Can a 16-year-old obtain a motorcycle license?
3 Answers
16-year-olds cannot obtain a motorcycle license. The conditions for obtaining a motorcycle license are as follows: 1. Age requirements: Applicants for low-speed trucks, three-wheeled vehicles, ordinary three-wheeled motorcycles, ordinary two-wheeled motorcycles, or wheeled self-propelled machinery must be between 18 and 60 years old. 2. Physical requirements: (1) Height: Applicants for large passenger vehicles, tractors, city buses, large trucks, or trolleybuses must be at least 155 cm tall. Applicants for medium-sized passenger vehicles must be at least 150 cm tall; (2) Vision: Applicants for large passenger vehicles, tractors, city buses, medium-sized passenger vehicles, large trucks, trolleybuses, or trams must have uncorrected or corrected visual acuity of at least 5.0 on the logarithmic visual acuity chart. For other vehicle types, uncorrected or corrected visual acuity must be at least 4.9 on the logarithmic visual acuity chart.
When it comes to whether a motorcycle license can be obtained at the age of 16, it depends on the specific type. In China, 16-year-olds are eligible for a light motorcycle license, which is what we commonly refer to as a small-displacement one. However, a regular motorcycle license requires the applicant to be at least 18 years old. A friend’s son had this idea—he just turned 16 and was eager to ride a motorcycle, but we later learned that he could only start with a small-displacement model. The regulations are set this way primarily for safety reasons—young people may have quick reflexes but lack experience, making them more prone to accidents. To obtain a light motorcycle license, parental consent is required, and both a theoretical and a road test must be passed. For kids who are serious about getting one, it’s advisable to first learn some basic riding knowledge and traffic rules. Don’t rush into riding high-displacement motorcycles; wait until you’re more mature before upgrading. This way, you not only comply with the law but also protect yourself. Talking with peers can also help raise safety awareness. Just wait a couple more years—it’ll be worth it.
I've been driving for twenty years and have seen many beginners get into accidents, some of which involve issues with the age requirement for motorcycle licenses. At 16, you can apply for a lightweight motorcycle license, but it's limited to slow, low-displacement bikes. For regular motorcycles, you must be at least 18 years old to take the test. Why is this rule in place? Simply put, it's about risk control—young riders often have boldness but lack judgment, making them prone to accidents on faster bikes. The lightweight motorcycle test includes a medical exam, written test, and field practice, with a strong emphasis on safe operation. I recommend parents start their kids with low-displacement bikes to build good habits before upgrading—don't rush for speed. Getting a license isn't just about obtaining a permit; it's about developing responsibility. Spend extra time learning traffic rules, and after two years, they can take the regular motorcycle test. With more practice, they'll naturally pick up skills faster.
