Can I apply for a C1 license if I have traffic violations on my motorcycle?
3 Answers
Having traffic violations on your motorcycle does not necessarily mean you cannot apply for a C1 license. Only after resolving the motorcycle violations will your application for a small car driver's license be approved. Motorcycle violations do affect the application for a small car driver's license because both motorcycle and small car licenses are managed by the local vehicle management office. Age requirements for C1 license application: The minimum age requirement for a C1 license is 18 years old, with no upper age limit. However, applicants aged 70 or above must pass tests on memory, judgment, and reaction abilities. Vehicle types permitted with a C1 license: A C1 license allows driving small and micro passenger vehicles, light and micro cargo vehicles, as well as light, small, and micro special-purpose vehicles. Small passenger vehicles must have seating capacity for 9 or fewer people. Vehicles not permitted with a C1 license: A C1 license does not permit driving large buses, tractors, city buses, medium buses, large trucks, regular three-wheeled motorcycles, regular two-wheeled motorcycles, light motorcycles, wheeled self-propelled machinery, trolleybuses, or trams. Additionally, a C1 license does not allow driving vehicles with more than 9 seats or trucks with a total length exceeding 6 meters.
Several of my friends who ride motorcycles have encountered similar issues—they wanted to apply for a C1 driver's license without handling their motorcycle traffic violations first, only to get stuck during the application process. From what I understand of traffic regulations, if there are unresolved violations or unpaid fines, the DMV typically won't allow you to take a new license test, as it burdens the system. You’ll need to visit the traffic police station to pay the fines and clear the records before you can proceed with the C1 application. This is quite a common situation—I’ve helped others deal with it a few times, mainly because unresolved violations can distract you during driving lessons and increase the risk of accidents. Safety comes first, so it’s best to settle it early to avoid wasted effort and frustration during the test.
A few years ago, I met a young man who ignored his motorcycle traffic ticket for too long. When he tried to apply for a C1 license, he found out it was impossible, wasting his registration fee. Experience tells me that traffic violations are like black marks on your driving record—they must be cleared before applying for a new license. Chinese regulations require avoiding accumulated risks, and having unresolved violations will lead to rejection when applying. I recommend using a mobile app to check your violation status. After paying the fine and clearing the record, you can start practicing driving. This isn’t just about rules—it’s also about mindset. Unresolved violations can distract you while driving, which is dangerous. Handling them promptly brings peace of mind.
