[New Resident Living Guide] Complete Guide to Driving in Taiwan and Applying for an International Driving Permit SOP

To make life in Taiwan more convenient, or for those planning to travel abroad from Taiwan for self-driving tours in the future, understanding the correct driving license application process and traffic regulations is crucial. We have specially compiled official information from the Directorate General of Highways, Ministry of Transportation and Communications, to help you easily grasp the relevant procedures. I. SOP for Applying for a "Republic of China (Taiwan) International Driving Permit" (for those planning to travel abroad from Taiwan) If you hold a Taiwanese driving license and plan to drive abroad, please prepare the following documents and submit them to any Motor Vehicles Office: Proof of Identity: National ID card or Alien Resident Certificate (original or copy) Photos: 2 recent (within the last 2 years) 2-inch color photos of yourself (plain background, no hats, clear facial features with ears visible, no composite photos) Original Driving License: Must be within its validity period; if expired, you must renew it first. Passport Copy: For verifying your English name Fee: NT$250 💡 Tip: When driving abroad, your International Driving Permit must be used in conjunction with your "original Taiwanese driving license." II. SOP for Applying for an "International Driving Permit Visa" (for holders of reciprocal country licenses in Taiwan) If you hold an International Driving Permit from a reciprocal country and wish to drive in Taiwan, please prepare: Proof of Identity: Passport and Alien Resident Certificate (passport must have an entry date stamp) Original Country's Driving License: Valid driving license and original International Driving Permit from the reciprocal country Photos: 1 recent (within the last 2 years) 1-inch photo Fee: NT$150 ⚠️ Important Legal Notice: If your driving license has ever been suspended in Taiwan, you are not permitted to drive or exchange for a license using a foreign driving license. You must re-apply for a license according to domestic regulations. III. Traffic Safety and Regulatory Protection Safety is the fastest route home. The Directorate General of Highways provides various resources to help new residents familiarize themselves with Taiwan's road conditions: Online Mock Tests: If you need to obtain a Taiwanese driving license, make good use of the "Motor Vehicles and Motorcycles Written Test Question Bank and Online Mock Test System" on the "Motor Vehicles Information Network." Yielding Culture: Taiwan is currently promoting a "yielding culture." Vehicles must slow down and yield to pedestrians when approaching intersections. Traffic Violations: Before handling any driving license business, please ensure all traffic violations have been settled. #NewResidentsInTaiwan #InternationalDrivingPermit #TrafficSafety #MotorVehiclesServices #SelfDriveTour #YieldingCulture #TaiwanLife Source: The above information is referenced from the official website of the Directorate General of Highways, Ministry of Transportation and Communications.