Can people with red-green color weakness obtain a driver's license?
3 Answers
People with red-green color weakness can obtain a driver's license. According to the physical condition requirements for driver's license applicants in the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses," applicants must not have red-green color blindness, but there are no restrictions for those with red-green color weakness. If someone is color blind, specifically red-green color blind, they cannot apply for a driver's license. Color weakness only means a reduced ability to distinguish colors, but individuals can still differentiate between red and green. Unlike color blindness, where certain or all colors cannot be distinguished, people with color weakness generally have almost the same color recognition ability as normal individuals when colors are highly saturated or under sufficient lighting. Therefore, there are no restrictions for color weakness in obtaining a driver's license.
I often get asked this question by friends: can people with red-green color weakness get a driver's license? Actually, it depends on the severity. According to traffic regulations, during the medical examination, doctors will test whether you can distinguish red and green signals. If you completely can't tell the difference between red and green lights, then you really can't get a license, because driving relies heavily on color recognition for safety. From my experience, people with mild color weakness might still pass the test. For example, I know a colleague who was a bit fuzzy about red and green, but after practicing a few times, he got familiar with the traffic light patterns, got his license, and drives just fine. The key is to go for a vision check-up—don't just guess. You should consult with a driving school or hospital. Some people worry it might affect their driving, but if handled properly, the risks are minimal. The most important thing is to honestly assess your own condition and not force it, to avoid accidents.
Speaking of getting a driver's license, I recently helped a relative with this matter who has a slight red-green color deficiency. During the medical check-up, the driving school required passing the color blindness test, mainly focusing on distinguishing traffic light colors. If the color recognition is slightly impaired but the test is passed, it's fine; if colors are completely confused, it's a fail. China's regulations are clear: complete color blindness disqualifies one from obtaining a license, but color deficiency isn't an outright ban—it depends on the individual. It's advisable to get checked early; doctors assess the risks, so don't wait until registration to discover obstacles. From personal experience, driving safety comes first. Traffic signals are designed clearly, and paying attention to shapes and positions can help. Many people with mild issues don't find it affects daily life or driving.
