What is the minimum age requirement to obtain a driver's license?
3 Answers
You can obtain a driver's license if you are 18 years or older, but you cannot apply if you are over 70 years old. Age requirements: To apply for a small car, small automatic transmission car, or light motorcycle license, you must be between 18 and 70 years old. To apply for a low-speed truck, three-wheeled car, ordinary three-wheeled motorcycle, ordinary two-wheeled motorcycle, or wheeled self-propelled machinery license, you must be between 18 and 60 years old. To apply for a city bus, medium-sized bus, large truck, trolleybus, or tram license, you must be between 21 and 50 years old. To apply for a tractor license, you must be between 24 and 50 years old. To apply for a large passenger vehicle license, you must be between 26 and 50 years old. Vision requirements: To apply for a large passenger vehicle, tractor, city bus, medium-sized bus, large truck, trolleybus, or tram license, your naked or corrected vision must reach 5.0 or above on the logarithmic visual acuity chart. For other license types, your naked or corrected vision must reach 4.9 or above on the logarithmic visual acuity chart.
I've been working in the automotive industry for many years and often get asked about the age requirements for driver's licenses. Simply put, the basic condition for obtaining a C1 small car driver's license is that you must be at least 18 years old—this is a legal requirement. Why set this age? I believe it's related to mental maturity—after 18, people are generally better at handling unexpected situations on the road, reducing risks like blind-spot accidents or impulsive overtaking by beginners. Of course, the age limits vary depending on the type of license: for example, a regular motorcycle license (Class D) also requires you to be 18, but for driving a medium-sized passenger vehicle, you must be 21, and for large trucks, it's even stricter, requiring you to be at least 24. If you're planning to take the test, don't just focus on the age—you first need to pass a medical exam to check if your vision meets the standard (at least 4.9 or above), then enroll in a formal driving school to learn theory and practical skills, and pass multiple exams before you can get your license. Young people shouldn't rush—wait until you're 18 to apply; spending more time practicing mock tests or learning from experienced drivers can improve your safety awareness. Driving isn't a game—it's about public safety, so everyone should prepare patiently.
I've been thinking about learning to drive recently and after researching, I found out that you must be at least 18 years old to officially sign up for a driver's license test. This restriction is frustrating, but it makes sense—18 is considered adulthood, and when driving in complex road conditions, you can handle the pressure psychologically without panicking and turning the steering wheel randomly. I'll be 18 next year, so I'm preparing in advance: reviewing traffic rules every day, practicing driving with my dad, and developing a sense of driving rhythm. The driving school instructor reminded me that even when I reach the age, I shouldn't rush into taking the test; first, get a health check-up to confirm fitness, then sign up for practical lessons. Different types of vehicle licenses have varying requirements—riding a motorcycle also requires being at least 18, and if you want to drive a bus? You'll have to wait a few more years. Although these rules are strict, they help young people build a solid foundation and reduce accidents. I can't wait for the day when I can confidently hit the road with my license. Safety first—don't let age restrictions make the days drag on.
