Riding around Tainan Part 2

After my dissatisfaction with just cycling, it seemed inevitable that I required a scooter, despite the notion of how dangerous it is. This is especially so due to the appalling road manners of motorists in Taiwan, but this is a topic for another discussion. So, before even buying a scooter, I had to get a motorcycle license in order to avoid the hassles of getting caught riding without a license and also ineligible for insurance. Yes, I am risk averse in this case.  You should be too.

via: Appledaily.com.tw

So to get a motorcycle license in Taiwan, you can either convert your international driver’s license to a Taiwanese driving permit or undergo the local driver’s license tests. The international driver’s license must first be obtained from your home country, and if your country has an agreement with Taiwan, the international driver’s license will be valid for 30 days.  This international driving license can be used to obtain a driving permit that is valid for the duration of your Alien Resident Certificate (ARC). However, there is a caveat, foreigners must have lived in Taiwan for at least one year to acquire any kind of Taiwanese license. In addition, if you only have a license for driving a car, you are only permitted to ride a 50cc scooter or moped, which does not go very fast.

On the other hand, if you do not have an international driver’s licence, have stayed in Taiwan for a year and plan to stay longer, it would be best to go through the drivers tests.  This entails a theory assessment, on a computer, thereafter a ‘road’ test in the yard.  This can be done at the Tainan Motor Vehicles Office, but you need to bring the necessary documentation. They are situated on Lin Sen Road Section 1, next to Da Dong Night Market.  More information can be found at: tan.cyi.gov.tw

Once you pass the tests, you will get receive a Taiwanese driver’s licence, which doesn’t look particularly impressive in my opinion.  Thereafter, I faced the matter of buying a scooter, and due to budgetary constraints, I had to look for a used one.  There are a number of used scooter shops along Gong Yuan Road, opposite the Tainan Zhong Shan Park, but a number of people I have spoken to have complained about them.  Alternatively, you could try one of the many local mechanic shops scattered throughout the city, where some are them do sell new and used scooters for better prices and conditions. And yes, you should use your charm and bargaining skills if you want to save some cash.

If you would rather rent a scooter, there are a few rental shops available.  Most of them are next to the Rear Entrance of Tainan Train Station, along Qian Feng Road and renting a 100-125cc scooter costs roughly NT$ 600 for 24 hours.  For 50cc scooters, they cost roughly NT$ 350-400, but not all shops carry 50cc scooters.  You will need your Taiwanese driver’s license, as more shops are becoming stricter with their policies.

Once I bought my scooter, the freedom to travel all over Tainan was worth the effort and hassles.  Just be careful on the road and remember to wear a helmet.