Why are there separate categories for sedans and pickups in Subject 2 of the driving test?

[VonLucille]

Subject 2 does not differentiate between pickups and sedans. During training, 58 Auto School may choose to use pickups, but the examination vehicles are generally sedans. Below are introductions to these two vehicle types: Sedan: A sedan (saloon-car) refers to a vehicle designed to transport passengers and their personal belongings, with seating arranged between two axles. In terms of driving license management in mainland China, sedans specifically refer to small passenger vehicles distinct from trucks, pickups, SUVs, buses, and minibuses, commonly known as "small sedans." Pickup: A pickup is a light-duty cargo vehicle featuring an open cargo box behind the cab, with the cargo box side panels integrated into the cab structure. It is a dual-purpose passenger-cargo vehicle with a sedan-like front section and a cargo-carrying rear section.

[ElainaLee]

Because the driving experience varies significantly between different vehicle types. Compact cars are agile and easy to control, while pickup trucks with their longer bodies are harder to maneuver. For example, when reversing into a parking space, a pickup truck requires an extra half turn of the steering wheel to complete the turn, whereas a compact car can do it in one go. It's essential to set different test standards for the second driving test subject (e.g., parking). Otherwise, students trained in compact cars would be confused when suddenly driving a pickup truck, inevitably running over the lines during reverse parking. Driving schools must also adjust their teaching plans according to the vehicle type, allocating an extra half-meter width in training areas for pickup trucks compared to compact cars. Separate tests ensure that students master practical driving skills, preventing situations where they might get stuck in the middle of a narrow road while attempting a U-turn in a pickup truck. After all, the C1 license covers a wide range of vehicle types, so grouping tests based on actual driving difficulty is the most reasonable approach.

[OCooper]

Simply put, driving a pickup truck feels completely different from driving a sedan. With a large cargo bed at the back, pickups are particularly cumbersome when turning. The parking and maneuvering tests in Subject 2 have strict requirements on vehicle positioning—the longer body of a pickup makes it easier to cross the line. Sedans, on the other hand, are much lighter and more agile; just a couple of turns of the wheel can adjust the position perfectly. Separate testing is fairer, and students who pass using a pickup will adapt quickly to driving a sedan later. Moreover, since the test vehicles differ, driving schools have to arrange separate training sessions. Pickups consume more fuel, making training costs higher. There are also differences in test details—for example, during parallel parking, pickup drivers need to pay extra attention to the rear, while sedan drivers only need to focus on the front. Grouping training this way can more effectively enhance students' skills.

[DeGabriela]

The difference in body dimensions is significant. Pickup trucks are generally more than half a meter longer than compact cars, with a longer wheelbase and higher chassis, making them feel like driving an elephant. During the reverse parking test in the second driving exam, timing the steering wheel too early or too late in a pickup truck can easily cause the rear to hit the poles. Compact cars are much easier to control, with lighter steering wheels. The separate testing is a safety consideration, as different vehicle types require different handling skills. In the training ground, pickup trucks can't even fit into standard parking spaces, so the test parking spaces are designed to be wider and deeper than those for compact cars. The same goes for practicing parallel parking; pickup trucks require a couple more reverses.