Get your Driver's Licence
Getting your driver's licence can be quite frustrating for foreigners. Most foreigner's don't actually have a licence, but it is still probably a good idea to try and get one. There are two ways to go about this.
Apply with a 1 Year ARC
For the first way to get your driver's licence you will need an ARC that is valid for over one year. This means 366 days from the issued by date to the date of expiry.
Supplies: To get your licence you will need an ARC valid for 2 years, a passport, 2 passport photos, about 1000nt and a licence application.
Step 1: get your ARC 
You probably already have an ARC. If you are staying for one year then the validity of your ARC is just under one year. This is because the time it takes to process your ARC is subtracted from the total time of validity. Mine was short 9 days (3/10/05 to 3/1/06) and I still couldn't get my licence. To apply for the licence you will have to sign a work contract for
2 years and get an ARC for 2 years.
Step 2: practice your test
Before heading to the testing center you should take some time to make sure that you will pass the written portion. The written part has lots of strange questions and you will have to identify a few Chinese road signs. There is an online version of the test which is a duplicate of the test you will take at the testing center. The questions change so continue to retake the test until you have seen all the answers. The web address is: http://202.39.131.186:8080/driver-sim-test-1.0/test/index.do.
Step 3: go to the testing center
The Taipei testing center is located at Chengde rd, Sec. 5, no. 80. The easiest way to get there is to drive your scooter or get a taxi if you don't have a scooter. You can also go the the Shilin station and take bus number 620. The center is open from 9am-11:40am and 1:30pm-4:20pm.
Step 4: get your pictures
On the left side of the front room there is a picture machine. You will need two photos to apply for your application get the pictures and proceed to step 5. The photos will cost 140nt.
Step 5: fill out the application
Pick up an application from the left side of the room. If you need any help ask the nice people at the information desk. Usually they can find someone who speaks English to answer any questions you might have.
Step 6: get physical test
To get your licence you will need to get a physical test. There is a testing center located in the licence building on the left of the main room. Follow the yellow line on the floor and give them your application.
Step 7: take the written test
After getting your physical follow the yellow line to the written test center. You will have to pay around 200nt for the test. In order to pass the test you will need to get an 85 or above. This is not as easy as you may think and you should practice the test online before going to the test center. If you fail the
Step 8: take driving test
Assuming that you pass the written test you will have to take the driving test. Go out side the building, turn right and walk to the driving test center. If you've been driving for a little bit the test shouldn't be a problem. You will have to drive down a narrow path without hitting the edges and then you drive around a half circle where you have to stop at a stop light, a train stop and a pedestrian crossing. If you fail the test, you will have another chance to take it before having to wait the 2 weeks and return. There is a communal scooter if you don't happen to have your own.
Step 9: pick up licence
After passing your driving test, pick upi your paperwork and go to the office on the other side of the test track. Give the attendant your paperwork and wait while she processes your licence. She will call you back to the counter and give you your brand spanking new licence. Good work.
International Drivers Licence (IDL)
If you don't happen to have a two year ARC you can apply for a licence with an International Drivers Licence. The steps are the same once you get the IDL.
Step 1 : get an international drivers licence
Hopefully you got an international licence before you left home. If you didn't you can get information about applying by mail at http://www.aaa.com/vacation.(US licence's) If you are lucky enough to be from Oklahoma then you don't have to take the test you can just exchange the licence.
Step 2: go to the testing center
Once you have your IDL head to the testing center at Chengde rd, Sec. 5, no. 80. The easiest way to get there is to drive your scooter or get a taxi if you don't have a scooter. You can also go the the Shilin station and take bus number 620. The center is open from 9am-11:40am and 1:30pm-4:20pm.
Step 3: get your pictures
On the left side of the front room there is a picture machine. You will need two photos to apply for your application get the pictures and pro cede to step 5. The photos will cost 140nt.
Step 4: go upstairs
To convert your IDL you will need to go to the second floor. Depending on the country where your licence was issued you may or may not have to take the written and driving test. The people at the counter will help you with any problems you may have.
Step 5: get physical test
To get your licence you will need to get a physical test. There is a testing center located in the licence building on the left of the main room. Follow the yellow line on the floor and give them your application.
Step 6: take the written test
After getting your physical follow the yellow line to the written test center. You will have to pay around 200nt for the test. In order to pass the test you will need to get an 85 or above. This is not as easy as you may think and you should practice the test online before going to the test center. If you fail the
Step 7: take driving test
Assuming that you pass the written test you will have to take the driving test. Go out side the building, turn right and walk to the driving test center. If you've been driving for a little bit the test shouldn't be a problem. You will have to drive down a narrow path without hitting the edges and then you drive around a half circle where you have to stop at a stop light, a train stop and a pedestrian crossing. If you fail the test, you will have another chance to take it before having to wait the 2 weeks and return. There is a communal scooter if you don't happen to have your own.
Step 8: pick up licence
After passing your driving test, pick upi your paperwork and go to the office on the other side of the test track. Give the attendant your paperwork and wait while she processes your licence. She will call you back to the counter and give you your brand spanking new licence. Good work.
