How to Add a Motorcycle License to a C1 Driver's License?
3 Answers
Drivers holding a C1 driver's license who wish to add a motorcycle license must meet the following conditions: No full-point record in the current scoring cycle and the most recent scoring cycle before application; The license must have been held for at least one year; Age must not exceed 60 years (relaxed to 70 years for F-class licenses). What is a C1 Driver's License: A C1 driver's license is one of the codes for motor vehicle driver's licenses. The scope of a C1 license includes small and micro passenger vehicles, light and micro cargo vehicles; light, small, and micro special-purpose vehicles; and small passenger vehicles with seating capacity of 9 or fewer. Age Requirements: The minimum age for a C1 license is 18 years, with no upper age limit. However, applicants aged 70 or older must pass tests for memory, judgment, and reaction abilities. C1 License Vehicle Classifications: The scope of a C1 license includes small and micro passenger vehicles, light and micro cargo vehicles; light, small, and micro special-purpose vehicles; and small passenger vehicles with seating capacity of 9 or fewer. Vehicles Not Covered by a C1 License: Large buses, tractor units, city buses, medium buses, large trucks, standard three-wheel motorcycles, standard two-wheel motorcycles, light motorcycles, wheeled self-propelled machinery, trolleybuses, and trams. Additionally, a C1 license does not permit driving vehicles with more than 9 seats or cargo vehicles exceeding 6 meters in total length.
If your C1 driver's license has been valid for at least one year and you want to add a motorcycle endorsement, you can directly visit the local DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) to apply. First, fill out the application form there, and bring your ID card, original C1 driver's license, and a recent medical examination report—the medical check must be done at a designated hospital, costing between 20-50 RMB. After passing the medical exam, register for the additional driving test, which is either a Category D (three-wheeled motorcycle) or Category E (two-wheeled motorcycle) endorsement, with a test fee of a few hundred RMB. The test consists of a theoretical part (Subject 1) and a practical part (Subject 2). The theoretical test covers traffic rules and motorcycle knowledge, which can be easily prepared for using practice apps. The practical test involves riding a motorcycle to perform maneuvers like turning and parking—it's recommended to rent a motorcycle and practice for a few hours beforehand. After passing the test, you can collect your new license in a few days and legally ride a motorcycle, though beginners are advised to start with smaller engine displacements to reduce risks. Before registering, check the DMV's official website as appointments may be required to avoid long queues, and don’t forget to bring cash or be ready to scan for payment. The entire process takes about one to two months and isn’t complicated.
I just got my motorcycle license last year, adding a D-class to my C1 license took quite some time. Overall budget: medical exam fee around 30 yuan, registration and test fees approximately 500 yuan, and 80 yuan/hour for renting a bike to practice the day before the test. For registration, go to the vehicle management office first and bring all required documents to avoid wasted trips. The theory test includes more motorcycle-related content than the C1 test, I passed after studying for a few days using the 'Driving Test Treasure' APP. The practical test was nerve-wracking, riding a big motorcycle to test balance and turning, so practicing multiple times is recommended for confidence. Test scheduling takes about 1-2 weeks, so don't rush. Total cost is around 800-1000 yuan, and I suggest choosing the D-class license for easier passing. After passing, you'll get a new driver's license, making future trips more convenient, but remember to follow traffic rules and avoid speeding.
