Driving in Beijing is really no fun at all, especially during the rush hours. All the roads are pretty much a parking lot. But other than that it's ok. However, Beijing is really big, for far distances, I'd rather use the subway.
Since Beijing is getting crowded everyday by cars, there are more and more restrictions on the road. Beijing expats need to be aware of this.
Driver's License
Be sure to study the booklet really carefully for your written test. I think the test was really hard. They have many languages to pick, including English. I had my test directly in the computer. We did it together in a room with other people.
Buying a car
There's a quota to buy a car in Beijing. People can get it trough lottery system. (2011)
Parking
Beijing is really crowded so there's little parking space available. In modern shopping centers, they start to provide parking underground but could be really pricy. The range is from 5 mao per half an hour to 10 yuan and more per hour (as of 2011). Really, consider public transportation! Everyday there'e a driving restriction, based on your license plate. For example if the restriction is 0 and 5, that means, all license plate whose last number is 0 or 5 are not allowed to enter the road. Usually starting the third ring. You can get fined when the police caught you. (2011)
Do you know?
When I came in the year 2000, the road was empty. Big shopping center only had tiny parking lots and there's only 1 car or 2 in it.
NOW? Forget it... There are so many cars everywhere no matter how big the lots are!
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