Can minors obtain a driver's license?
4 Answers
Individuals under the age of 18 cannot obtain a driver's license. According to the 'Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses' of the People's Republic of China, the minimum age requirement is 18 years old. Article 13 of the 'Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses' stipulates that applicants for motor vehicle driving licenses must meet the following conditions: (1) Age requirements: 1. Applicants for small cars, small automatic transmission cars, or light motorcycles must be at least 18 years old and under 70 years old. 2. Applicants for low-speed trucks, three-wheeled cars, ordinary three-wheeled motorcycles, ordinary two-wheeled motorcycles, or wheeled self-propelled machinery must be at least 18 years old and under 60 years old. 3. Applicants for city buses, medium-sized buses, large trucks, trolleybuses, or trams must be at least 21 years old and under 50 years old. 4. Applicants for medium-sized buses must be at least 21 years old and under 50 years old. 5. Applicants for tractors must be at least 24 years old and under 50 years old. 6. Applicants for large buses must be at least 26 years old and under 50 years old. 7. Students receiving full-time driving vocational education who apply for large buses or tractors must be at least 20 years old and under 50 years old.
As a parent, I understand that children are always curious about driving, but I must emphasize that Chinese law prohibits minors from obtaining a driver's license. You must be at least 18 years old to apply. I have personal experience with this—my 15-year-old son once asked if he could learn to drive, and I had to patiently explain the safety considerations behind this rule: young people lack experience, their judgment isn't fully developed, and they are more prone to distractions or misjudging risks while driving, leading to higher accident rates. My advice to minors is not to rush into getting a license. Instead, they can start by using mobile apps to study traffic rules, such as the questions for the theoretical test (Subject 1), or watch online driving tutorial videos. These free resources can help build a solid foundation, making their formal driving school training more efficient once they turn 18. Safety comes first, and developing good habits early is crucial for their future driving careers. Also, remember to discuss road safety stories with your children to raise their awareness.
During my years as a driving instructor, I've witnessed the challenges faced by novice drivers, so I'm well aware that obtaining a driver's license is prohibited for minors. The age threshold set at 18 is designed to protect everyone. Safety is the core factor—young people tend to have slower reaction times and are easily distracted, especially in traffic jams or at high speeds, which poses many hidden dangers. In reality, many parents ask if their children can start learning to drive early, and I always recommend focusing on theoretical preparation. Downloading the Driving Test Treasure APP to practice questions and joining youth traffic knowledge club activities can enhance their skills. When they reach adulthood, they can directly apply for the test, and practical skills will come faster. While driving, I pay attention to potential hazards on the road and share them with kids for learning. Cultivating a sense of responsibility is more important than rushing into the test. Safe driving is a lifelong commitment, and patient accumulation is key.
I'm a 16-year-old high school student and really envy classmates who have driver's licenses and can drive themselves to school. But when I checked with driving schools, they said minors aren't allowed - national regulations require you to be 18 to take the test. Though a bit disappointed, I realize it makes sense - TV news often shows teen driving accidents, so the rules protect us. Now I spend free time studying on a driving test prep app, memorizing traffic signs and rules, and discussing safety cases with friends. This way I can gain knowledge early and avoid being overwhelmed after turning 18. When my birthday comes next year, I'll head straight to sign up at a driving school. My goal is passing the road test and driving test on the first try to save money. Learning to drive is a process that can't be rushed - building foundations now is more cost-effective.
