hey folks, do you have to book an appointment to take the test? If so, how? Thanks in advance.

You go there and make the appointment to go then or at a later date. Continuous testing from (I forget exactly) 0930 til mid-afternoon. Could possibly call and make appointment.

I don't recall having to make an appointment but I took the test about 2 years ago. There was a short wait for a test computer to be free and then another wait for my licence to be made and ready for collection but it was all done on the same day. What I would say is get there early... it gets busier throughout the day.

It may have changed since I did my test a few years ago, but the test was only conducted in English one day per week. Although I did not make an appointment for a given time, I did nominate the day/week, but I don't think it was logged.

The English test is available everyday. Computerized. Gotta study, esp. since sometimes questions are poorly translated and answers aren't necessarily obvious. You need 90%. I got 89% twice in one day, had to come back. That's the limit is two a day but I think you can come back indefinitely. Bring your foreign license plus passport plus some cash. Fairly cheap. They can take photos there. They were quite nice.

I think I heard somewhere you need to have a temporary residence permit in order to get a licence.

Can anyone confirm if this is true? Or would they let someone by with a Q2 or multiple entry tourist visa?

I think you are correct @jopansy. I think I read that you need a visa/RP of at least 6 months, this would usually mean you need a 1 year visa/RP. This would exclude people on the short term tourist visas.
This came up on a thread in the last few months.

Can you just take your license along or do you need to have it translated, notarized etc.?

Good question. I went here. Took a few days. They were very nice. Cost total ¥150？Maybe less. Guozheng Notary Office, 9th fl., Meiya Bldg, 20 Renmin Zhong Lu, just west of Renming Lu/Qingnian Lu intersection. It's tucked away in an alley. Make sure you go to #20 coz there's a bldg next to it. A little confusing.

You can get health exam and photos at same place you take the written test, Vehicle Admin Office (东管所). Cab was easy and not expensive (~30¥ from midtown）。 0871-67267863.