Can I Get a Motorcycle License in Shenzhen?

[StMatteo]

Shenzhen allows the acquisition of a motorcycle license. Overview: Motorcycle licenses are categorized into three types: D, E, and F. The D license (regular three-wheeled motorcycle) is for motorcycles with an engine displacement exceeding 50ml or a maximum design speed exceeding 50km/h, and it permits driving vehicles covered by E and F licenses. Categories: The E license (regular two-wheeled motorcycle) is for motorcycles with an engine displacement exceeding 50ml or a maximum design speed exceeding 50km/h, and it permits driving vehicles covered by the F license. The F license (light motorcycle) is for motorcycles with an engine displacement of 50ml or less and a maximum design speed of 50km/h or less.

[DiOlivia]

Indeed, you can obtain a motorcycle license in Shenzhen, but there's a special circumstance to note. The city has banned motorcycles for many years, and you can hardly see any on the streets. Surprisingly, you can still register for the license exam, and the license obtained is valid nationwide. The process is similar to other places: first, undergo a physical examination, then enroll in a driving school (local schools may not offer motorcycle courses, so you might need to travel to nearby cities like Dongguan or Huizhou for training), followed by the four subject exams. A friend of mine recently passed the test and mentioned that the field and road tests were arranged at a test site in Huizhou, requiring several round trips. Although riding isn't allowed locally, getting a license as a backup isn't a bad idea—just in case you move to a city without motorcycle restrictions. Of course, the cost is higher, totaling around 2,000 yuan including travel expenses.

[OLola]

I live in Longhua and did some research on motorcycle licenses last year. Shenzhen's policy is quite contradictory: while motorcycles are banned citywide, they still allow you to get a license. To apply, you need to be at least 18 years old and free from conditions like color blindness or epilepsy. For actual registration, it's recommended to choose driving schools in nearby cities like Dongguan or Huizhou—they'll help you with the application and arrange test slots. The test content is similar to that for cars: first a written traffic rules exam, then field tests like slalom and single-plank bridge, and finally a road test. For practice, I rode my e-bike to a training ground in Huizhou every week, where the instructor taught in great detail. It took me five weeks from registration to getting the license, which was an E-class (standard two-wheel motorcycle). Note that Shenzhen traffic police enforce strict checks—even with a license, don't think about riding in the city, or you'll get 3 penalty points plus a fine.

[RonanLee]

Getting a motorcycle license in Shenzhen is feasible, but the process is a bit more complicated than in ordinary cities. Local driving schools basically don't offer motorcycle training, so I directly contacted a driving school in Dongguan, where the registration fee was 800, including the exam fee. The whole process involves four tests: for Subject 1, just practice with mock tests; Subject 2 tests skills like slalom, hill start, and single-plank bridge; for Subject 3, the road test, pay attention to turn signals; and Subject 4 is another theory test. Before the exams, you must undergo a driver's physical examination at a designated hospital in Shenzhen, with a focus on vision check. I made three trips to Dongguan for the entire process, each time leaving early and returning late. After getting the license, I found it quite useful—riding a motorcycle around Dapeng Peninsula on holidays without anyone bothering me, and keeping it at home as a backup ID during normal times.

[JohnnyLynn]

As a seasoned driver with ten years of living in Shenzhen, I recommend a two-step approach to obtaining a motorcycle license: first, take the D license (three-wheeled) or E license (two-wheeled) test. You must register through a driving school at the Huizhou Vehicle Management Office. Shenzhen only provides theoretical training, while practical training requires cross-city travel. Among the test items, the slalom course is the easiest to fail, so you need to specifically practice your balance. In terms of preparation time, you can get the license in as fast as one month, but slower if you need to retake the test. The cost is around 1,500 RMB, including driving school training fees, but excluding round-trip transportation. The biggest value of this license is renting motorcycles when traveling in Yunnan or Guangxi, and it's also handy to keep in your wallet as a backup ID.

[LaValentina]

I specifically consulted the traffic management bureau about the motorcycle license situation in Shenzhen: the policy allows obtaining the license but prohibits riding on the road. It is recommended to take the test in Dongguan because the test route is simpler. When registering, you need to bring your ID card and residence permit, and non-local residents need to have been registered for at least six months. A two-week training period is sufficient, and practicing two hours a day is enough to master the basics. Pay special attention to the lighting operation test, as many beginners make mistakes in the simulated nighttime lighting section. My most intuitive feeling after passing the test last year was: although it’s not useful in Shenzhen, this license can reduce the probation period when upgrading your license. Now, riding motorcycles in places like Zhuhai and Zhaoqing for travel is legal, making it a practical alternative for transportation.