Kazakhstan, China may allow drivers to use national licenses

Kazakhstan and China are preparing an agreement that could make things easier for motorists temporarily or permanently staying in the other country, with the draft providing for the mutual recognition of national driver’s licenses.

According to the document, Kazakh citizens would be able to drive passenger cars in China using valid national licenses, Caliber.Az reports, citing Kazakh media.

The same opportunity would be available to Chinese citizens in Kazakhstan. Drivers would still be required to comply with the laws and regulations of the country where they are staying.

The agreement would also simplify the process of obtaining local driver’s licenses. Kazakh and Chinese citizens would be allowed to exchange their licenses without undergoing additional training or taking exams. However, the procedure would be governed by the laws of the country where the application is submitted.

The public consultation will continue until August 30. The new mechanism will take effect only after the agreement is signed and enters into force.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov