Any foreigner who wishes to drive in Taiwan must have a valid driver’s license. The only valid licenses are a locally-issued Taiwan driver’s license or an International Driver’s License issued outside Taiwan which has a Permit issued from.

If you will be a resident for more than 6 months, you are advised to obtain a Taiwan driver’s license. Driving without a valid license will invalidate your insurance coverage and make you subject to a fine. Rules and regulations regarding driver’s licenses are changing rapidly and depend upon the driver’s country of origin. For the most current requirements that apply to you, please contact your country’s Embassy, Consulate or Trade Office in Taiwan. One may also go to the websites of Taiwan Motor Vehicles Office.

Best of all, be sure to always check with your destination consultant on verification of requirements based on your home country status before your arrival.  Below are the current requirements to obtain Driving License:

1. Driver’s license by passing the Road and Written Tests with the below:

• A.R.C (minimum one year duration and a valid passport).
• A learner permit (at least three months learning experience) or Original Driver License or International Driver’s License.
• Three each 1 inch photo taken in recent six months to the following specification:
  • glossy printing paper;
  • black and white or color photos;
  • no composite photos;
  • full face front view with a plain white background;
  • no wearing hat or headgear except for religious reasons;
  • without dark glasses or glasses with tinted lenses unless it is for medical reasons.
• A registration form with the qualified physical and strength examination.
• Fee: NTD450.

2. The permit of International driver’s license

Requirements:

• Valid international driving license. (Application has to be made in one’s home country prior to arrival. The Taiwan Motor Vehicle Office only admit International Driving license issue by American Automobile Association (AAA) and National Automobile Club (NAC). You can apply for the International Driving License Permit at various locations of Motor Vehicles Supervision Station).
• Passport or A.R.C. Card (over one year residence period)
• One 1 inch photo

Notes:

• A foreigner holding a valid international driving license issued by our reciprocating countries can drive in Taiwan for 30 days without applying for an international driving permit.
• The expiry date of the driving permit depends on the expiry date of the original international driving license and ARC, whichever expires first.

3. For Chinese citizens, below are the requirements to drive in Taiwan:

• Valid passport – original.
• ARC (alien resident certificate) validity at least 1 year – original.
• Valid Chinese Driving License – original.
• Driving License Certification via Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (China) – original.
• Driving License Certification via Straits Exchange Foundation (Taiwan) – original.
• Three 1 inch color photos within the past six months.
• Basic physical check and eye check held at the Exam division besides MVO office.

Notes:

Chinese citizens will need to visit the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits in China to apply for the Driving License Certification first, then visit the Straits Exchange Foundation in Taiwan to apply for the Driving License Certification. Both certificates are required along with Exit and Entry Permit of Taiwan (EEP) that needs the validity at least 1 year. Upon obtaining all required documents, you can enroll for the knowledge test in Taipei MVO, no road test required!

Learn more about learning to drive in Taiwan here.

Taiwan traffic law and north America traffic law are fairly similar in many ways, but because a large amount of Taiwan’s traffic is consists of motorbike, driver has to constantly aware of smaller vehicles in their surroundings.

Typically, student driver will practice at the driving school. Driving school can also proctor the driving exam with the same course. Driving school will send the exam result to the licensing office to apply for license. Driving students usually spend in 4 to 6 weeks learning to drive. No less than 56 hours of driving experience is required to be able to take the driving exam. The lessons’ cost can range from TWD9000~13000 depend on the region.

There are also lessons designed for experienced driver. For the experienced driving lesson, the curriculum consists: driving practice on open road, understanding of traffic law and Taiwan’s driving etiquette. The lesson would range from 6 to 10 hours in total.

More information could be found from the Taipei Motor Vehicles Office with the below links:

Road Test: https://tpcmv.thb.gov.tw/English/ServicesEng/LicenseEng/LicenseTest/t03.htm
Written Test: https://tpcmv.thb.gov.tw/English/ServicesEng/LicenseEng/LicenseTest/t04.htm

Here are some common driving occurrence :

• When turning, always look out for the surrounding motorbike, Taiwan has many roads that are narrowly shared between cars and motorbikes.

• Do not turn right on red light. Turning right on red light only when there are traffic sign indicating to do so.

• When waiting on intersection, make sure the on adjacent traffic finishes crossing before crossing the intersection. Some vehicle may speed up and try to cross on yellow light.

• Roadside parking need to be parked inside the parking square or where there are white lines.

• Road side parking fee can be paid at local convenience stores.

• When the vehicle has been towed due to illegal parking, the traffic officer will leave towing company’s info and contact number on the pavement. The parking fine is paid at the towing yard to release the vehicle.

The convenience of taxi services in Taiwan makes it one of the best in the world. We have a great number of taxis and you can call them to stop if you see one available. If an approaching taxi is available, it will have a red light in the windscreen and yellow light on the roof. A taxi may well honk and just stop for you, if you look like you need a ride. Simply put your hand in the air and wave to them. All taxis are in yellow color with a sign “Taxi” or “Rental Taxi” on the front. There might be a taxi stand in locations having more crowds, like the airports and train stations. Most taxi drivers cannot speak English, and it will be necessary for non-Mandarin speakers to have their destination written down in Mandarin. All passengers are required to fasten their seat belt.

Taxis are expensive in comparison to public transit, but are cheap when compared to taxis in the rest of the world. The taxi fare in most parts of Taipei is generally the same, except for suburb or mountain areas. All taxi service in Taipei charges by meter and the minimum charge is NT$70. One taxi can take 4 people. The rate is a minimum charge with a minimum mileage of 1.25 km plus NT$5 for every 200 meters traveled and another NT$5 for waiting for over 80 seconds. Passengers taking taxis from 23:00 to 6:00 will be charged at the nighttime rate, that is, NT$20 extra on the original fare. During Lunar New Year, passengers taking taxis during the day are surcharged at the nighttime rate. Taxis with a symbol of Easy Card can be paid with an Easy Card. Some taxis also accept credit cards. However, cash is preferred. Tipping is neither necessary nor expected. If you are going out of town or a long-distance travel, the meter charge may not be applied. So, you are suggested to confirm charging method before getting in taxi.

Airport taxis are available outside all terminals’ arrivals lobby, 24 hours a day and year round. Taxis on the north side of the arrival area of Terminal 1 and the south side of the arrival area of Terminal 2 of Taoyuan International Airport are certified by the Airport Police Bureau and provide first-rate taxi services. Taxi fare is based on the meter, highway tolls not included. Taxis will also transport passengers throughout all of Taiwan according to passenger need. Fares are charged according to set standard rates. A ride to Taipei City costs around NT$1,100.

To promote the development of tourism and marketing of city scenic spots across Taipei, taxi tours are also available, particular on three major tours: the culture tour, recreational tour and scenic tour. Each taxi company also provides customized tours. Non-Mandarin speakers can also request for drivers who are able to speak foreign languages while making the booking. Customized-tour fees are charged depending on hourly rate of each tour, but not exceeding NT$2,400 for four hours. From the 5th hour, the hourly rate shall not exceed NT$500. You are suggested to confirm other information about the fees while making the booking to each taxi company.

You won’t have any trouble finding a taxi service in the city center as taxis are extremely numerous. Most importantly, Taiwan government and taxi companies are endeavoring to ensure the passengers travel more safely.