Do New Energy Vehicles Require a Driver's License?
2 Answers
New energy vehicles require a driver's license. The driver's license only has classification regulations for vehicle types, with no restrictions on the type of engine. A C1 license allows driving small new energy vehicles, while an A license permits driving large new energy vehicles. Driver's license examination content: The test subjects include traffic regulations and related knowledge, field driving, and road driving (including safe and civilized driving), totaling three items. The order of the test subjects is as follows: traffic regulations and related knowledge (referred to as Subject 1 [theory]), field driving (referred to as Subject 2 [nine items]), and road driving (referred to as Subject 3 [road test and safe and civilized driving]), conducted in sequence.
New energy vehicles are essentially electric or hybrid vehicles, and you still need a driver's license to operate them. I often commute with an electric car—while it doesn’t require refueling, you must follow traffic rules on the road and hold a valid license. Just like driving a gasoline-powered car, regardless of the vehicle type, you need either a C1 or C2 driver's license. The licensing process includes a written test on traffic regulations and a road test for practical driving skills, ensuring you can drive safely. Some assume that because new energy vehicles are more intelligent, a license isn’t necessary—but that’s incorrect. The law explicitly states that unlicensed driving can result in heavy fines, vehicle impoundment, and penalty points. Before buying a car, make sure to obtain your license first to avoid legal trouble. Additionally, safety comes first when driving; understanding traffic rules reduces accident risks. Although new energy vehicles are eco-friendly, driving skills shouldn’t be taken lightly. After getting licensed, driving an electric car feels smoother since you’ve mastered the basics. For new buyers, I recommend enrolling in a formal driving school to adapt to the acceleration characteristics of new energy vehicles.