Can a Class D Driver's License Operate Four-Wheeled Mobility Scooters?

[DeEsther]

A Class D driver's license does not permit the operation of four-wheeled mobility scooters. The following vehicles can be operated with a Class D license: 1. Three-wheeled motorcycles with an engine displacement exceeding 50ml or a maximum design speed exceeding 50km/h. 2. Two-wheeled motorcycles with an engine displacement exceeding 50ml or a maximum design speed exceeding 50km/h. 3. Motorcycles with an engine displacement of 50ml or less and a maximum design speed of 50km/h or less. Additional Information: Four-wheeled mobility scooters are typically designed with narrow bodies, lightweight chassis, and tall structures, resulting in a high center of gravity and poor stability. Their braking systems often feature drum brake designs that require significant pedal force to achieve full stopping power. Externally, these vehicles lack front and rear crash absorption structures; internally, they don't even include basic safety belts, let alone airbags or other safety features. Furthermore, such vehicles undergo no crash testing before leaving the factory, making their safety performance unverifiable.

[Adriel]

Recently, many friends have been asking about using a Category D license to drive four-wheeled mobility scooters. Let me make it clear: absolutely not allowed. A Category D driver's license is specifically for three-wheeled motorcycles, while four-wheeled mobility scooters are classified as mini cars under current traffic regulations. The operation methods of these vehicles are completely different from three-wheeled motorcycles, requiring a C1 or C2 car driver's license to be legally driven on the road. Last year, an elderly man in our community used his D license to drive an electric four-wheeler for grocery shopping, only to be stopped by traffic police who impounded his vehicle and fined him. If you ask me, if you really want to drive a mobility scooter, it's better to get a C2 license. Driving schools now offer accelerated courses for seniors, and the automatic transmission test is simpler—safe and worry-free.

[LeDelaney]

I've been running an auto repair shop for over a decade and often get this question from customers. Simply put, a Class D license only permits you to operate three-wheeled or two-wheeled motorcycles. Despite their compact size, four-wheeled mobility vehicles are technically classified as four-wheeled motor vehicles, requiring a Class C driver's license. Driving one with a Class D license would be considered unlicensed operation if caught by authorities. What's more troublesome is that four-wheeled mobility vehicles have more complex steering and braking systems than motorcycles, making them prone to accidents without proper training. Just last week, I repaired a four-wheeler involved in a crash where the unlicensed driver lost control during a turn and hit a tree. My sincere advice is to go straight for getting a C2 license—don't try to cut corners on this.

[GraceLynn]

My dad recently wanted to use his Class D license to drive a mobility scooter, but I stopped him. The Class D license doesn't cover four-wheeled vehicles at all—it's only for motorcycles. For four-wheeled mobility scooters, you need at least a Class C2 license, and those vehicles often exceed weight and speed limits. Traffic regulations are strictly enforced now; our county checks these vehicles every week. If you really need mobility assistance, many cities offer legal senior electric vehicles that are slower, don't require a license, and can use bike lanes. If a four-wheeled vehicle is necessary, have your children accompany you to driving school—you can get licensed in about two months.