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

[Austin]

Currently, C1 and C2 driver's licenses can be obtained without going through a driving school. 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 one being for manual transmission and the other for automatic transmission. All subjects are the same, only the vehicles differ. Process: Candidates can register through the national unified online or telephone service platform, and 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 vehicle must display the learner's identification sticker. The accompanying person must have at least 5 years of safe driving experience with the same vehicle type, no record of major accidents, and no 12-point deduction record. Training must be conducted at locations and times designated by the traffic management authorities of the Ministry of Public Security. Before the subject tests, candidates can familiarize themselves with the test routes and processes at no cost, and all test routes and processes must be publicly available. The driver's license will be issued on the same day if the test is passed.

[ValentinaMarie]

I just got my driver's license not long ago, and I have to say that enrolling in a driving school is indeed mandatory here—it's a hard requirement. The driving school helps arrange theory classes and practical training, including finding professional instructors and providing dedicated training vehicles. They also handle the exam registration collectively. Self-learning is simply not an option because the testing center doesn’t accept individual applications; without a driving school’s endorsement, you can’t even sign up. Cost-wise, enrolling in a driving school cost me several thousand yuan, which might sting a bit, but it covers everything, making it hassle-free. I’ve also heard that some cities like Shenzhen have pilot programs for self-learning and direct testing, but that requires you to provide a properly modified vehicle and find a qualified coach—way too much trouble with a low success rate. Overall, enrolling in a driving school is the only realistic path unless you live in a pilot area and have prior experience. After enrolling, I got my license in three months, and it felt worth it.

[OAurora]

As a parent, I insisted my child enroll in a driving school to get their license last year for peace of mind. Safety comes first – driving schools have experienced instructors to provide hands-on guidance and minimize risks. Self-learning lacks professional instruction, making new drivers prone to accidents. While some regions permit self-taught direct testing, I found it's only allowed in limited pilot areas; non-pilot zones require driving school enrollment for exam registration. Cost-wise, driving schools are pricier (around ¥5,000-8,000) but cover both training and exam fees, saving time efficiently. Crucially, closed-course and road tests require practice at school-designated venues – self-learners struggle to find suitable locations and risk penalties for violations. My child obtained their license smoothly within two months after enrollment. Skipping driving school carries excessive risks not worth taking.

[DeLaura]

I once tried to self-study for the driving test, and it was a complete mess. In theory, the policy allows self-study and direct testing, but when I went to register for the exam, the staff asked for a driving school certificate or a coach's signature—things I didn't have as a self-learner. During practice, I used a friend's car on the road, but I was constantly on edge, fearing traffic police checks and fines. I didn't save much money; instead, I ended up spending more on repeated sessions with a driving coach and still failed. After enrolling in a driving school, everything felt much easier. The coach's guidance was standardized, and I passed within a month. Signing up for a driving school is almost a must—self-study is too impractical. I recommend everyone skip the hassle and just enroll in a driving school for peace of mind.

[DiAva]

From a policy perspective, attending a driving school isn't mandatory to obtain a driver's license, as China has implemented a self-study direct examination pilot policy. Individuals in designated cities can directly register for the test, provided they meet specific conditions such as having a self-prepared, safety-modified vehicle and a fixed accompanying instructor. However, in practice, most regions still rely on driving schools to handle exam registration and training. The advantages of enrolling in a driving school are evident—it consolidates resources to ensure a high pass rate with safety. While driving school fees are slightly higher (around 6,000 RMB), they cover insurance and practice facility usage. Self-study presents more hassles and potentially higher costs. My research shows that the pilot program is only available in select major cities, making driving schools the sole option in non-pilot areas. Considering all factors, enrolling in a driving school is more convenient.

[LeBrianna]

I often help others practice driving, and I feel that enrolling in a driving school is the most efficient way to get a driver's license. Driving schools provide systematic training, from theoretical classes to practical sessions, increasing the first-time pass rate for exams. Self-learning lacks professional instructor guidance, making it easy to fail. While self-study and direct examination are technically allowed by policy, it's challenging in practice—you need to provide your own standard-compliant vehicle and a practice partner, which takes a lot of time. Enrolling in a driving school includes a comprehensive training package, saving you the hassle of finding a car and handling procedures. Students usually obtain their license within one or two months after enrolling, ensuring safety and reliability. Unless you have special circumstances, enrolling in a driving school is the smart choice.