Hi all,

I just wanted to share my experience getting a Chinese motorcycle license here in Changzhou (Jiangsu). I already have a USA class "CM" license (good for small vehicles "C" and motorcycles "M")

I initially just got my C1 license because I was naive enough to believe the Changzhou DMV when they told me that they didn't offer motorcycle licenses in Changzhou because motorcycles are banned in most parts of the city. Then I read this forum. And I thought to be more persistent.

So after several phone calls for several hours, I got my girlfriend (who is Chinese) to argue on my behalf. I got different answers sometimes even from the same bureau: 1) I could not get a license at all in Changzhou; 2) I could not get a license in other cities because my residence permit was in Changzhou; 3) I could get a Chinese D or E licence, but would have to forfeit my already-obtained C1 license (I couldn't have C1D or C1E); 4) I could take the written and practical exam (and pay several hundred RMB) to get a C1D or C1E.

Option 4 was the best hope after a day of calling. But I still wanted better (I wanted to just take the written test and get the license). So I went in person today and argued with the help of my girlfriend. Finally, they agreed to cancel my C1 license and let me take the 100-question written exam for C1D. I got a 91! Now am the happy owner of a C1D license. (BTW-- the written exam for C1D seemed to be from the exact same question bank as the C1 exam-- not a single question related specifically to motorcycles; what a silly system, but whatever).

The lesson: don't ever give up when the authorities are making you jump through hoops and do illogical stuff. Argue back (with logic). Ask for supervisors. Give them a reason to let you do what you're trying to do.

Now to buy a bike and figure out the whole license plate issue here in Changzhou....

Good luck.