Do I Need a License to Ride a Motorcycle?
2 Answers
Operating a motor vehicle requires a Class D driver's license; otherwise, it is considered unlicensed driving. Introduction to Class D License: A Class D license allows you to ride three-wheeled motorcycles with an engine displacement exceeding 50ml or a maximum design speed exceeding 50km/h. It also permits riding two-wheeled motorcycles with an engine displacement exceeding 50ml or a maximum design speed exceeding 50km/h, as well as motorcycles with an engine displacement of 50ml or less and a maximum design speed of 50km/h or less. Authorized Vehicle Types: The Class D license authorizes the operation of three-wheeled motorcycles with an engine displacement exceeding 50ml or a maximum design speed exceeding 50km/h. Other vehicle types permitted under this license include Class E and F motorcycles.
I've been riding motorcycles for many years, and I always tell new friends that you absolutely need a license to ride. In China, motorcycle licenses are categorized into types D, E, and F, depending on the engine displacement. For scooters under 50cc, an F license is required; for regular bikes around 125cc, an E license is needed; and for heavy bikes over 250cc, a D license is mandatory. Riding without a license is illegal—if caught by the police, you could face fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of yuan, and your bike might even be impounded. Getting a license involves a written test and a road test, where you learn traffic rules and emergency braking techniques, which can help prevent accidents. Beginners should ideally attend a riding school, gear up properly before hitting the road, and always prioritize safety. Requirements vary by country—for example, the U.S. requires a Motorcycle Endorsement course—so don’t take risks by riding recklessly.
