Can I drive someone else's car without the vehicle license?
3 Answers
Yes. A driver's license is equivalent to a "permit," proving that the holder has the necessary skills to drive safely on the road. The vehicle license, on the other hand, acts as the vehicle's "ID card." Every vehicle must have a vehicle license; vehicles without one are considered illegal. If you have a valid driver's license, you can drive any vehicle that matches the license type, as long as the vehicle has a valid vehicle license. However, if you fail to carry your driver's license while driving, the following measures apply: Regardless of whether the driver has committed any traffic violations, they are not allowed to continue driving. The traffic management department of the public security authorities will impound the vehicle and require the driver to provide their driver's license. Depending on the situation, two scenarios may occur: First, if the driver provides their license and no other violations are found, they may receive a warning or a fine, and the vehicle will be returned promptly. Second, if the driver provides their license but is found to have committed other violations, penalties will be imposed based on the violations and the failure to carry the license, and the vehicle will still be returned promptly.
I get asked this a lot, and honestly, you absolutely cannot drive someone else's car without a license. Legally, you must hold a valid driver's license to operate a vehicle, regardless of who owns the car. When driving someone else's car, the owner should provide a copy of the vehicle's registration to prove it's legally on the road. If caught driving without a license, the fine ranges from 200 to 2000 yuan, and you could even face 15 days in detention. What's worse, if an accident occurs, insurance will outright refuse to cover it, leaving you fully liable. Imagine having to pay out of pocket for injuries or vehicle damage—it could even ruin your friendship. Safety first—don't take the risk. Get your license or be honest when borrowing a car.
As someone who prioritizes safety, I must tell you that driving someone else's car without a license is too risky. Driving requires both skills and qualifications, and neither can be omitted. Besides having a driver's license, you also need to ensure the car has a valid registration and passed the annual inspection. If you encounter a check or a minor accident on the road, driving without a license could result in fines or even having the car impounded. I heard a story about a neighbor who drove a friend's car without a license and ended up in a rear-end collision. The insurance didn't cover it, and he was left with tens of thousands in debt. Save yourself the trouble—it's much easier to follow the rules.
