Can a Motorcycle License Be Used to Drive a Tricycle?

[VonGabriella]

A two-wheel motorcycle license cannot be used to drive a three-wheel motorcycle. The license for a three-wheel motorcycle is a Class D license, which covers the vehicle types permitted by Class E and Class F licenses. A two-wheel motorcycle requires a Class E license, while a Class D license allows the holder to drive ordinary three-wheel motorcycles, ordinary two-wheel motorcycles, and light motorcycles. License Types and Permitted Vehicle Categories: Class A1 License: Permits the operation of large passenger vehicles, specifically buses that can carry more than 20 people. Additionally, passenger vehicles with a body length exceeding 6 meters also require a Class A1 license. Holders of a Class A1 license can also drive all vehicle types permitted by Class A3, B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, and M licenses. Class A2 License: Permits the operation of tractors, including heavy and medium-sized full trailers and semi-trailers. A Class A2 license also allows the holder to drive vehicle types permitted by Class B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, and M licenses. Class B1 License: Permits the operation of medium-sized passenger vehicles, defined as those with a length not exceeding 6 meters and a seating capacity of 10 to 19 people. It also allows the holder to drive all vehicle types permitted by Class C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, and M licenses. Class B2 License: Permits the operation of heavy and medium-sized trucks or large, heavy, and medium-sized specialized vehicles, such as dump trucks, water trucks, fire trucks, and concrete mixer trucks commonly seen on roads. It also allows the holder to drive the same vehicle types as a Class B1 license: C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, and M. Class C1 License: Permits the operation of small and mini passenger vehicles, as well as light and mini trucks, and light, small, and mini specialized vehicles. Additionally, it allows the holder to drive vehicle types permitted by Class C2, C3, C4, and C5 licenses. Class C2 License: Permits the operation of small and mini automatic transmission passenger vehicles, as well as light and mini automatic transmission trucks. Class C3 License: Permits the operation of low-speed trucks. Class C4 License: Permits the operation of three-wheeled vehicles. Class C5 License: Permits the operation of small and mini automatic transmission passenger vehicles specially designed for disabled individuals. Class D License: A Class D license is a motorcycle license that permits the operation of ordinary three-wheel motorcycles. It also allows the holder to drive vehicle types permitted by Class E and F licenses. Class E License: Permits the operation of ordinary two-wheel motorcycles and allows the holder to drive vehicle types permitted by a Class F license. Class F License: Permits the operation of light motorcycles. Class M permits the operation of wheeled self-propelled machinery, Class N permits the operation of trolleybuses, and Class P permits the operation of tramcars.

[StCooper]

I've encountered this issue several times as my friends often discuss it while driving. Motorcycle licenses are divided into three types: D, E, and F. To operate a tricycle, you must have a D license. Holding an E license only permits you to ride a two-wheeled motorcycle; driving a tricycle without the proper license is considered unlicensed driving. Last year, a buddy of mine with an E license tried driving a tricycle to transport goods and was caught by traffic police. He got 12 points deducted, fined 500 yuan, and his insurance refused to cover the damages, resulting in significant losses. From a driving technique perspective, tricycles have a higher center of gravity and are more prone to tipping over when turning. The D license training specifically teaches control techniques. I recommend directly obtaining a D license for a permanent solution—the test isn't complicated. Always double-check the vehicle types your license permits before driving. Safety should always come first; don't take risks for the sake of convenience.

[DeEzra]

I'm a long-time fan of traffic regulations and have studied driver's license issues for years. Whether a motorcycle license can drive a tricycle depends on the license type: A Class D license covers tricycles, including the standard three-wheeled models; A Class E license is limited to two-wheeled motorcycles; A Class F license is even more restricted. The law is reasonable because tricycles are heavier and harder to operate, posing higher risks without professional training. In practice, some people with Class E licenses have been fined and penalized for driving tricycles, affecting their credit records. It's recommended to visit the DMV to check and upgrade to a Class D license—the process is simple and hassle-free. Before daily commutes, check your license to confirm the vehicle types allowed to avoid violations. From a safety perspective, don't be careless and cause accidents.