Can I apply for a car driver's license if my motorcycle license is less than one year old?
2 Answers
You cannot apply for a car driver's license if your motorcycle license is less than one year old. According to the regulations on the application and use of motor vehicle driver's licenses, if you already hold a motor vehicle driver's license and wish to apply for an additional vehicle class, you must have held the license for at least one year. Additionally, you must not have accumulated 12 or more penalty points in the current scoring cycle or the most recent scoring cycle before applying. Age range: The age range for a standard C1 driver's license is 18 to 70 years old. After the new regulations were issued, the upper age limit of 70 was removed. Starting from November 20, 2020, the maximum age for applying for medium and large passenger and truck licenses was adjusted to under 60 years old. Meeting the driving experience requirement and no penalty points within the cycle: A C license can be directly applied for within the age limit. However, if you hold a motorcycle license and want to upgrade to a car driver's license, in addition to meeting the driving experience requirement, you must also not have accumulated 12 or more penalty points in the current scoring cycle (this year) or the most recent scoring cycle before applying (last year). This is also a safety consideration. No history of drunk or drug-impaired driving: The enforcement against these two behaviors is strict in China. Serious violations may result in the revocation of the driver's license or disqualification from driving. No history of major traffic accidents: You must not have been involved in any major traffic accidents, especially those resulting in fatalities. If such records are found during the application review, you will be prohibited from applying for a driver's license.
As someone who enjoys both cycling and driving, I remember when I first got my motorcycle license, I was so enthusiastic that I wanted to get a car driver's license right away. However, after inquiring at the vehicle management office, I learned that according to regulations, you cannot directly upgrade to a car driver's license during the probationary period, which lasts less than a year. The 12-month probationary period is designed to allow new drivers to accumulate more practical experience and ensure safe driving habits. Blindly upgrading early would only increase the risk of accidents. I recommend patiently waiting until the probationary period is over before applying, as the pass rate is higher then, and it saves unnecessary trouble. Driving is not just a skill but also a responsibility; following the rules benefits everyone. I waited for over a year myself, focusing on riding motorcycles during that time, which improved my reflexes, and later upgrading to a Class C license went very smoothly. Don’t forget, after the probationary period ends, make sure to get a timely medical check-up and prepare the materials for the theoretical exam.
