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