How many driver's licenses are there in China? Analyze the latest data and trends
In recent years, with the rapid growth of car ownership, the number of driving licenses held in China has also shown a continuous upward trend. A driver's license is not only a proof of driving qualifications, but also an indispensable part of modern life. So, how many people in China hold driver's licenses? What social phenomena does this data reflect? This article will give you a detailed analysis based on the latest data and hot topics.
1. The latest data on driver’s license holdings in China

According to the latest data released by the Transportation Administration Bureau of the Ministry of Public Security, as of the end of 2023, the total number of motor vehicle drivers in China has exceeded 500 million. The following is the change in driver's license holdings in the past five years:
| Year | Number of driver’s license holders (100 million people) | year-on-year growth rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 4.35 | 6.5% |
| 2020 | 4.56 | 4.8% |
| 2021 | 4.72 | 3.5% |
| 2022 | 4.89 | 3.6% |
| 2023 | 5.02 | 2.7% |
It can be seen from the data that although the growth rate has slowed down, the number of driver's license holders is still growing steadily. In 2023, the number of driver's license holders in China exceeded the 500 million mark for the first time, marking that China has become the country with the largest number of driver's licenses in the world.
2. Geographical distribution of driver’s license holdings
The distribution of driving license holders is closely related to the level of economic development. The following are the top five regions in each province (autonomous region, municipality) with the highest number of driver’s license holders in 2023:
| Ranking | area | Number of driver’s licenses held (10,000 people) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Guangdong Province | 4321 |
| 2 | Jiangsu Province | 3895 |
| 3 | Shandong Province | 3768 |
| 4 | Zhejiang Province | 3247 |
| 5 | Henan Province | 3124 |
The number of driving license holders in economically developed areas is significantly higher than in other areas, which is highly related to the car penetration rate and urbanization level. As the province with the largest economy, Guangdong Province also ranks first in the country in terms of driver’s license holders.
3. Age and gender structure of driver’s license holders
The age and gender structure of driver's license holders also reflects changes in society. The following is the relevant data for 2023:
| age group | Proportion | gender | Proportion |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-25 years old | 15.2% | male | 62.3% |
| 26-35 years old | 32.7% | women | 37.7% |
| 36-45 years old | 28.5% | - | - |
| 46-60 years old | 18.6% | - | - |
| Over 60 years old | 5.0% | - | - |
In terms of age structure, young people aged 26-35 are the main driver’s license holders, accounting for more than 30%. The proportion of female drivers is also increasing year by year, and is currently close to 40%, reflecting the improvement of women’s independence and social status.
4. Hot Topics: Driving License Examination Reform and Popularization of Electronic Driving Licenses
In the past 10 days, the topic of driving license test reform and the popularization of electronic driving licenses has become the focus of heated discussion. In 2023, many places across the country will pilot the "one-passport test" and "different-site subject test" for driver's license examinations, greatly simplifying the examination process. At the same time, the popularity of electronic driver's licenses also provides drivers with more convenience. According to statistics, the number of electronic driver's license applications nationwide has exceeded 300 million, covering more than 60% of drivers.
5. Forecast of future trends
With the development of electrification and intelligence of automobiles, the content of future driving license examinations may pay more attention to knowledge related to new energy vehicles and intelligent driving technology. In addition, the growth trend in driver's license holders is expected to continue, but the growth rate may slow down further, which is closely related to demographic changes and urbanization.
Overall, the number of driving license holders in China exceeding 500 million is an important milestone, reflecting the rapid development of China's automobile society. In the future, with the advancement of technology and optimization of policies, it will be more convenient to obtain and use a driver's license, bringing more convenience to people's travels.
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