Do motorcycles require a driver's license?
2 Answers
Motorcycles are classified as motor vehicles, and a driver's license is required to operate them on the road. The details are as follows: 1. According to Article 19 of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China: To drive a motor vehicle, one must legally obtain a motor vehicle driver's license. 2. According to Article 14 of the Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses: For first-time applicants, the permitted vehicle types for a motor vehicle driver's license include urban buses, large trucks, small cars, small automatic transmission cars, low-speed cargo vehicles, three-wheeled vehicles, small automatic transmission passenger vehicles for the disabled, ordinary three-wheeled motorcycles, ordinary two-wheeled motorcycles, light motorcycles, wheeled self-propelled machinery, trolleybuses, and trams.
Yes, you absolutely need a license to ride a motorcycle—don’t take any chances. Honestly, I’ve been following road safety news, and many accidents stem from unlicensed riders lacking basic skills, like losing control during turns or in rain/snow. Think about it: motorcycles can go fast, and without proper training or knowledge of traffic rules, it’s easy to cause serious harm. In China, the law requires passing both a theory test and a practical exam to get a license—either a Class D or E, depending on the engine size. A friend of mine recklessly rode without one, got fined hundreds, and had his bike impounded—deep regret. Safety is no joke; a license protects you and others. So, skip the shortcuts, enroll in a legit riding school, and build good habits—it’s worth it.
