How to get a driver’s license in Taiwan and 6 things you need to know
When you first move to Taiwan to work, among other things, you might wonder if it is legal for you as a foreigner to drive there; and if so, can you use your home country’s driver’s license or must you obtain a Taiwan driver’s license.
Since most of us arrive in Taiwan for the first time with only a 30 or 60-day visitor’s visa, therefore, you can’t get a Taiwan driver’s license and must use an international driver’s license to drive. However, if you decide to stay longer, it would be recommended to get a Taiwan driver’s license.
If you want to start driving in Taiwan, you need to make sure you have your paperwork in order. This article will explain how to exactly do that.
How do you get a driver’s license in Taiwan?
If you already have a driving license in your home country, there are two options for you:
You can exchange your home country’s license for Taiwan’s license
If you’re lucky enough, your country might have a reciprocal driver’s license agreement with Taiwan, which means if Taiwan driver’s license is valid in your country, then yours will also be valid in Taiwan. All of these agreements are listed by region on the DMV(Department of Motor Vehicles) official website. You should then be able to drive in Taiwan using your driver’s license for 30 days after your arrival.
If you’re eligible to swap your license for a local one, you’ll need to bring the following documents to a DMV office in Taiwan:
- The original and a photocopy of your passport (valid for more than 6 months).
- Three (3) 1-inch color photos (with white background) taken within 2 years.
- An ARC with total validity of over six months.
- A valid overseas driver’s license and a photocopy.
- A completed driver’s license registration form.
- A health check report from an approved hospital.
- Proof of entry or exit record (this should be a stamp in your passport).
- NT$200 as an application fee.
NB: If your original license was issued in a language other than English or Chinese, you need to translate it into Chinese and have it verified by the Taipei representative office in your country. Once you obtain the Taiwan driver’s license, it will be valid for a period of three years.
