A few weeks ago, when I was visiting Mongolia, I met a couple who were taking a road trip around the Eurasian continent. They had started in London and had driven through 17 countries before they arrived in Mongolia. They wanted to go to China, but thought the cost would be prohibitive, even if they could secure a visa (which was not a sure thing).
China does not allow foreigners to drive. In order to visit China, they would have to rent a car, a driver, and a guide, which would come out to $16,000 up front.
It all sounds like a scam to me.
Meanwhile, I can drive on Canadian roads easily. All I have to do is answer a few questions at customs near Houlton, Maine, and next thing I know, I’m on the Trans-Canada highway heading toward Moncton, NB. The people there are friendly as heck, too.