How long after obtaining an E license can you apply for a C license?

[SanAriana]

You can apply for an additional C driver's license after the probation period of your E license ends. Below is relevant information about driver's licenses: 1. License categories: The motor vehicle driver's license grading system divides licenses into 15 categories: A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, E, F, M, N, and P. 2. Scoring and review: The cumulative scoring cycle for road traffic safety violations (i.e., the scoring cycle) is 12 months, with a maximum of 12 points, calculated from the date the motor vehicle driver's license is initially issued. Based on the severity of road traffic safety violations, the points for a single violation are categorized into five types: 12 points, 6 points, 3 points, 2 points, and 1 point.

[ErinLynn]

Last week I accompanied my cousin to the DMV to inquire about this. He obtained his Class E license for motorcycles last year and now wants to upgrade to a Class C license for cars. The staff said he must complete the 12-month probation period, and not accumulate 12 penalty points within the past year. That means he needs to ride his motorcycle strictly by the rules this year - if he gets too many points deducted for running red lights or speeding, the clock resets. I checked the updated traffic regulations which also require clearing all traffic violations before applying for a license upgrade. For friends planning to get a Class C license, I suggest first checking your driving record on the 12123 app to avoid wasting a trip to the driving school. If everything goes smoothly, you can start practical training right after passing the written test.

[JayceFitz]

Last year, I also just upgraded my license to a C-class, having ridden a motorcycle for three years prior. Actually, you need to wait until your E-class license has been valid for a full year before you can apply. During this period, make sure not to drink and drive or speed. My instructor mentioned that many beginners think getting points on their motorcycle license doesn’t matter, only to find out during the upgrade process that a speeding record can ruin everything. Additionally, you’ll need a medical check-up before the exam. Just bring your ID card and the original E-class license to the DMV to exchange it. Nowadays, many driving schools offer upgrade packages, which are a few hundred dollars cheaper than regular courses. Remember, after the upgrade, your license will become a C1E, allowing you to drive both cars and motorcycles, which is quite convenient.

[LukeDella]

Just asked a friend at the driving school, after obtaining the E license, you must wait one year before upgrading to a C license. This year is called the probationary period, mainly to allow beginners to familiarize themselves with road rules. If you accumulate 12 penalty points during this period, you'll have to retake the E license test. Remember to bring the medical examination form when registering, and you'll need to retake all four subjects. Many people don't know that the original E license won't be canceled after upgrading—the two licenses will be merged into a new one, saving you from carrying two booklets. It's recommended to prepare for the theoretical test three months in advance; being skilled at riding a motorcycle doesn't mean you know car traffic rules.

[BarrettRose]

My uncle learned the hard way due to lack of experience when upgrading his license two years ago. He obtained his Class E license in July, but when he went to apply for a Class C license the following June, he was rejected because his probationary period was short by half a month. The DMV is very strict about the timing—it must be a full 12 months. Here’s a tip: getting a no-accident certificate from the traffic police in advance can save a lot of hassle. The cost for upgrading the license is around 2,000 yuan, and the test content is exactly the same as for new car drivers. The only difference is that you can use your own motorcycle for the road test. For friends who frequently ride motorcycles on long trips, it’s recommended to get the Class E license first and then upgrade to Class C after a couple of years—it’s more cost-effective.

[LeHarrison]

Recently, my neighbors were discussing this, so I specifically checked the new 2024 regulations. Holding an E license for at least one year is a mandatory requirement, and you must not accumulate 12 penalty points in the last two scoring cycles. For example, if you obtain your E license in May, you can apply for a C license in May the following year. However, if you get 12 points deducted for drunk driving in between, you’ll have to wait another full year. The process for upgrading your license is actually quite fast—after passing the written test (Subject 1), you can directly schedule driving practice. If you’re skilled, you can get your license in two months. A reminder: the test vehicle operates completely differently from a motorcycle, so it’s best to hire a coach to familiarize yourself for a couple of days before taking the test.