
Motorcycle license codes are divided into three types: D, E, and F. Among them, D is for regular three-wheeled motorcycles, E is for regular two-wheeled motorcycles, and F is for light motorcycles. Regular three-wheeled motorcycles: Three-wheeled motorcycles with an engine displacement greater than 50ml or a maximum design speed greater than 50km/h. Regular two-wheeled motorcycles: Two-wheeled motorcycles with an engine displacement greater than 50ml or a maximum design speed greater than 50km/h. Light motorcycles: Motorcycles with an engine displacement less than or equal to 50ml and a maximum design speed less than or equal to 50km/h.

Last time before taking my motorcycle license test, I did some homework and found the classifications are quite detailed. The most common ones are the D license for three-wheeled motorcycles, the E license for two-wheeled motorcycles, and the F license for light motorcycles. The displacement differences are obvious—scooters under 50cc mostly fall under the F license. The E license requires a height of at least 150cm, while the F license has no height restriction, making it especially suitable for shorter riders. The upgrade process is also interesting—if you have a C1 car license and want to ride a motorcycle, you must separately upgrade to one of the D, E, or F licenses. Don’t assume a car license allows you to ride a motorcycle legally. Also, a reminder for those eyeing big-displacement bikes: anything above 650cc legally requires a D license. My biggest takeaway after passing was how meticulous the classifications are, with different models corresponding to specific driving requirements.

I remember when I was first learning to ride a motorcycle and couldn't decide which license to get, my driving school instructor explained it very clearly: regular motorcycles are divided into D license for three-wheelers and E license for two-wheelers, while mopeds fall under the F license. Don't be fooled by the fact that they both have two wheels - to ride a 250cc heavy motorcycle, you must have an E license, while a 50cc electric moped only requires an F license. Engine displacement is the key factor; anything over 50cc can't be considered a moped. To get a D license, you must be at least 18 years old, and the physical requirements are stricter than for smaller displacements. I also noticed an interesting phenomenon: the electric motorcycles running on the streets nowadays come in two types - those with a speed over 50 km/h require a motorcycle license, while those below only need an electric vehicle plate. Choosing the wrong license type can cause major hassles later, so I recommend thinking carefully about what type of vehicle you want to ride before signing up.

More and more friends around me are getting motorcycle licenses, which are mainly classified into three levels: the highest is the D license for riding three-wheeled motorcycles; the mid-level E license is for ordinary two-wheeled motorcycles; and the most basic F license is for lightweight motorcycles. Engine displacement is the key dividing line, with 50cc being the threshold for lightweight motorcycles. The age requirement for taking the test also matters: the F license requires applicants to be at least 18 years old, while riding a three-wheeler requires being at least 21. Interestingly, holders of D, E, or F licenses can all ride lightweight motorcycles, but those with a car license cannot ride motorcycles without additional endorsement. I also noticed that regulations on displacement vary by province, so it's advisable to check local policies when purchasing a new motorcycle.

Last year, I did thorough research to help my son choose the right motorcycle license type: a regular two-wheel motorcycle requires an E license, a three-wheel motorcycle needs a D license, and a light motorcycle is covered by an F license. Light motorcycles aren't limited to electric bikes; small-displacement fuel-powered bikes also qualify. The E license has mandatory training requirements, and both the field and road tests are much stricter than those for the F license. The age restrictions are well thought out, with the D license requiring applicants to be at least 23 years old, possibly considering the stability of three-wheelers. The on license upgrades is important to note: having a D license allows you to ride all types of motorcycles, but an E license doesn't permit riding three-wheelers. The most practical discovery was: you must ensure the motorcycle type matches your license before buying, otherwise, you won't be able to register it or ride it legally.

Once at a motorcycle shop, I heard an experienced rider explain license classifications: the E license covers regular two-wheelers, the D license is for three-wheeled motorcycles, and the most basic is the F license for models under 50cc. The test requirements vary significantly—getting a D license involves practicing figure-eight cone drills, which test balance more rigorously. Age restrictions are clear: you must be 18 to apply for a motorcycle license, and operating large three-wheelers requires additional waiting years. A key reminder for those interested in scooters: most of those cool, high-displacement models require an E license. Interestingly, some electric motorcycles now can hit speeds up to 90km/h, and these definitely require a DEF license. Before taking the test, it’s best to check the vehicle classification table at the DMV to avoid the hassle of upgrading later.


