Can I Get a Driver's License Without Going Through a Driving School?

[GenevieveMarie]

It is possible to obtain a driver's license without attending a driving school. Since 2016, self-study and direct examination for driver's licenses have been permitted. Applicants who meet the requirements for obtaining a motor vehicle driver's license as stipulated in the Ministry of Public Security's "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses" can prepare their own safety-compliant test vehicles and study and take the test under the guidance of a qualified instructor, without going through a driving school. The local vehicle management office can directly accept individual applications for motor vehicle driver's licenses. Those opting for self-study and direct examination must meet the following conditions: 1. Driving experience: Individuals with driving experience but whose licenses have been revoked and need to retake relevant tests. 2. No driving experience: Individuals without driving experience but have acquaintances (non-instructors) to teach them, or those without driving experience or acquaintances to teach them but have private instructors.

[McAdalynn]

Last time my cousin tried to learn driving by himself without going to a driving school, he found an experienced instructor online and rented a car to practice. But during the test, he couldn't even park the car in reverse, and the examiner directly asked him to retake the exam. Self-learning sounds cost-effective and time-saving, but in reality, it requires more effort. You have to rely on mobile apps for theoretical knowledge and find practice locations, which is difficult and prone to traffic violations. Now he regrets it. Driving schools offer systematic training with simulation equipment, standard routes, and examiners tend to trust them more. From a young person's experience, self-learning is possible but risky, and the extended time actually reduces efficiency. It's better to just enroll in a regular driving course.

[EvaAnn]

Having driven trucks for twenty years, I've seen too many self-taught drivers panic on the road after getting their licenses. Driving schools don't just teach straight-line driving; they emphasize details like emergency lane changes and nighttime light adjustments, which are often overlooked in self-study. Road safety comes first. Saving a few thousand bucks might increase accident risks—it's not worth it. If you really want to save time, consider private coaching from a certified instructor, but make sure your skills are solid to avoid learning just for the test while neglecting actual driving ability.

[AdalineFitz]

From a legal perspective, China basically requires obtaining a driver's license through driving school training, which includes hour registration and theoretical/practical exams. Some Western countries allow self-study before directly taking the theory test, but you must provide your own vehicle that meets exam standards. The key is to check local traffic regulations in detail—for example, Beijing and Shanghai enforce stricter controls. When practicing at home, avoid violating traffic laws to prevent fines that outweigh the benefits.

[McArcher]

Considering the financial aspect, not enrolling in a driving school may seem to save tuition fees of around four to five thousand yuan, but renting a car for practice can cost hundreds each time, and accumulated fuel expenses might exceed expectations. If you fail the driving test, the retake fees are also expensive, and self-learners miss out on the mock test opportunities included in driving school packages. Additionally, finding a suitable practice area is challenging, and potential fines could lead to greater losses. Financially, it appears cost-effective but is actually fraught with risks. It's better to budget wisely and opt for a basic driving school course.