Can I Take the Driving Test Without Enrolling in a Driving School?
2 Answers
You cannot take the driving test without enrolling in a driving school. Below is relevant information about the age requirements for applying for a driver's license: 1. Ages 18~70: Applicants for small cars, small automatic transmission cars, small automatic transmission passenger cars for the disabled, and light motorcycles must be between 18 and 70 years old. 2. Ages 18~60: Applicants for low-speed trucks, three-wheeled cars, ordinary three-wheeled motorcycles, ordinary two-wheeled motorcycles, or wheeled self-propelled machinery must be between 18 and 60 years old. 3. Ages 20~50: Applicants for city buses, large trucks, trolleybuses, or trams must be between 20 and 50 years old.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I know that in China, obtaining a driver's license requires mandatory training at a driving school before taking the test. This stems from traffic safety regulations, which mandate that learners complete both theoretical and practical lessons, with the driving school issuing a training certificate. Driving schools offer systematic courses, professional instructors, and safe training grounds to ensure a solid foundation. However, in theory, one could self-study without enrolling in a driving school—for example, by learning privately from an experienced driver—but without official records, it might be impossible to register for the exam. Policies vary significantly by region; a few provinces and cities are piloting programs where self-learners can apply, but the pass rate is extremely low and the risks are high—self-learning lacks guidance, making it easy to develop bad habits or cause accidents, wasting time and potentially costing more in the long run. I recommend checking the local DMV website to confirm the policy; but for safety’s sake, enrolling in a driving school is the reliable choice.
