Macau, China to Mutually Recognise Driving Licences for Cross-border Travel

Driving between Macau and mainland China just got easier for holders of a valid driving licence from either side.

The Macau government and China's Ministry of Public Security recently inked an agreement that mutually recognises driving licences between the two regions, similar to China's agreement with Hong Kong, according to the Government Information Bureau of Macau on Monday.

The arrangement allows permanent residents of Macau who have a valid Macau driving licence to drive directly on the mainland without being required to sit for driving tests. The same privileges will apply for drivers from mainland China when they visit Macau. The agreement is set to be implemented on May 16.

Permanent residents of Macau who hold a Macau driving license may apply for a Chinese driver's licence directly. With exemption from the driving exam, they only need to present their Macau licence, original identification document, physical fitness certificate, and photographs. Meanwhile, holders of a driver's licence from the mainland don't need to apply for a separate licence in Macau but they must register at the Macao Public Security Force if they plan to drive in the region for more than 14 days.

As per the government release, the mutual agreement is expected to "directly benefit people travelling and visiting family members between mainland China and Macao, further facilitating the movement of vehicles of residents of both parties, [and] better promoting their exchange and development."