The joy of riding on two or three wheels. That’s when you’re riding either a two-wheel or three-wheel motorcycle with a sidecar, according to the Beijing Motor Vehicle Registration. Getting a motorcycle license in Beijing isn’t so straightforward, so let’s learn about your options and basic steps.
The easiest way of obtaining a motorcycle license in Beijing is if you already have a valid license from abroad. This calls for your driver license to have a motorcycle classification. If you already have this, it’s great news because you basically need only to pass a written test – along with meeting other requirements – to get your China motorcycle license. At the same time, you are also cleared to drive cars as well.
If you don’t already have a motorcycle license from abroad, as most people don’t, the steps to complete this are a little more complicated and pricey. In addition to the basic requirements (valid passport and copies, valid resident visa with over 90 days duration and copies, valid registration form of temporary residence and copies, 1-inch photos with a white background, health check, application form, and a Chinese name), you will need to enroll in a motorcycle safety class and pay that registration fee. For foreigners, there is only one official driving school that is recognized, Lao Shan Driver Training School located in the Jingshan district in western Beijing. The course duration varies, depending on how often you go to practice and can be a long distance for many. The course registration fee starts at around 2,400 RMB for 2-wheel motorcycles and more for the 3-wheel. Next, you will take a written test at the Beijing Motor Vehicle Registration and then continue to practice at Lao Shan until you take a riding test.
Beijing recognizes these two as different classes, so choose wisely. Note that there is a mandatory one-year probation period where you cannot make any changes to your driver license. Also, if you get a motorcycle license, you may not be able to add driving privileges in the future. On the other hand, if you first transfer a driver license from abroad, you will have to wait one year in order to add the motorcycle classification.
The best option, which involves the least amount of frustration if possible, is to first obtain your motorcycle license from abroad and return to Beijing to obtain your China license. Not only are the fees much lower – less than 100 RMB total for test and administrative fees – but it requires minimal trips. Just think about extending a visit to your home country and getting your motorcycle license there.
