Can People with Red Color Blindness Obtain a Driver's License?

[SanFinley]

People with red-green color blindness cannot obtain a driver's license. According to Article 11 of the Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses (Ministry of Public Security Order No. 71), applicants for a motor vehicle driver's license must meet the following requirements: Height: Applicants for large buses, tractors, city buses, large trucks, or trolleybuses must be at least 155 cm tall. Applicants for medium-sized buses must be at least 150 cm tall. Vision: Applicants for large buses, tractors, city buses, medium-sized buses, large trucks, trolleybuses, or trams must have uncorrected or corrected visual acuity of at least 5.0 on the logarithmic visual acuity chart. Applicants for other vehicle types must have uncorrected or corrected visual acuity of at least 4.9 on the logarithmic visual acuity chart. Color vision: No red-green color blindness.

[CoraFitz]

As a long-time enthusiast in automotive safety, I often discuss driver's license applications with others. Red color blindness is a type of color vision deficiency that makes it difficult to distinguish between red and green, which can be dangerous while driving—for example, failing to recognize traffic light signals may lead to accidents. In China, the physical examination is a mandatory part of the driver's license application process, requiring applicants to correctly identify red, green, and yellow colors. If color blindness is detected, the application is typically rejected. In some cases, exceptions may be made if the applicant can prove alternative methods of identifying colors, such as through shape or position recognition, but this is not standard practice. My advice is to first undergo a professional diagnosis at an ophthalmology clinic and then consult with a driving school or the local vehicle management office—safety should always come first. Never conceal such conditions, as it could lead to serious consequences, endangering both your own and others' safety on the road. Overall, this is a serious matter—obtaining a driver's license is no trivial affair.

[VanCecilia]

I learned this from the process of getting a driver's license. People with red color blindness really need to pay attention to this, because traffic signals rely entirely on color to distinguish between stopping at red lights and going at green lights. If you can't clearly distinguish between red and green, you will definitely get stuck at the vision test during the exam. I know this is disappointing, but the regulations are set so strictly to reduce the risk of road accidents. As far as I know, a few cities may allow people with mild color blindness to pass through additional tests, but it's a big risk and not a reliable option. The best course of action is: schedule a professional eye exam to confirm your condition, then decide whether to apply for a driver's license. If it's not possible, don't force it—public transportation or shared rides are safer and more reliable. Remember, being honest about the problem is stronger than anything else.

[DelAliyah]

Safe driving is the core responsibility of all drivers. Individuals with red color blindness may misread traffic light colors, increasing the risk of accidents and endangering themselves and others. In China's driver's license test, failing the color vision assessment means disqualification. It's advisable to consult your local vehicle management office for specific regulations and avoid believing in misinformation. Remember, health and safety should always be the top priority—don't risk major consequences for minor gains. Choosing alternative transportation methods can still provide convenient travel options.