Can you drive in a closed area without a driver's license?

[MacElaina]

You cannot drive in a closed area without a driver's license, as this constitutes unlicensed driving. Additionally, practicing with a private vehicle in an open area is also considered unlicensed driving. Penalties for unlicensed driving: According to relevant regulations, driving a motor vehicle without obtaining a motor vehicle driver's license, having the license revoked, or driving during the period when the license is suspended will result in a fine by the public security traffic authorities and detention for up to 15 days. If it causes a major traffic accident resulting in injury, death, or significant property damage, the offender may face imprisonment for up to three years or detention. Fleeing the scene or other severe circumstances may result in imprisonment from three to seven years, while fleeing the scene causing death may lead to imprisonment for more than seven years. Cases considered as unlicensed driving: Driving a motor vehicle without undergoing specialized driver training and passing the examination to obtain a motor vehicle driver's license constitutes unlicensed driving. Driving a vehicle type that exceeds the scope permitted by the driver's license is treated as unlicensed driving. Using a forged, altered driver's license or one obtained through illegal means, or a license that has been expired for over a year and revoked, or is suspended, revoked, or canceled, is considered unlicensed driving. Driving when the driver's age or health condition does not meet the driving requirements is treated as unlicensed driving. Driving in China with a foreign motor vehicle driver's license is also treated as unlicensed driving.

[Wood]

I've been teaching driving for many years, and I'm often asked whether one can drive in enclosed areas without a license. In China, traffic laws stipulate that a driver's license is only valid on public roads, so places like private farms, empty parking lots, or dedicated racetracks generally don't face legal consequences for unlicensed driving. But don't mistake this for safety. Site rules must be followed: the owner may require signing a waiver, wearing a seatbelt or helmet, and some places like racetracks have professional supervision. The safety risks are extremely high—without learning proper braking or steering, even at low speeds, you could crash into a wall and injure yourself or damage property. From my experience, beginners often underestimate the difficulty of controlling a car, leading to frequent rollover accidents. I recommend first seeking guidance from an experienced person or taking training courses. Getting a driver's license isn't just about passing inspections—it's about learning life-saving skills. Without proper safety measures, the risk of injury increases significantly—don't gamble with your life for fun.