What is a C4D Driver's License?

[VanBrooklyn]

Upgrading from C4 to D or from D to C4 results in a C4D license. A C4D driver's license allows the holder to operate three-wheeled vehicles, ordinary three-wheeled motorcycles, ordinary two-wheeled motorcycles (with an engine displacement exceeding 50ml or a maximum design speed exceeding 50km/h), and light motorcycles (with an engine displacement of 50ml or less and a maximum design speed of 50km/h or less). The requirements for obtaining a C4D license are: having held a C4 license for at least 2 years with driving experience and meeting the C4 license examination criteria. Alternatively, if holding a D license and applying to add the C4 vehicle class, the applicant must not have accumulated 12 penalty points in the current or previous scoring cycle. In other words, one can apply to upgrade to C4 after holding a D license for at least one year. Eligible applicants should bring their ID card and driver's license to a driving school to apply for the upgrade. The vehicle classes corresponding to different license levels are as follows: C1: Small cars and C2, C3, C4 (passenger vehicles with 9 seats or fewer, such as sedans, are considered small cars); C2: Small automatic transmission cars; C3: Low-speed trucks and C4; C4: Three-wheeled vehicles; C5: Small automatic transmission passenger cars for disabled individuals (specifically those with right lower limb disabilities, both lower limb disabilities, hearing impairments, missing right thumbs, or missing finger joints); D: Ordinary three-wheeled motorcycles; other permitted vehicle classes: E, F; E: Ordinary two-wheeled motorcycles and F; F: Light motorcycles. According to Article 19 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law": To drive a motor vehicle, one must legally obtain a driver's license. Applicants must meet the driving permit conditions set by the public security department under the State Council. After passing the examination, the traffic management department of the public security authority will issue the corresponding category of driver's license. Drivers must operate vehicles within the permitted classes specified on their license and carry the license while driving. Therefore, it is clear that both driving without a license and driving a vehicle that does not match the permitted class on the license are illegal. As stipulated in the first provision of the reply from the Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council regarding the interpretation and application of the "Road Traffic Safety Law" and its implementing regulations: Driving a vehicle that does not match the permitted class on the license is considered equivalent to driving without a license in nature. In terms of penalties, based on the principle of proportionality, it may be treated as driving without a license but with a lighter punishment. Thus, both driving without a license and driving a vehicle that does not match the permitted class on the license are subject to the provisions of Article 99, Paragraph 1 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law": Driving without a license, driving with a revoked license, or driving during a license suspension period will result in fines imposed by the public traffic management department and may also incur detention for up to 15 days.

[SiennaDella]

I think this is a great question because many beginners often confuse the types of driver's licenses. The C4D driver's license does not exist in the official system—it might be a typo or misinformation. In China, driver's licenses are mainly categorized into A, B, C, D, etc. For example, C1 is for small cars, and D is for three-wheeled motorcycles. There used to be a C4 license for three-wheeled vehicles, but after reforms, it was merged into C1. If you're preparing for the exam, make sure not to get it wrong and consult the official types at the local vehicle management office. Researching the license types before taking the test can save time and avoid detours—after all, driving safety comes first, and choosing the right license ensures you can legally hit the road. When enrolling in a driving school, instructors usually explain these details thoroughly, or you can check the official website of the public security department for authoritative information. Don’t skip the effort—take some time to learn, and your driving journey will be smoother.