
According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses," you can apply for a driver's license at the age of 18. The age requirements for applying for a driving license are as follows: To apply for small cars, small automatic transmission cars, small automatic transmission passenger cars for the disabled, or light motorcycles, the applicant must be between 18 and 70 years old. To apply for low-speed trucks, three-wheeled cars, ordinary three-wheeled motorcycles, ordinary two-wheeled motorcycles, or wheeled self-propelled machinery, the applicant must be between 18 and 60 years old. To apply for urban buses, large trucks, trolleybuses, or trams, the applicant must be between 20 and 50 years old. To apply for medium-sized passenger vehicles, the applicant must be between 21 and 50 years old. To apply for tractor vehicles, the applicant must be between 24 and 50 years old. To apply for large passenger vehicles, the applicant must be between 26 and 50 years old. Students receiving full-time driving vocational education who apply for large passenger vehicles or tractor vehicles must be between 20 and 50 years old. According to the "Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," the physical conditions for applying for a driver's license are as follows: Height: Applicants for large passenger vehicles, tractor vehicles, urban 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. Vision: Applicants for large passenger vehicles, tractor vehicles, urban buses, medium-sized passenger vehicles, large trucks, trolleybuses, or trams must have a naked or corrected visual acuity of at least 5.0 on the logarithmic visual acuity chart. For other vehicle types, the naked or corrected visual acuity must be at least 4.9. Applicants with monocular vision impairment can apply for small cars, small automatic transmission cars, low-speed trucks, three-wheeled cars, or small automatic transmission passenger cars for the disabled if their naked or corrected visual acuity in the right eye is at least 5.0 and their horizontal field of vision is at least 150 degrees. Color vision: No red-green color blindness. Hearing: The applicant must be able to distinguish the direction of sound sources with each ear at a distance of 50 cm from a tuning fork. Applicants with hearing impairment can apply for small cars or small automatic transmission cars if they meet the above conditions with hearing aids. Upper limbs: Both thumbs must be intact, and each hand must have at least three other fingers intact with normal movement function. Applicants with missing finger segments or only three intact fingers on the left hand but with complete palms can apply for small cars, small automatic transmission cars, low-speed trucks, or three-wheeled cars. Lower limbs: Both lower limbs must be intact with normal movement function, and the length difference must not exceed 5 cm. Applicants with a missing or non-functional left lower limb can apply for small automatic transmission cars. Torso and neck: No movement dysfunction. Applicants with missing or non-functional right lower limbs or both lower limbs but who can sit independently and meet the upper limb requirements can apply for small automatic transmission passenger cars for the disabled. Applicants with one missing hand but with an intact thumb and at least two other intact fingers on the other hand, along with normal upper limb and finger movement function and meeting the lower limb requirements, can also apply for small automatic transmission passenger cars for the disabled. Applicants for a motor vehicle driving license must submit their application to the vehicle management office according to the following regulations: Applicants residing in their registered permanent residence should apply in their registered permanent residence. Applicants residing in a temporary residence can apply in the temporary residence (in Ningbo, a temporary residence permit valid for at least 3 months is required). Active military personnel (including armed police) should apply in their place of residence. Foreign nationals should apply in their place of residence. Applicants applying for additional vehicle types should apply at the place where their current motor vehicle driving license was issued.

That's right, you can apply for a driver's license at 18, which is exactly what I did as soon as I turned 18! I was super excited and signed up immediately, thinking how liberating driving would be. Before the test, I chose a reliable driving school where the instructor taught me traffic rules and practical driving skills. The exam had two parts: first, a theory test with questions like identifying road signs, followed by a road test where I had to perform on actual roads. After passing, I got my license and now I often drive for outings. My advice is to prepare early, practice parking and turning frequently, and always prioritize safety—wear your seatbelt and don’t speed. Getting a driver’s license isn’t just about the certificate; it opens up more possibilities, like traveling freely or commuting to work. Remember to enjoy the process but stay cautious.

As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I recall the days when I took my driving test at 18, which was truly a pivotal moment. Legally, you're allowed to apply for a license at 18, and the process isn't particularly difficult—first, you study traffic rules theoretically, then take the practical driving test. My advice to beginners is not to panic after signing up; instead, practice diligently at a driving school, especially with lane changes and emergency braking. Regarding safety, I always emphasize checking the vehicle's condition before driving and maintaining focus. After obtaining the license, gradually accumulate experience and avoid jumping onto highways right away. The upside is the convenience of having a car to go anywhere, but with great responsibility—regularly review traffic laws, and never drink and drive or drive while fatigued. Young people have the energy to learn quickly, so getting the license early is definitely worth it.

My child just got their driver's license at 18, and as a parent, I'm both supportive and emphasizing safety. Yes, the law allows applying at 18 with a simple process: passing the theory and road tests. I urged them to study traffic rules diligently and stay focused during practice. After obtaining the license, I reminded them to drive cautiously, especially at night or in rain/snow, and keep a first-aid kit in the car. Safe driving is no trivial matter—it affects the whole family's wellbeing. Getting licensed at 18 marks maturity, but requires restraint—no speeding, regular vehicle maintenance. The benefits are real, like independence, but lifelong traffic rule adherence is the true skill.


