Taiwan has excellent public transportation, especially in Taipei, so you can get around easily (even in relatively rural areas) using buses, trains and taxis. Nonetheless, a lot of things are easier if you can drive a scooter. This is especially true if you want to travel outside of major cities along the East coast, mountains, or southern Taiwan. Driving a scooter can be dangerous, but the risk is manageable if you drive carefully and always wear a helmet. Since scooters are so popular in Taiwan, scooters often have dedicated, physically separated lanes, ramps and parking. Unlike in other countries, almost all drivers know what it is like to drive a scooter, so car and truck drivers are always looking out for two-wheeled vehicles.
Even if you don’t ever buy a scooter, it can be fun to rent them while traveling out of Taipei. A rental is typically 400-600 NTD per day. Within the city there are dockless by-the-minute rental scooters (WeMo, Goshare) parked all over the place.
Benefits of getting a license:
The most popular scooters are 125-cc. These fit two adults and require a driver’s license. They usually have automatic transmissions, so they are very easy to drive (just twist the right handle to go, squeeze the brakes to stop). If you can ride a bicycle, you’ll pick it up quickly. There are also 50-cc scooters that do not require a license.
Basic rules of the road:
Getting a license:
The best way to learn to drive is to get a local friend with a scooter to teach you. Picking up the basics is pretty easy.
To get a license, you need
⁃ A testing appointment (https://www.mvdis.gov.tw/m3-emv-trn/exm/query Chinese only)
⁃ Your ARC (and probably passport too). ARC is officially supposed to have at least 6 months left, so it’s better to take the test shortly after renewing.
⁃ A basic health check
⁃ Three recent photos (just use the machine at the health check place)
⁃ To pass a written test (available in english)
⁃ To pass a practical driving test
Note that the motorcycle license process is separate from the car license. A motorcycle license does not let you drive a car, and a car license does not let you drive a motorcycle.
What to bring to the test: https://tpcmv.thb.gov.tw/english/ServicesEng/LicenseEng/LicenseTest/t01.htm
The health check is very basic, testing vision and your ability to squat, etc. After you register for your test the DMV staff will direct you to a clinic (probably across the street) where the health check is performed for a small fee.
The written test is pretty easy. It’s available in English and most of the questions are common sense. There are a few specific things about road signs and specific laws that you will need to study. The best way to study is to just take the online practice test repeatedly until you routinely pass. You can also download the entire question bank. You do not need to speak or read Chinese.
Driving test: https://tpcmv.thb.gov.tw/english/ServicesEng/LicenseEng/LicenseTest/t04.htm
Online written test simulation: https://www.mvdis.gov.tw/m3-simulator-drv/
The road test is conducted on a special closed course at the DMV. It focuses on balance and low-speed maneuvers. Although driving a scooter on the road is easy, the test can be quite challenging and you will want to practice extensively beforehand. The tealit article below has excellent information on the components of the course. If you do not own a scooter, you can rent one at the DMV, but it may be easier if you borrow a scooter from a friend so you can practice on the scooter you will use. You have two tries to complete the test on a given day. If you go over the line or put your feet down at the wrong times you’ll fail. If you fail both tries, you can come again and take the road test on a later date without retaking the written test.
Practicing for the road test:
You’ll want to study specifically for the road test course. It’s pretty small and focuses on low speed turns, balance, and demonstrating that you know the traffic rules. Fortunately, there are multiple practice locations along the riverside where the course is laid out. You can also go to the DMV at certain times and practice on the actual course.
The nearest practice course to NTU is across the river by the Fuhe flea market (No. 23, Lane 39, Minyue Street, Yonghe District, New Taipei City, 234). It tends to be crowded on evenings and weekends (when school is out).
DMVs:
You do not have to take the test at any particular DMV, and you may want to choose the location based on appointment availablity. I took the test at the Banqiao DMV:
No. 116號, Section 3, Zhongshan Road, Zhonghe District, New Taipei City, 235
More detailed information on scooters, licenses in this excellent Tealit article.