Can I get a motorcycle license after obtaining a car driver's license?
2 Answers
After obtaining a car driver's license, you cannot immediately apply for a motorcycle driver's license. You must not have accumulated 12 penalty points within one scoring cycle before you can apply for an additional motorcycle driver's license. Below are the detailed requirements: Requirement 1: To apply for an additional medium-sized bus driving license, the applicant must have held a city bus, large truck, small car, small automatic transmission car, low-speed truck, or three-wheeled car driving license for at least three years and must not have accumulated 12 penalty points in the last three consecutive scoring cycles before applying. Requirement 2: To apply for an additional tractor driving license, the applicant must have held a medium-sized bus or large truck driving license for at least three years or a large bus driving license for at least one year and must not have accumulated 12 penalty points in the last three consecutive scoring cycles before applying. Requirement 3: To apply for an additional large bus driving license, the applicant must have held a city bus, medium-sized bus, or large truck driving license for at least five years or a tractor driving license for at least two years and must not have accumulated 12 penalty points in the last five consecutive scoring cycles before applying.
After obtaining my car driver's license, I decided to also get a motorcycle license, which felt like a natural progression. Driver's licenses are categorized differently; cars fall under Class C, while motorcycles require Class E or D, and these do not conflict with each other. You can definitely take the test, but you'll need to start from scratch with the application process. The procedure includes a written theory test and a practical road test. The written exam covers traffic rules and motorcycle safety knowledge, while the road test evaluates your balance and control skills. When I registered at the vehicle management office, I brought my ID card, photos, and the required fees, and my test was scheduled quickly. It's better to take a few weeks' break after passing the car license before attempting the motorcycle test, as the skills differ somewhat—motorcycles require more agility and quick reactions. The benefit is greater flexibility in daily life; riding a motorcycle saves time and fuel during traffic jams, and offers more options for weekend trips. Safety is paramount—driving without a license is illegal and can result in fines or vehicle confiscation, so obtaining it properly is the only way to feel at ease. Riding a motorcycle is riskier than driving a car, so helmets and protective gear are a must. The total cost is a few hundred yuan, which is a worthwhile investment.
