Can someone with a height of 1.43 meters obtain a driver's license?
3 Answers
You can apply for a Category C license, as there are no height requirements for Category C. However, you cannot apply for Category A/B licenses. The specific physical examination items are as follows: 1. Height: For large passenger vehicles, tractors, city buses, large trucks, and trolleybuses, the minimum height requirement is 155 cm. For medium-sized passenger vehicles, the minimum height requirement is 150 cm. This is the first step in the driving license physical examination. 2. Color vision: No red-green color blindness. This is consistent with the vision test in the driving license physical examination. 3. Hearing: The ability to distinguish the direction of sound sources with each ear at a distance of 50 cm from a tuning fork.
I've taught many students to drive, and height isn't the decisive factor—it's more about whether you can operate the vehicle safely. I know some people shorter than you who've obtained their licenses. The key lies in adjusting the seat and pedals properly. You need to ensure you can comfortably reach the clutch and brake while maintaining a clear view of the road ahead and mirrors. If reaching seems difficult, most modern cars have seat adjustment features. If still concerned, schedule a trial seating session at a driving school in advance. During the license test, they'll assess your actual driving ability, with examiners focusing on whether you can safely control speed and direction. I recommend practicing on quiet roads or in parking lots first to gauge your comfort level. Being 143cm tall isn't a major issue, but since everyone's body proportions differ, prioritizing safety is always wise.
I'm not tall either, and I was worried about not being able to reach the pedals when I took my driver's license test. My experience is that communicating with the instructor in advance to adjust the seat angle and adding a back cushion can solve the problem. The examiner mainly focuses on whether your operation is smooth, so don't appear flustered during the test. Nowadays, many cars are designed with ergonomics in mind, and the height can be adjusted to your comfort level. I've been driving for seven or eight years since then, and I've never had an accident due to my height. The key is to practice more and get familiar with the equipment—don't be intimidated by the numbers. Just go ahead and sign up. During the physical exam, they'll check your basic operational abilities. If it's not suitable, they'll suggest solutions, and you might even be able to use assistive tools. Don't hesitate too long—action is what really counts.
