Is a Test Required for Upgrading from Motorcycle E License to D License?
4 Answers
Upgrading from a Motorcycle E license to a D license requires passing an examination. Below are the details regarding the upgrade examination: 1. Examination: It consists of four sections: regulatory training; internal road test; special road section test; and safe driving questions test. If the applicant holds a driving qualification other than for motorcycles, they must have held it for at least one year before being eligible to upgrade to a motorcycle license. 2. Relevant regulations: According to the 'Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses' issued by the Ministry of Public Security, even if the driving license has reached the required period for an upgrade, the following conditions must also be met: the applicant must already hold a motor vehicle driving license and must not have any record of full penalty points in the current scoring cycle and the most recent scoring cycle prior to the application.
I just completed upgrading my license from E to D, and it indeed requires retaking the exams. The theory test (Subject 1) mainly covers traffic regulations, and the question bank updates quite frequently, so you need to review the materials again. The practical driving test (Subject 2) involves slalom and hill starts—the balancing technique for a three-wheeled motorcycle differs from a two-wheeled one, making it easy to cross lines if not controlled properly. The road test (Subject 3) simulates real-road scenarios, such as slowing down at crosswalks. There’s also a final written exam on safety and civility. The entire process took me half a month of practice. I recommend enrolling directly in a three-wheeled motorcycle course at a driving school, as it’s much more efficient than self-study. You’ll receive your license immediately after passing, but don’t neglect reviewing the theory materials.
According to traffic regulations, upgrading to a Class D license requires retaking all test sections. Section 1 covers traffic laws and regulations knowledge—though you hold an E license, the question bank has added over 100 new questions specific to three-wheelers. Section 2 involves closed-course driving tests using a three-wheeled motorcycle, where maneuvering through cones and avoiding obstacles prove particularly challenging due to the vehicle's heavier steering compared to two-wheelers. Section 3 road tests require demonstrating nighttime lighting operations and parallel parking. My biggest lesson from last year's exam is not to underestimate the theory—many fail on Section 4's safety and civilized driving questions. The exam fee is approximately 500 RMB, and you can schedule directly at the vehicle management office.
Absolutely worth it! You'll need to retake the theoretical exam for Subject 1. For Subject 2, training must be done on a standard three-wheeled motorcycle - the turning angles are completely different due to the varying body lengths. Subject 3 includes special assessments simulating driving in rainy and foggy conditions. The most noticeable aspect of getting a Class D license is the heavy steering wheel - my arms were sore for the first week of training. I recommend hiring a coach to practice reverse parking more, as this has the highest deduction rate. The preparation period is about half a month. With a Class D license, you can ride all types of three-wheeled motorcycles - definitely a worthwhile investment.
