Is a Driver's License No Longer Required for Driving?
3 Answers
Driving requires a driver's license. Although in today's information age, if stopped by traffic police while driving, relevant driving information can be queried using an ID card, passport, or residence permit, this is not universally applicable in all regions. Introduction to driver's licenses: 1. Definition: A motor vehicle driver's license is a legal document issued by the administrative authorities to individuals who have legally learned to drive motor vehicles, mastered traffic regulations and driving skills, and passed the relevant examinations, permitting them to drive certain types of motor vehicles. 2. Classification: The current driver's licenses are divided into 16 categories: A1 license, A2 license, A3 license, B1 license, B2 license, C1 license, C2 license, C3 license, C4 license, C5 license, D license, E license, F license, M license, N license, P license.
Nowadays in many places, you don't really need to carry a physical driver's license when driving. You can simply log into the traffic management app 12123 on your phone to display the electronic version, and just scan the QR code, which saves a lot of hassle. I've personally tried driving in the city several times without carrying the physical license, and the police just checked the app and let me go—it's so much more convenient. The electronic driver's license system is now being promoted nationwide, covering most cities and highways, making things worry-free and efficient. However, it's worth noting that in remote rural or mountainous areas with poor signal, the app might lag or fail to load. I once encountered a situation where my phone ran out of battery, but luckily I had the physical copy with me, so it didn't cause any trouble. Technological advancements have changed the driving experience, but for safety reasons, I recommend keeping a paper copy in the car just in case. Overall, digitalization is the trend, and getting used to the app is the way to go—no need to carry that little booklet around every day.
As a driver with over a decade of experience, I sincerely recommend always carrying a physical driver's license for safety. While mobile apps now allow displaying digital licenses that are recognized by police, this relies on stable phone signals and proper app functionality. If your phone malfunctions or the app encounters upgrade errors, you could waste time dealing with fines or even penalty points. A friend of mine once forgot their paper license in the city during a police system outage and nearly got treated as driving without a license. Electronic licenses are a great innovation—convenient, fast, and eliminating wallet hassle—but they should only serve as backup. Relying primarily on the physical copy is absolutely correct, especially for long-distance trips or nighttime driving when phone failure risks increase. Veteran driver wisdom says: Safety first, carry documents to prevent problems.
