your expert partners in this process. Let’s begin your journey to driving legally and confidently in Taiwan.
Step 1: The International Driving Permit (IDP)
Your first question is likely about driving immediately upon arrival. The good news is that you may be able to drive right away. For your first 30 days in Taiwan, you can drive using a valid International Driving Permit (IDP).
This permit must be from your home country. It is only valid if your country has a reciprocal agreement with Taiwan.
The IDP serves as a translation and validation of your home license. It is not a standalone license. You must carry both your IDP and your original driver’s license at all times.
After your first 30 days, your IDP is no longer valid on its own.
You must visit a local Motor Vehicles Office (MVO) to get it validated for a longer stay. This process is often called applying for an IDP “extension” or “visa”.
You will need to present your IDP, original license, passport, and Alien Resident Certificate (ARC). The MVO will then grant a permit that extends your driving privileges. This extension is typically valid for up to one year. However, its validity cannot exceed the expiration date of your ARC or your original license.
It is crucial to understand that the IDP is a temporary solution. It is a bridge that gives you time to secure a permanent Taiwanese license. It is not a long-term answer for residents. Use this initial period to start one of the two paths outlined in the next steps.
Step 2: Should You Convert Your License or Take the Test?
You have reached the most important decision point in your journey. Your next steps depend entirely on where your current driver’s license was issued. The ability to exchange a foreign license for a Taiwanese one is based on a single principle: reciprocity.
This means Taiwan will exchange your license if your home country does the same for Taiwanese licenses. If a reciprocal agreement exists, you can bypass the written and practical tests. This is the fastest and easiest path to getting a Taiwanese license. If no such agreement exists, you must take the full Taiwanese driver’s license exam.
Finding out if your license is eligible is your first task. The Taiwanese government maintains an official list of all reciprocal agreements. These agreements are not always at a national level. For countries like the United States, reciprocity is determined state by state.
A license from Georgia or Wisconsin might be convertible, while one from another state may not be.
Therefore, you must check for your specific state or province. The official list is managed by Taiwan’s Directorate General of Highways (DGH). You should check this list before proceeding with any other steps. It will tell you definitively which path you need to follow.
To check the official list, please visit the Directorate General of Highways website. This external link will take you to the page with the (https://www.thb.gov.tw/en/News.aspx?n=878&sms=12831).
Find your country, and if applicable, your state or province. If you find it on the list, you can proceed to Step 3. If your license is not on the list, you must take the test, so you should skip to Step 4.
Step 3: A Step-by-Step Guide to Exchanging Your Foreign License
If your license is from a reciprocal country, congratulations. You have chosen the simpler path. However, this process still requires careful attention to detail. The most critical part is getting your documents properly authenticated. Taiwanese authorities will not accept your foreign license at face value. It must go through a formal verification process to prove it is genuine.
Document Authentication – The Most Critical Hurdle
Authentication is a formal process that certifies the seals and signatures on a document. It is required because Taiwan is not a signatory to the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention.
This means a standard “apostille” is not sufficient. You must follow a specific authentication procedure. There are two ways to get your foreign driver’s license authenticated.
The first method is overseas authentication. You must send your license to a Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in the country where it was issued.
For example, a license from California must be authenticated by the TECRO office that serves that jurisdiction in the United States. This process can take several weeks, so you should plan accordingly.
The second method is in-Taiwan authentication. This option is only available if your home country has an embassy or representative office in Taiwan. First, you take your license to your country’s office in Taiwan to be notarized.
Then, you take that notarized document to Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) for a final authentication.
This two-step process can often be faster than sending documents abroad.
Additionally, if your license is not in English, you must provide a certified Chinese translation. This translation must also be authenticated through one of the two processes described above.
Assembling Your Application Packet
Once your license is authenticated, you can gather the rest of your documents. Having a complete and correct packet will ensure a smooth process at the MVO. Here is a checklist of everything you will need:
- Your original, authenticated foreign driver’s license.
- The authenticated Chinese translation, if required.
- Your original passport and a photocopy.
- Your original Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) with at least six months of validity, plus a photocopy.
- A health certificate from an approved public hospital or clinic, valid for one year.
- Two recent, one-inch passport-style photos with a front view and no hat.
- A completed driver’s license application form, which is available at the MVO.
The Final Steps at the Motor Vehicles Office (MVO)
With your complete application packet in hand, you are ready to visit the MVO. Go to the driver’s license service window. Submit all your documents for inspection. The clerk will verify that everything is in order. You will then need to pay the application fee. The fee for issuing the license is NT$200.
After payment, your new Taiwanese driver’s license will be printed and issued to you on the spot. This license will allow you to drive the same class of vehicle as your original license.
Step 4: Acing the Taiwanese Driver’s Exam
If your license cannot be converted, you must earn a Taiwanese license by passing the local exams. This path requires more preparation but is very achievable. Many foreigners successfully pass the test every year. This section will guide you through the entire process, from the first step to the final test.
Eligibility and Getting Started
Before you can apply for the test, you must meet a few basic requirements. You must be at least 18 years old.
You must also hold a valid Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) with at least six months of remaining validity.
Your first official step is to get a mandatory health and physical examination. This must be done at a hospital or clinic designated by the MVO.
The health check is a straightforward process. It confirms that you are medically fit to drive safely. The examination includes tests for vision, color vision, hearing, and basic physical mobility.
For vision, your corrected sight in both eyes must be 0.8 or better.
You must also be able to distinguish red, yellow, and green colors.
The health check certificate is valid for one year, giving you plenty of time to complete the testing process.
The health check has very specific standards. To ensure you’re prepared, review our detailed guide on (https://www.sydriving.com.tw/health/).
Mastering the Written Test
After your health check, the next step is the written knowledge test. This is a computer-based exam administered at the MVO. The test for a car license consists of 40 questions.
The test for a motorcycle license has 50 questions.
To pass either test, you must achieve a score of 85% or higher.
The exam is available in multiple languages, including English, so you do not need to read Chinese.
The key to passing is preparation. The Taiwanese government provides the entire question bank online for you to study. There are also official online mock test simulators that use the exact same format as the real exam.
Using these resources is the most effective way to prepare. A word of caution is necessary here. Many test-takers report that the English translations of some questions can be awkward or confusing.
Trying to use pure logic might lead you to the wrong answer. The best strategy is to study the official question bank and memorize the correct answers. This will help you avoid being tripped up by strange wording on test day.
Why Professional Training is Your Best Bet for the Practical Test
The final challenge is the practical driving test. This test is not like the road tests in many Western countries. It follows a very specific and rigid sequence of maneuvers on a closed course.
Success depends on precise execution, not just general driving ability. This is where professional training becomes invaluable. Enrolling in a driving school like Shin Yong gives you a significant advantage. You can practice on an exact replica of the official MVO test course.
Our English-speaking instructors know precisely what the examiners look for in every maneuver.
They will teach you the specific techniques and reference points needed to pass each part of the test. This removes the guesswork and builds the confidence needed for success. Don’t leave it to chance. Our English-speaking instructors specialize in the official test course. Learn more about our car driving courses.
Step 5: Cars and Motorcycles
The practical test is the final barrier to getting your license. It is divided into a closed-course section and, for cars, a short on-road section. The requirements for cars and motorcycles are different. This section breaks down what to expect for each.
The Car Driving Test – A Test of Precision
The car test begins before you even start the engine. You must perform a mandatory pre-drive safety check.
This involves walking around the car, checking the tires, and looking underneath for any hazards. Once inside, you must point to the various dashboard gauges and confirm they are normal.
Failure to perform this ritual correctly results in an immediate point deduction.
The closed-course portion tests your ability to handle the car in tight spaces. The key maneuvers include:
- Parallel Parking: Parking the car in a space parallel to the curb.
- Garage Parking: Reversing the car into a perpendicular parking space.
- Hill Start: Stopping on an incline and starting again without rolling backward more than 15 centimeters.
- S-Curve: This is often the most challenging part. You must drive forward through a narrow, winding S-shaped lane, and then reverse back through it without touching the sensor lines.
After completing the closed course, you will proceed to a short on-road test. This part assesses your real-world driving skills. You will be graded on changing lanes correctly, using turn signals, obeying traffic lights, and yielding to pedestrians.
Finally, be aware that Taiwan issues separate licenses for automatic and manual transmission cars. If you take the test in an automatic car, your license will only permit you to drive automatic vehicles.
To drive a manual car, you must pass the test in one.
The Motorcycle Test – A Test of Balance and Control
Taiwan has several classes of motorcycle licenses.
- Light Motorcycle: For scooters under 50cc. This often requires only a written test if you already hold a car license.
- Ordinary Heavy Motorcycle: For motorcycles and scooters from 50cc to 249cc. This is the most common license and requires a full practical test.
- Large Heavy Motorcycle: For motorcycles 250cc and above. This has special requirements.
The practical test for the Ordinary Heavy Motorcycle license is a test of low-speed control. The most failed maneuver is the first one: the slow straight line.
You must ride along a narrow track for 15 meters. It must take you at least seven seconds to complete. Putting a foot down or touching the line results in a point deduction.
This tests your balance and throttle control. Other parts of the test include stopping correctly for traffic lights, railroad crossings, and pedestrian crosswalks.
To get a license for a Large Heavy Motorcycle (over 250cc), the requirements are stricter. You must have held an Ordinary Heavy Motorcycle license for at least one year.
You must also complete a mandatory 43-hour training course at a government-registered driving school.
Only after completing this training are you eligible to take the test for the large bike license. From mastering the 7-second straight line to learning road safety, our motorcycle training course prepares you for success.
| Maneuver | Description | Points Deducted for Error | Pro Tip from Shin Yong Driving School |
| S-Curve (Car) | Driving forward and then reversing through a narrow, winding lane without touching the sensor lines. | 16-32 points | Focus on small, precise steering adjustments. Use your side mirrors to watch the rear wheels and the lines. |
| Parallel Parking (Car) | Parking the vehicle in a space parallel to the curb within the marked lines. | 16 points | Learn the specific reference points for when to turn the wheel. Practice until it becomes muscle memory. |
| Hill Start (Car) | Stopping on an incline and starting again without rolling backward significantly. | 16 points | Use the handbrake to hold the car. Gently apply throttle as you slowly release the clutch or handbrake. |
| 7-Second Straight Line (Motorcycle) | Riding slowly in a straight line for 15 meters in no less than 7 seconds. | 32 points | Keep your head up and look toward the end of the track, not down at the front wheel. Use the rear brake lightly for stability. |
Step 6: You’ve Passed! What Happens Next?
You have successfully passed both the written and practical exams. The hard part is over. The final steps are simple and quick. Immediately after passing your practical test, you will return to the MVO service counter. You will need to pay the final fee for the license card itself. This fee is NT$200.
Once you have paid, the staff will print your new Taiwanese driver’s license. You will receive your physical license card right there on the spot. You can legally drive away from the MVO with your new license in hand.
There is one very important detail to remember about your new license. Its validity period is directly tied to the expiration date of your Alien Resident Certificate (ARC).
When your ARC expires and you renew it, your driver’s license also technically expires. You must return to the MVO with your new ARC to have your driver’s license renewed. This is a crucial administrative step to remember to remain a legal driver in Taiwan. Welcome to the road. As a final tip, remember that turning right on a red light is illegal in Taiwan unless a specific sign permits it.
Step 7: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Expert Q&A
Even with a detailed guide, you may still have some specific questions. This section provides quick answers to common queries and expert advice from our instructors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost in total to get a license by taking the test?
The total cost for the government fees is quite low. It includes the health check (around NT150−300),thetestregistrationfee(NT250-450), and the license card fee (NT$200). This does not include the cost of driving school tuition.
Can I take the written test in English?
Yes. The computerized written test is available in English and several other languages, making it accessible for most foreigners.
How long is the health check certificate valid for?
Your health check certificate is valid for one year from the date of issue. You must pass both your written and practical tests within this one-year period.
What happens if I fail the written or practical test?
If you fail either test, you are allowed to retake it. However, you must wait at least seven days before you can schedule a re-test.
Do I need a learner’s permit for a car?
Yes. If you are starting from scratch without a foreign license, you must first obtain a learner’s permit. You must hold this permit for at least three months before you are eligible to take the practical driving test.
Can I ride a light scooter (under 50cc) with my Taiwanese car license?
Yes. A standard Taiwanese car driver’s license legally allows you to operate a light motorcycle with an engine displacement under 50cc.
Q&A with Driving School
Q: What is the single hardest part of the practical test for most foreigners?
A: For the car test, it is almost always the S-curve in reverse. It is a maneuver that is not taught or tested in most other countries, and it requires a high degree of precision. For the motorcycle test, the 7-second slow straight line is the biggest challenge. It tests balance and control at a very low speed, which can be counter-intuitive for experienced riders.
Q: Is it better to use my own vehicle for the test or one from a driving school?
A: We strongly recommend using a driving school vehicle. Our cars and motorcycles are identical to those used on the test course. They are well-maintained and familiar to you from your practice sessions. Using your own vehicle introduces unknown variables and may not be set up with the same reference points you used to learn the course.
Q: My home country’s license is for automatic cars. Can I get a manual license in Taiwan?
A: To obtain a manual transmission license, you must pass the practical test in a manual vehicle. Your foreign automatic license does not exempt you from this requirement. If you take and pass the test in an automatic car, your Taiwanese license will be restricted to automatic vehicles only. We offer training for both transmission types to help you get the license you need.
