5 Things: Driving in China

For this week’s 5 Things we're looking at the fascinating world of expat drivers in China.

Most foreigners sit in taxis and stare blankly out the window at the automotive mayhem occurring around them. It truly is a different world on the roads of China.

Stoplights seem like more of a suggestion than a rule and crosswalks are almost meaningless.

To give insight into the hectic world of expat driving we have turned to Alexander Lloyd, an expat who has been driving in China for seven years.

1. Acquiring a driver’s license in China is all about memorization

To pass the exam for a Chinese drivers license, don't think, just memorize.

Most westerners I know have failed the exam more than once, when trying to use basic cognitive logic. Instead what it takes is memorizing hundreds of inconclusive and illogical paragraphs.

It’s not about translation when foreigners take the exam in their native language. I’ve challenged several translators and locals, who speak and write a high-level of English, to explain some of the questions and even they cannot find a logical answer.

Trusting your logic to pass the exam is not a good option. Memorization is your best bet.

2. Visibility is not a priority

Not every driver will see you behind them through their mirrors. Visibility is not a priority in China.

The priority is feeling comfortable inside the car. As such, cushions and pillows are often added for the passengers and, naturally, this limits visibility.

Why bother yourself using the driver's mirror if you can use side mirrors? Right?

3. There is no sense of space

There is not much difference between riding a bicycle and driving a car, there is no sense of space, sides, pedestrian’s rights, yields or traffic flow. Drivers go where they want, when they want and forcing your way through is common practice.

This point should be obvious to anyone who has been in the Pearl River Delta for more than day.

4. Drivers don’t stop

The test is illogical and so is Chinese driving.

You’d think other drivers would stop at the corner when approaching an expressway, right? Wrong. They won’t stop. For this reason pedestrians exhibit a very rational fear when a vehicle speeds up to a corner or crosswalk. They move like their life depends on it, nobody will wait. In China it’s all about winning the race.

You’d also assume that public transportation would follow the traffic laws? Wrong again.

5. Smile, you're on camera

Most of the time, while driving in busy areas, intersections or even on lonely roads, you are recorded.

Chinese authorities are regularly increasing a complex surveillance system for safety, tracking and ticketing transit violations. If you feel discomfort from Big Brother’s attention, then smile and follow the rules while driving in China.

To see more from our 5 Thing series, click here.