How long after passing the C1 license can I apply for a motorcycle license?
2 Answers
You need to wait for one year after obtaining the C1 license before you can apply for a motorcycle license. You can only apply for the motorcycle license at the same location where your C1 license was issued. If you wish to apply for the motorcycle license in your registered residence area, you must first transfer your C1 license to that location. When applying, you will need to bring your driver's license issued in your registered residence area, ID card, and medical examination certificate (some may be provided by the driving school or vehicle management office). You will also need 4-8 one-inch white-background color ID photos and must fill out the "Motor Vehicle Driver's License Application Form." License levels: A1: Large buses and A3, B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, M A2: Tractor and B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, M A3: City buses and C1, C2, C3, C4 B1: Medium-sized buses and C1, C2, C3, C4, M (Medium-sized buses refer to those with fewer than 19 seats, such as minibuses or vans) B2: Large trucks and C1, C2, C3, C4, M C1: Small cars and C2, C3 (Small cars refer to those with fewer than 9 seats, such as sedans) C2: Small automatic transmission cars C3: Low-speed trucks and C4 C4: Three-wheeled cars C5: Small automatic transmission passenger cars for disabled individuals (referring to those with right lower limb disabilities, both lower limb disabilities, hearing impairments, missing right thumb, or five types of finger end defects) D: Regular three-wheeled motorcycles and E E: Regular two-wheeled motorcycles and F F: Light motorcycles M: Wheeled self-propelled machinery N: Trolleybuses P: Trams
Right after I got my C1 driver's license, I was really eager to take the motorcycle license test immediately, but it's not something you can just do whenever you want. From what I understand about China's traffic regulations, the C1 license has a probationary period, usually a full year. During this time, you can only drive cars and can't directly take the motorcycle test. The main reason is to allow new drivers to accumulate driving experience and avoid the safety risks of learning two types of vehicles simultaneously as a beginner. Only after the probationary period ends can you apply for a motorcycle license upgrade, such as a D or E license. When applying, you'll need to retake the motorcycle theory and practical exams, and you should also ensure your physical condition meets the requirements. I know a friend who was in a hurry to take the test but got rejected because he didn't wait the full year, wasting both time and effort. In short, I recommend patiently waiting until the probationary period is over. Use this time to study motorcycle riding techniques and prepare in advance—safety first!
