Do you need to be at least 18 years old to get a driver's license?
2 Answers
Yes, the minimum age requirement for obtaining a driver's license is 18 years old. Here, 18 years old refers to the legal age of 18, which means the date of birth on the ID card plus 18 years. Even one day less is not acceptable. The full name of the driver's license is the motor vehicle driver's license, also known as the "driver's license." It is a certificate required by law for motor vehicle drivers. Driving a motor vehicle requires certain driving skills. Without these skills, driving a motor vehicle arbitrarily may lead to traffic accidents. Generally, people without a license are not allowed to drive on the road. Driver's license application age: For applying for small cars, small automatic transmission cars, small automatic transmission passenger cars for the disabled, or light motorcycles, the applicant must be between 18 and 70 years old. For applying for low-speed trucks, three-wheeled cars, ordinary three-wheeled motorcycles, ordinary two-wheeled motorcycles, or wheeled self-propelled machinery, the applicant must be between 18 and 60 years old. For applying for city buses, large trucks, trolleybuses, or trams, the applicant must be between 20 and 50 years old. For applying for medium-sized passenger vehicles, the applicant must be between 21 and 50 years old. For applying for tractor vehicles, the applicant must be between 24 and 50 years old. For applying for large passenger vehicles, the applicant must be between 26 and 50 years old.
I just turned 18 last year and immediately enrolled in driving school. In China, obtaining a C1-class car driver's license requires you to be at least 18 years old—it's a legal requirement to ensure drivers have sufficient mental maturity. I was super excited at the time, and the first thing I did was download a driving test app to practice questions. The first subject tested traffic rules and sign recognition, requiring patient memorization. The driving instructor repeatedly emphasized that younger drivers tend to be impulsive, such as taking high-speed turns or cutting lanes, which increases risks—hence the 18-year threshold ensures everyone's safety. During my training, I spent extra time practicing parallel parking, which was the most time-consuming part. My advice is to enroll as soon as you turn 18—don’t delay too long, as learning early means getting your license sooner, making commuting much easier. An extra reminder: don’t skip the medical check-up, as vision issues can affect exam eligibility. Also, choosing a reputable driving school saves a lot of hassle.
