Can I Get a Motorcycle License After Obtaining a Car License?
4 Answers
After obtaining a car driver's license, you cannot immediately apply for a motorcycle license. You must have no more than 12 demerit points in a single scoring cycle before you can apply for an additional motorcycle license. Below is more information about driver's licenses: 1. Age Requirements: Applicants for low-speed trucks, three-wheeled vehicles, ordinary three-wheeled motorcycles, ordinary two-wheeled motorcycles, or wheeled self-propelled machinery must be between 18 and 60 years old. 2. License Upgrade: Drivers currently holding a Class C license (for small cars) who are 21 years or older can apply to upgrade to a medium-sized passenger vehicle (Class B1 license). They can also apply for a license covering small and micro passenger vehicles, light and micro cargo vehicles, and light, small, and micro special-purpose vehicles (Class C1 license); or apply for a license covering small and micro automatic transmission passenger vehicles and light and micro automatic transmission cargo vehicles (Class C2 license).
After getting my car driver's license, it was actually quite easy for me to obtain a motorcycle license. I got my C1 license the year before last, and after getting used to driving a car, I was already familiar with traffic rules, but motorcycles are a different game. Before the test, I first enrolled in a driving school, filled out forms to apply for an additional Class E (two-wheeled motorcycle) license, which cost about 1,200 yuan, including training. The theoretical exam content overlaps with that of the car driver's license, but it includes additional motorcycle-specific rules, such as always wearing a helmet and balance techniques. The practical test involved slalom, emergency braking, and a road test, with the examiner observing whether your control was steady. The whole process took three weeks, and I went for practice on weekends, finishing it quickly. After getting my new license, riding an electric motorcycle to work saved me a lot on fuel. Remember, you must be at least 18 years old, safety comes first, and don't be afraid to start practicing from scratch.
I got my motorcycle license less than half a year after obtaining my car driver's license. The whole process wasn't complicated, quite similar to the car driving test. First, I went to the DMV to fill out forms for adding a motorcycle endorsement—they asked whether I wanted to take the D, E, or F class; I chose Class E for regular two-wheelers because I enjoy riding motorcycles for leisure. Next was theory review: Practicing questions on the app was very convenient, covering motorcycle-specific signals and road risks. The practical test focused on balance and braking—unlike bulky cars, it felt a bit wobbly at first. I practiced twice a week and passed in two weeks. The cost was lower than a car license, around 800 yuan. The biggest change is that my living radius has expanded, and I don’t worry about traffic jams on a bike. I advise beginners to wear more protective gear and ride slowly.
After obtaining a car driver's license, it is permissible to apply for a motorcycle license, but I would remind everyone not to overlook safety. Procedurally, you need to submit an application to the DMV, complete training, and pass the exams; the theoretical portion is similar but includes additional motorcycle regulations, while the practical test covers low-speed control, etc. Motorcycle accidents carry high risks, and I always emphasize: even if you're skilled at driving a car, you must relearn protective skills, such as how to prevent skidding in rain or snow. It's advisable to enroll in a professional driving school where they teach proper helmet fastening and emergency avoidance techniques. The entire process takes about one to two weeks and costs around a thousand yuan. Don't rush onto the road—first, practice your balance, which is crucial for beginners to prevent falls.
