
Disabled individuals are permitted to apply for a special small automatic passenger vehicle driver's license, known as C5. The physical examination items and requirements are largely the same as those for non-disabled individuals, with the main differences being in limb conditions. The physical requirements for a C5 driver's license are as follows: 1. Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old, with no upper age limit; 2. Vision: Uncorrected or corrected visual acuity must reach at least 4.9 on the logarithmic visual acuity chart; 3. Color vision: No red-green color blindness; 4. Hearing: The ability to discern the direction of sound with each ear at a distance of 50 cm from a tuning fork; 5. Upper limbs: Both thumbs must be intact, and each hand must have at least three other fingers intact, with normal limb and finger movement function; 6. Lower limbs: Missing or impaired right lower limb or upper and lower limbs, but able to sit independently; 7. Neck and torso: No movement dysfunction.

Before I took the C5 driver's license test, I specifically researched the physical requirements, focusing on finger mobility and balance. Both thumbs must be intact, and at least three other fingers on each hand must function normally to ensure a firm grip on the steering wheel. Limited leg mobility is acceptable as long as you can sit steadily in the seat without swaying. Vision must also meet the standard—you need to clearly see the 4.9 line on the eye chart with glasses and distinguish traffic light colors. During the hearing test, you must identify the direction of a tuning fork in a quiet room with both ears. Remember to get the medical check-up at the DMV-designated hospital, as they are more familiar with these special requirements.

Over the years of teaching C5 drivers, I've found that upper limb function is the most critical aspect of the medical examination. Both thumbs must be fully intact and flexible, and at least three fingers on each hand need to be capable of bending and grasping, as the control levers of modified vehicles rely entirely on finger strength. Lower body disability isn't an issue, but you must be able to sit upright without swaying or losing balance during bumps. The vision test isn't just about reading letters; doctors will also use color charts to check red-green recognition. The hearing test is relatively straightforward, primarily assessing sound source localization. I recommend practicing finger flexibility in advance and wearing loose clothing for easier movement during the examination.

The physical requirements for obtaining a C5 driver's license are quite clear: The upper limbs must have intact thumbs and at least three other functional fingers on each hand. The lower limbs can be missing or immobile, but the applicant must be able to maintain a stable sitting position independently. For vision, corrected visual acuity must reach 4.9, and the applicant must be able to clearly distinguish between red and green traffic light colors. The hearing test requires the ability to distinguish the direction of sound sources from left and right. These tests are conducted at hospitals designated by the vehicle management office, and remember to bring your ID card and passport photos.

I accompanied my friend when they took the C5 license test. The medical checkup mainly examines three aspects. For the hand section, they check if both thumbs are intact and if there are at least three other fingers on each hand that can grasp and move normally. The doctor will have you repeatedly make a fist to test this. Having difficulty with legs and feet is not an issue, but you must be able to maintain balance without tilting while sitting on the examination chair. The vision test involves reading an eye chart with glasses on and identifying numbers and patterns on an Ishihara color blindness test book. The hearing test is the easiest, where they move a buzzing tuning fork around your ear and you point out the direction. A tip: it's best to schedule the medical checkup in the morning when there are fewer people, as the examination is more thorough.


