Provisions on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licences

The Provisions on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licences refers to the departmental regulations formulated and issued by the Ministry of Public Security in accordance with the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China and its implementing regulations. As a pivotal administrative framework, it standardises nationwide driver licensing qualifications, test benchmarks, licence administration, annual verification systems, and the traffic violation demerit point penalty scheme—serving as the technical and legal foundation for road safety at its source.

Core Attributes and Management Objectives

Upstream Gatekeeping and Entry Control: The regulation establishes a driver admission mechanism underpinned by "rigorous training, structured assessment, and strict screening". By evaluating candidates across multiple dimensions—including age criteria, medical fitness, mental suitability, and practical driving competency—it ensures that every licensed driver is fully qualified to handle a vehicle safely.

Ongoing Behavioural Regulation and Disqualification Mechanism: Moving beyond merely how a licence is obtained, the framework places greater emphasis on post-licensing road conduct. Through an accumulated demerit point system, mandatory remedial courses for full-point deductions, periodic verification, and punitive licence downgrades or revocations, it enforces continuous oversight and disciplinary action throughout a driver's entire motoring lifespan.

Core Application System and Testing Procedures

Driving licence applications operate under a strict categorised entitlement and statutory examination structure, encompassing standard procedures for first-time applicants, additional vehicle class endorsements, and cross-regional applications:

Module 1: Licence Class Categories and Eligibility Criteria 

Content: Driving licences are categorised into several entitlement classes, including A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, C1, C2, D, E, and F. Mandatory medical and fitness standards are defined for each vehicle category, covering minimum and maximum age limits (e.g., Class C generally requires candidates to be at least 18 years old, whereas commercial buses and heavy goods vehicles impose stricter age bands), height, eyesight, colour vision, and physical limb mobility. 

Module 2: Structured Examination Stages and Passing Standards

Content: Applicants must pass four sequential core test modules to obtain a driving licence: 

Subject 1: Road traffic safety laws, regulations, and statutory knowledge (computerised theory test). 

Subject 2: Circuit driving practical test (covering reverse parking, parallel parking, ramp stop-and-go, sharp right-angle turns, etc.).

Subject 3: On-road practical driving test and safe/courteous driving theory test (incorporating real-world on-road driving assessment alongside safe driving ethics and knowledge).

Demerit Point Penalties and Licence Verification Regulations

To maintain high standards of road discipline, the Provisions on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licences establishes a comprehensive demerit point and driver administration framework:

Process 1: Traffic Violation Demerit Point Accrual and Mandatory Remedial Retraining

Tiered Demerit Points and Stiff Penalties for Major Offences:

Specific point deductions—ranging from 1, 3, 6, 9, to 12 points per offence—are imposed for violations such as beating red lights, speeding, driving against traffic flow, drink-driving, and failing to give way to pedestrians. If a driver accumulates 12 demerit points within a single cycle, traffic enforcement authorities will suspend the driving licence, mandating compulsory retraining and re-examination on road traffic safety regulations.

Demerit Point Offset Incentive via Road Safety Education: 

Eligible drivers may earn point deductions against their accumulated demerit points by completing approved road safety legal courses, passing assessments, or participating in road safety public service activities.

Process 2: Licence Verification, Renewal upon Expiry, and Probationary Period Administration

Safety Conditions during the Probationary Period: 

The initial 12 months following the issuance of a newly acquired driving licence serves as the probationary period. During this time, drivers must display a standardised probationary plate on the rear of the vehicle; are prohibited from towing trailers with commercial vehicles; and must be accompanied by an experienced driver holding a valid licence of an equivalent or higher class for at least three years when driving on expressways. 

Periodic Verification and Renewal upon Expiry:

Holders of heavy commercial driving licences for buses and heavy goods vehicles (Classes A and B) are typically required to undergo annual verification and refresher training at the end of each demerit cycle. Before their licence expires, drivers must apply for renewal on schedule and clear the requisite medical fitness checks.