
According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses", upgrading from a C1 to an E license requires passing the following subjects: Subject 1 - Road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge; Subject 2 - Field driving skills test; Subject 3 - Road driving skills test; and Subject 4 - Safe and civilized driving common sense test. For those who already hold a C1 driving license and apply for an E license upgrade, they must have held the small car driving license for at least one year and have no full-point record in the current scoring cycle and the most recent scoring cycle before application. Regarding the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses": Those who already hold a motor vehicle driving license and apply for an additional permitted driving model must have no record of accumulating 12 points in the current scoring cycle and the most recent scoring cycle before application. Full-time driving vocational education students who have obtained the qualification to drive small cars at school and have no record of accumulating 12 points in the current scoring cycle and the most recent scoring cycle before application can apply for additional permitted driving models for large buses and tractors. E license driving test subjects: Subject 1: Road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related legal knowledge. Two test attempts are allowed, and the test is conducted via computer. Subject 2: Field driving skills test (including tasks such as slalom and pole weaving). Note that for two-wheeled motorcycles, the feet must not touch the ground during the test except during startup. If the feet touch the ground, it counts as a violation and a warning is issued. Two test attempts are allowed for Subject 2. Subject 3: Road driving skills test (including uphill start, downhill gear shifting, single-plank bridge, right-angle turn, fixed-point parking, etc.). For two-wheeled motorcycles, the feet must not touch the ground after startup during the test. Two test attempts are allowed. Subject 4: Road safety and civilized driving common sense test, conducted via computer with two test attempts. According to the "Specifications for Motor Vehicle Driving License Business" issued by the relevant authorities, motor vehicle driving licenses are implemented with a grading system, dividing driving licenses into 15 levels: A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, E, F, M, N, and P. C1 driving license permitted models: Small and micro passenger vehicles, etc. E license permitted models: Ordinary two-wheeled motorcycles and models permitted by the F driving license, where the F class license allows the holder to drive light motorcycles.

When I was upgrading my C1 license to include the E category, I had to take three test subjects. Subject 1 was the theoretical exam, and the questions were different from those for the C1 license. I had to specifically study motorcycle traffic rules, such as speed limits and passenger regulations. Subject 2 was the most challenging—it involved on-site tests like slalom, single-plank bridge, and hill starts. I practiced the slalom for several days before getting the hang of it; if you don’t control the throttle properly, you’ll hit the poles. Subject 3 was the on-road practical test, where I had to complete tasks like starting, turning, and U-turns on the test route while the examiner watched for proper turn signal usage and observation checks. Finally, there was Subject 4, a safety theory exam similar to Subject 1 but with more practical questions. The whole process took about half a month, so I recommend finding a reliable driving school—they know the exam details well and can help you avoid unnecessary detours.

My friend just completed the C1 to E license upgrade and shared the detailed process with me. First was the Theory Test (Subject 1), mainly covering motorcycle-specific traffic regulations – cramming with practice questions the day before worked fine. Then came the crucial Subject 2 with three mandatory tests: slalom course for balance , straight-line riding on a narrow bridge, and hill start which is most prone to stalling. The instructor shared tips during practice, like using the handbrake first before slowly releasing the clutch on slopes. Subject 3 road test simulated real traffic conditions, requiring standardized lane changes and parking maneuvers, with examiners also checking safety gear compliance. The final Subject 4 covered civilized driving theory, and the new license was issued the same day after passing. Total costs were cheaper than C1, though motorcycle practice was admittedly tougher than four-wheeled vehicles.

Experience sharing for adding an E license last year: The theoretical exam consists of two parts, both computer-based multiple-choice tests for subjects one and four. Focus on memorizing special regulations like motorcycle passenger rules and restricted road sections. The field test is the most demanding. When navigating around poles, maintain a steady speed and control the handlebars—wearing flat shoes is recommended for easier foot pedal operation. The single-plank bridge is actually simpler than it looks; just align the tire position correctly to pass. Mastering the coordination between the clutch and throttle for the slope stop is essential. The road test (subject three) isn’t too difficult; just follow the instructions. It mainly assesses whether safety awareness is adequate, such as decelerating and observing in advance when turning. The biggest challenge throughout the exam is overcoming nervousness, as even slight instability on the motorcycle can lead to hitting poles and failing.

To obtain an additional Class E license, you need to pass both theoretical and practical tests. The Theory Test (Subject 1) covers motorcycle-specific traffic regulations, including important rules like protective gear requirements and special road section protocols. The Field Operations Test (Subject 2) consists of three parts: the slalom test assesses agility, with entry angles being crucial; the single-plank bridge crossing requires maintaining body balance; and the hill start involves coordinating clutch and brake. Many people struggle with the slalom test, so practicing balance with shared bikes beforehand can help. The Road Test (Subject 3) includes straight-line driving, lane changes, and pulling over, with helmets required throughout. Finally, there's a Safe and Civilized Driving Theory Test. Overall, the difficulty is moderate, but elderly candidates may find automatic transmission motorcycles easier to handle.

When upgrading from a C1 to an E license, I discovered several key points: First, there are two theory tests—subject one focuses on motorcycle regulations, while subject four emphasizes safety knowledge. Using a driving test app to practice questions is the most efficient method. For the practical test, it's recommended to use a small-displacement motorcycle for the slalom course as it's easier to handle, maintaining a speed of around 10 km/h. For the single-plank bridge test, avoid staring at the bridge surface and instead focus on the distance ahead for better stability. Remember to use the handbrake when starting on a slope to prevent rolling backward. During the road test, pay attention to details such as checking blind spots by looking over your shoulder when changing lanes and keeping the parking distance from the curb within 30 cm. The entire process takes about two weeks, and the test fee is only a few hundred yuan, making it more cost-effective than obtaining a car driver's license. Motorcycle modification enthusiasts should note: you must pass the upgrade test to legally ride large-displacement motorcycles on the road.


