When I first started driving for Didi, I had the same question, thinking it would be more convenient to use my own car and save the trouble of getting the necessary permits. But the reality is that you must obtain an operating permit—it's a nationwide regulation. If you're caught driving without one, fines of several thousand yuan are common, and your vehicle might even be impounded. I've personally seen drivers in group chats get their accounts suspended by the platform after passengers reported them for not having the proper permits. Didi requires you to upload the permit during registration; otherwise, you won't be allowed to accept orders. The process of getting the permit isn't too complicated: first, go to the DMV to change your vehicle's status to commercial use, then take a vocational qualification exam. The cost is around 2,000 yuan and takes about one to two weeks. However, be aware that insurance premiums will increase after converting to commercial use—standard car insurance won't cover accidents, so you'll need to purchase specialized commercial insurance. After driving for a while, you'll notice higher costs, but it eliminates the constant worry. Vehicle wear and tear also accelerates—tires and brakes need frequent replacement, and depreciation happens faster. Crunching the numbers, it might work for part-time driving, but full-time drivers need to balance the costs against earnings. To be on the safe side, check local transportation policies in advance.
