Is it mandatory to enroll in a driving school to get a driver's license?

[LaBeau]

Currently, it is not necessary to go through a driving school to obtain a C1 or C2 driver's license. Here is the relevant information: Self-study application: You can study on your own and then directly apply for the test. The C1 and C2 driver's license tests have the same subjects, with the only difference being that C1 is for manual transmission vehicles and C2 is for automatic transmission vehicles. All subjects are the same, except for the type of vehicle used. Process: Applicants can register through the national unified online or telephone service platform. After training, they can freely choose the test location and time. Subject 1 must be passed to receive a learner's permit and a free learner's identification sticker. The self-study vehicle must be a non-commercial vehicle with compulsory insurance, and the learner's identification sticker must be displayed on the vehicle. The accompanying instructor must have at least 5 years of safe driving experience with the same vehicle type, no record of major accidents, and no history of 12-point deductions. Training must be conducted at locations and times designated by the traffic management authorities of the Ministry of Public Security. Before the subject test, candidates can familiarize themselves with the test site for free, and all test routes and procedures must be made public. The driver's license will be issued on the same day if the test is passed.

[MacBriella]

I remember years ago when getting a driver's license, you basically had to enroll in a driving school to take the test. Now the policy has loosened up, and in some places, you can study on your own and take the test directly, but that's really not a hassle-free option. For self-study, you have to find a learning vehicle that meets the standards and a licensed coach, just arranging these things is exhausting, and you also have to run around government offices for paperwork, easily wasting time. I suggest it's still more cost-effective to enroll in a driving school. The instructors thoroughly teach the routes and rules, making the test easier to pass and ensuring safety. Especially for beginners learning to drive, starting directly with a driving school can help avoid detours and prevent accidents on the road. Overall, it's both hassle-free and efficient, suitable for most ordinary people.

[DeAbel]

I just got my driver's license last year and chose a reliable driving school to enroll in. The whole process went smoothly. The coach directly provided the training venue and vehicles, saving me the trouble, and I could schedule practice sessions without conflicting with work. I heard that some cities allow self-study for the test, but that requires buying or renting a car and finding a friend to practice with, which is expensive and troublesome, with a high failure rate. Enrolling in a driving school is like paying for convenience—professional guidance covers all the knowledge points without missing anything. Actually, policies vary by region; some are strict and require a driving school's stamp to take the test. I think there's no need to take the risk of self-study, especially for young people with tight schedules—just enroll in a driving school to speed things up and feel at ease.

[OAxel]

From a safety perspective, I want to discuss whether to enroll in a driving school for getting a driver's license. Self-study and direct examination may sound liberating but carry high risks, as beginners are prone to traffic violations that could lead to accidents. Driving schools provide systematic training, teaching you how to observe road conditions and handle emergencies, thereby laying a solid foundation for safety awareness. Legally, most regions require completion of driving school training before taking the test to ensure compliance with driving qualifications. Personally, I recommend choosing a reputable driving school to enhance learning outcomes and minimize potential risks.

[LeAbigail]

I think enrolling in a driving school is the most practical way to save extra effort and avoid hassle. The driving school takes care of everything—venue, vehicles, and instructors—with flexible training schedules, making it easy to get started. If you self-study, you need to apply for a practice car, buy insurance, and worry about inexperience leading to accidents, which could end up costing more. Policies vary greatly by region; some cities support self-study and direct testing, but the procedures are cumbersome and inefficient compared to the one-stop service of a driving school. Enrolling can help you pass the exam quickly, especially recommended for working professionals or beginners looking for a fast solution.

[SanEllie]

After researching the self-study option for obtaining a driver's license, I found the process too complicated. You need to first apply at the traffic police department, then find a qualified instructor and a vehicle that meets the standards, which is troublesome and prone to errors. Driving schools, on the other hand, cover both theory and practical training, with higher pass rates and better safety. Policy-wise, some regions like Beijing and Shanghai are piloting self-study direct testing, but the restrictions make it less hassle-free than enrolling in a driving school. Personally, as a beginner, enrolling in a driving school allowed me to quickly master the skills with fewer safety concerns and better efficiency.