Planning a cycling adventure from Kunming to Tibet to explore the charm of the "Spring City" ? Want to feel the gentle breeze by the Dianchi Lake shore as well as the freedom in the mountains? Whether you're taking a wander through the city or embarking on a short cycling trip around the outskirts, having a valid driving license is essential for a hassle-free journey.

Don't worry! Even if you're a foreign tourist visiting for a short period, you could still fulfill your cycling dreams by applying for a temporary motorcycle driver's license.

Next, we'll provide you with a clear and practical guide to applying for a temporary motorcycle driver's license in Kunming, helping you obtain your license smoothly and kick-start your cycling adventure.

I. What basic info do I need to know for applying?

1. Application Location

The Motor Vehicle Driver Examination Center of Kunming Public Security Bureau (No. 12, Kaifa Road, Economic and Technological Development Zone) allows vehicles to enter through the southwest gate and proceed straight for parking. This location is relatively close to Building No. 6.

2. Business Hours

From Monday to Sunday, 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM.

3. Age Corresponding to Application Types

• For those under 60 years old: There is no need to take the "Three Abilities Test." The process can be completed after undergoing a physical examination, taking photos, handling procedures at the service window, and completing video-based learning.

• For those aged 60 and above: An additional "Three Abilities Test" is required. The overall processing procedure includes an extra step for the Three Abilities Test compared to those under 60. It is advisable to arrive at the Vehicle Management Office at 9:00 AM sharp to commence the process.

4. Exclusive Requirements for Foreign Clients

(1)  Electronic driver's licenses are not acceptable; you must possess the original valid foreign driver's license.

(2)  For physical examinations, it is recommended to choose manual examination sites. For Chinese-speaking customers, the self-service physical examination machine on the second floor of Building No. 6 is suggested.

(3)  Passports do not require translation.

(4)  If you hold both motorcycle and car driver's licenses, you could concurrently apply for the corresponding temporary driver's licenses.

II. What preparations do I need to make in advance?

(1)  Required Documents: Please bring the original valid foreign driver's license and passport in your possession.

(2)  Paper Documents: You must prepare a signed and dated car rental contract and a travel itinerary with an original seal.

(3)  Other Preparations: Please prepare at least two bottles of drinking water for each applicant. If the group size exceeds four people, to ensure smooth processing, it is strongly recommended that you should arrive at the physical examination entrance and line up by 9:00 AM sharp, aiming to be first in line.

(4)  Regarding Printing: There is no need to print the temporary driver's license application form in advance, and also there are no printing or copying services inside the Vehicle Management Office. The nearest copying facility is about 200 meters to the left after exiting the main gate.

III. What are the detailed application steps for different age groups (and where to go)?

The processing procedures vary slightly depending on age, with specific steps outlined as follows:

1. Processing Procedures for Applicants Under 60 Years Old

(1)  Complete Physical Examination: Please proceed to the designated location for your physical examination based on your identity.

• Chinese Nationals: Go to the second floor of Building No. 6 and use the self-service physical examination machine.

• Foreign Nationals: Visit the manual physical examination site

(2)  On-site Photography: Take photos using the self-service photo booth on the second floor of Building No. 6.

(3)  Obtain a Number and Process Application: Go to the first floor of Building No. 6, obtain a number, and then proceed to the window to apply for a temporary driver's license.

(4)  Video Learning:

Take the document issued by the window staff to Room 305 on the 3rd floor of the Examination and Education Building

• Step 1: Find an officer for signature.
• Step 2: Be guided by the officer to Room 306 to watch educational videos.
• Step 3: After completing the video learning, find the officer again for signature and receive the document.

(5)  Return to Window: Take the learning document back to Building No. 6 and proceed to the same window where you initially applied (no need to obtain a new number; inform the window staff in advance).

(6)  Completion of Process: Complete the remaining procedures and collect your license.

2. Processing Procedures for Applicants Aged 60 and Above

(1) Complete Physical Examination: Follow the same process as above, visiting the designated location based on your identity. The self-service physical examination machine on the second floor of Building No. 6 for Chinese nationals, manual physical examination site for foreign nationals.

(2) On-site Photography: Take photos using the self-service photo booth on the second floor of Building No. 6.

(3) Obtain a Number and Process Application: Obtain a number and apply for a temporary driver's license at the window on the first floor of Building No. 6.

(4) Video Learning: Take the window document to Room 305 on the 3rd floor of the Examination and Education Building and complete the video learning following the same process as applicants under 60.

(5) Take the "Three Abilities" Test: Go upstairs through the small door on the left side of the Examination and Education Building to the 2nd floor to take the memory, judgment, and reaction ("Three Abilities") test.

(6) Return to Window: Take the video learning document back to Building No. 6 and proceed to the window where you initially applied (no need to obtain a new number).

(7) Completion of Process: Complete all procedures and collect your temporary driver's license.

3. Key Regional Guidelines

• Building No. 6: The second floor is equipped with self-service physical examination machines and self-service photo booths. The first floor houses the temporary driver's license processing windows, and opposite the first floor is Restroom No. 1.

• The Examination and Education Building: It is located at a considerable distance from Building No. 6, requiring a 5-6 minutes walking. Room 305 on the 3rd floor serves as the video learning registration office, while Room 306 is the video learning room. The 2nd floor is designated as the venue for the "Three Abilities" (memory, judgment and reaction) test, and the lobby on the 1st floor houses Restroom No. 2.

• Physical Examination Sites: The manual physical examination site offers vision and color vision tests. There is also a physical examination area located opposite Building No. 6.

IV. Key On-site Operation Tips

1. Passports do not require translation, and there is no need to print the temporary driver's license application form in advance.

2. Each person needs a car rental contract, with as many contracts as there are people, all of which must be signed and dated. The same applies to the travel itinerary (with original seals).

3. There is no fee for the "Three Abilities" (memory, judgment, and reaction) test.

4. Stick to one window for processing (Window No. 5 has a better attitude; with some pleasantries, it might process temporary licenses for two people at once; otherwise, a new number must be obtained).

5. If there are more than four people processing, arrive punctually at 9:00 AM at the physical examination entrance of the Vehicle Management Office and queue up to start the process, preferably being first in line. The female staff member conducting the physical examination is extremely slow, resembling a sloth. Otherwise, it may not be possible to complete all procedures in one day.

6. There are no printing or copying services inside the Vehicle Management Office; the nearest one is 200 meters to the left after exiting.

7. There is no water available for purchase inside the Vehicle Management Office or nearby. Please prepare at least two bottles of water per client before departure.

8. Try to conduct the physical examination and photo-taking simultaneously as they are not far apart, which can save a significant amount of time.

V. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

(1)  Is a physical examination required for exchanging a foreign driver's license for a temporary one?

Yes, everyone is required to complete a physical examination. It is recommended that Chinese-speaking clients use the self-service physical examination machine on the second floor of Building No. 6, while English-speaking clients can go to the manual physical examination site (located opposite Building No. 6) for their examination.

(1)  Can foreign tourists use their electronic driver's licenses for processing?

No. The original valid foreign driver's license must be presented during processing.

(2)  What are the specific times for the "Three Abilities" test and the video learning session?

Video Learning: It starts at 1:30 PM. The location is Room 305 on the 3rd floor of the Examination and Education Building (process: first, find an officer for signature → be guided by the officer to Room 306 to watch the video → after watching, find the officer again for signature and receive the document, then return to Building No. 6).

"Three Abilities" Test (applicable for those aged 60 and above): From 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. The location is on the 2nd floor, accessible through the small door on the left side of the Examination and Education Building.

(3)  Is there an English version of the "Three Abilities" test?

Yes, an English version of the test questions is available.

(4)  At what age is the "Three Abilities" test required for motorcycle driver's licenses?

Applicants aged 60 and above are required to take the memory, judgment, and reaction ("Three Abilities") test.