What is the minimum age to obtain a driver's license?
2 Answers
Generally speaking, you can obtain a driver's license at the age of 18 or above. However, different types of driver's licenses have varying age requirements. According to Article 11 of the Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses (Ministry of Public Security Order No. 71), the age requirements for applying for a motor vehicle driving license are as follows: 1. For small cars, small automatic transmission cars, and light motorcycles: between 18 and 70 years old. 2. For low-speed trucks, three-wheeled cars, ordinary three-wheeled motorcycles, ordinary two-wheeled motorcycles, or wheeled self-propelled machinery: between 18 and 60 years old. 3. For city buses, medium-sized buses, large trucks, trolleybuses, or trams: between 21 and 50 years old. 4. For tractor-trailers: between 24 and 50 years old. 5. For large passenger vehicles: between 26 and 50 years old.
I remember that in China, the minimum age to obtain a car driver's license is generally 18, which usually includes the C1 manual transmission and C2 automatic transmission types. Based on my years of driving experience, this age requirement is quite reasonable, as young people at this stage have mature physical abilities and can better handle road challenges. Some veteran drivers in the past mentioned that the requirements might have been stricter before, but now the law sets 18 as the minimum age, primarily considering safety factors—getting a license too early can lead to accidents due to lack of experience. I recommend that those who want to get a license should prepare well in advance, such as systematically learning theory and practical driving through a driving school, and also passing the medical examination. Once you get the license, there are many benefits, like the convenience of independent travel and an added advantage in job hunting. Of course, other licenses like the motorcycle D license start at 16, but for cars, it's better to be cautious, as it involves public safety.
