What is the difference between adding a motorcycle license and directly taking the test?

[OSophie]

There is almost no difference in the procedures between directly taking the test and adding a license. 1. Adding a license explanation: Adding a license is to combine two driver's licenses into one. The motorcycle license and C1 license still need to be obtained by taking their respective tests separately. If you do not have a motorcycle driver's license, you can only take the test directly; if you do, you can only add the license. 2. Requirements for adding a license application: Hold any type of motorcycle driver's license (D, E, F license). The application requires that you have not accumulated 12 penalty points in the current scoring cycle and the one before the application. And provide: (1) The applicant's identity proof. (2) A medical certificate issued by a county-level or military regiment-level medical institution regarding physical conditions. (3) The held motor vehicle driver's license. (4) Fill out the application form.

[ODelilah]

I've been driving a car for several years and recently added a motorcycle endorsement to my license. It feels much more time and effort-saving compared to taking the test directly from scratch. Adding an endorsement means using your existing driver's license to qualify for a motorcycle license, with a simplified process—for example, you don't have to retake the traffic rules theory course, just the motorcycle-specific exam. The practical training focuses on balance and handling, and you can pass the test in just a few days. If you take the test directly, you have to learn the theory from the beginning and then practice basic road skills, stretching the process to at least a month with slightly higher costs. This difference is mainly because those adding an endorsement already have driving experience, making the learning process faster and reducing safety risks. Overall, adding an endorsement is more suitable for those who already have a car license—it's quick and convenient.

[DeOmar]

As an office worker, I found that adding a motorcycle license is much faster than taking the direct test. Since I already have a C1 driver's license, I skipped the theory part and went straight to motorcycle skills training after registration, completing the process and getting my license in just two weeks. With the direct test, I would have had to learn the full set of traffic rules first, then practice riding, often facing long wait times—typically a month. The cost difference between the two is minimal, but for someone like me with a tight schedule, the saved waiting time is more valuable. Additionally, the add-on license allows me to leverage my existing knowledge base, making it easier to get started.

[LaLily]

When I first got my motorcycle license, I took the direct test, which was a profound experience as a beginner. Starting from scratch, I had to learn both traffic rules and operational skills, which was challenging but laid a solid foundation. If you upgrade your license later, it might be easier, as I heard the theory test skips some content and focuses more on practical control, making the learning process more efficient. However, for young people without any license, taking the direct test is a necessary step, helping to build safety awareness.

[OAaron]

My classmate got a motorcycle license after having a car license, and passed quickly, while I took the direct test. The difference is quite big: the additional license process is simplified, no need to retake the theoretical course, training time is compressed, and it costs a few hundred less; the direct test requires going through the full course, which is time-consuming and expensive. For students like me, the direct test, although time-consuming, builds a solid foundation and provides a complete experience.

[MacClara]

From a regulatory perspective, there are significant differences between adding a motorcycle endorsement and obtaining a motorcycle license directly. Adding an endorsement is for those who already hold a driver's license, like me. After applying, the training and testing focus on the motorcycle skills module, eliminating the need to retake the theoretical exam, making the process smooth and efficient. Direct testing is for those without a driver's license, requiring them to go through all steps including medical exams, theoretical course study, and skills training, which takes longer. In terms of convenience, adding an endorsement clearly has the advantage.