Taiwan signed Feb. 16 a reciprocal driver’s license agreement with Virginia, the nation’s 20th such accord with a U.S. state, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The pact, which took immediate effect, was inked on behalf of the two sides by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the U.S. and the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.
Under the agreement, Republic of China (Taiwan) nationals residing in Virginia with a valid ROC driver’s license are exempt from taking a road test and can obtain a Class D, or standard, license upon completion of a written exam and vision check, the representative office said. Virginia state driver’s license holders with permission to reside in Taiwan for a minimum of one year can acquire a license under the same conditions.
Taiwan has concluded reciprocal driver’s license agreements with states across the U.S. in recent years, finalizing pacts with Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and Washington, among others, the MOFA said. These accords have benefited over 6,000 ROC nationals living in the U.S. as of the end of 2016, the ministry added.
The MOFA said that it will continue to consult with additional U.S. states on the signing of such reciprocal agreements so as to provide greater convenience to the people of both sides and foster further opportunities for economic, educational and cultural exchanges. (KWS-E)
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