Police target forged overseas driving license

Chinese traffic departments have rejected a large number of driving license applications because of forged overseas licenses.

The police uncovered a slew of crimes relating to fabricated entry and exit documents and overseas driving licenses, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Public Security late on Friday.

Some intermediary agents and tourism services claimed that driving license could be obtained "in a very short time" in certain countries and could be changed into harder-to-get Chinese driving license back home, to attract customers, the statement said.

The ministry vowed to carefully screen violators by strictly investigating driving license applicants' entry and exit documents, especially for those holding tourism or short-term foreign visas.

The police will also scrutinize applicants' overseas driving lessons and exams, and verify the license validity through diplomatic channels, it said, adding that applicants who cheat or bribe will be banned for up to three years.

According to Chinese traffic rules, drivers must have undergone 80 hours of practice.

"As the road traffic environment in China is complicated," it put forward higher standards for drivers, and "their driving skills should suit Chinese roads," said the statement. Endit