When it comes to driving in Taiwan, most Wai Guo Ren seemingly do it as carefree as a taxi driver applying their brakes. Just like in your home country though, driving without a license is all fine and dandy, until it’s not.
Uh oh.
When the proverbial turd hits the fan and you need insurance to bail you out, or fault to be assigned to someone other than yourself, having no license means you are SOL.
The good news is that if you have a few hours to spare, you can easily attain a driver’s license in Taiwan. Let’s break down how to get a license for a car or motorcycle up to 250cc.
For starters, you need to have an ARC to go for your driving license. If you are a tourist, an International Driving Permit and home driver’s license will also do the trick.
Now that you have your ARC, start getting those reps in by taking the online practice test. You can find that here: https://tpcmv.thb.gov.tw/english/ServicesEng/LicenseEng/LicenseTest
Once you are comfortable with the practice test, you are ready for the real thing. Figure out where the closest “Motor Vehicles Supervision Station” is that offers the driving course and test. For me, it was the office located in Banqiao District, New Taipei City. In Taipei City, it is the Shilin Motor Vehicles Supervision Station.
It is recommended that you call the Motor Vehicle Station in advance before you take your written test (performed on a computer) to make sure there is sufficient space on the day you plan to go. You can find their contact information here: https://tmvso.thb.gov.tw/en/catalog?node=d87b3269-27bd-4174-9339-f5aaa2e6f2f6
The computer testing area
If for any reason you have trouble reaching the office via phone or email, the Banqiao office has an English speaking desk in building C that is very helpful and accommodating. They can help answer any question you may have regarding the process.
Building C
The famous straight line test!
The license is valid for 5 years and costs only 600 NTD, significantly less than the 6,000+ NTD ticket you get for driving without a license. A small price to pay for legal compliance and peace of mind. Plus, now I can ride on SKRT and enjoy the best of what Taiwan has to offer.
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Elliot is a staff writer at SKRT and a sharing economy evangelist. Originally hailing from Puerto Rico, he now resides in Taiwan, where he is known to find the best food, DJ at the sickest parties, and discover hidden treats around the island.