[New Resident Living Guide] Complete Guide to Driving in Taiwan and Applying for an International Driver's License 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 driver's 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 everyone easily grasp the relevant procedures. I. SOP for Applying for a "Republic of China International Driver's License" (For those preparing to travel abroad from Taiwan) If you hold a Taiwanese driver's license and plan to drive abroad, please prepare the following documents and apply at any district Vehicle Supervision Office: Proof of Identity: National ID card or Alien Resident Certificate (original or copy acceptable) Photos: 2 recent 2-inch color photos taken within the last 2 years (must have a plain background, no hats, clear facial features with ears visible, no composite photos) Original Driver's License: Must be within its validity period; if expired, you must renew it first. Passport Copy: For verifying English name Fee: NT$250 💡 Tip: When self-driving abroad, the international driver's license must be used in conjunction with your "original Taiwanese driver's license." II. SOP for Applying for an "Foreign International Driver's License Endorsement" (For holders of reciprocal country licenses in Taiwan) If you hold an international driver's license 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 Driver's License: Original valid driver's license and international driver's license from the reciprocal country Photo: 1 recent 1-inch photo taken within the last 2 years Fee: NT$150 ⚠️ Important Legal Notice: If your driver's license has been revoked in Taiwan, you are not permitted to drive or obtain an endorsement with a foreign license in Taiwan. You must re-apply 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 Test: If you need to obtain a Taiwanese driver's license, you can make good use of the "Motor Vehicle Examination Information Network" for car and motorcycle written test questions and the online mock test system. Yielding Culture: Taiwan is currently promoting a "yielding culture." Vehicles must slow down at intersections and yield to pedestrians. Traffic Violations Clearance: Before handling any driver's license business, please ensure all traffic violation cases have been settled. #NewResidentsInTaiwan #InternationalDriverLicense #TrafficSafety #MotorVehicleSupervision #SelfDriveTour #YieldingCulture #TaiwanLife Source: The above information is referenced from the official website of the Directorate General of Highways, Ministry of Transportation and Communications.