Every applicant for a driver's license must have a medical checkup, take two written exams and pass two practical tests.

All the examinations are organized by the Traffic Administration Bureau of the Ministry of Public Security.

Only by passing the tests can applicants obtain a license and drive a motor vehicle legally.

Revised regulations released on April 1 last year stipulate that it is not necessary for applicants to attend a driving school to learn the required skills and obtain a license — they can teach themselves and visit the traffic management department to take the necessary tests directly.

Those tests include a written exam about driving theory, focusing on road traffic safety laws and regulations, plus a practical test on an off-road area, a test on a road range and a written exam about safe and civilized driving.

The tests' content and qualification standards are unified nationwide, and the corresponding test items are tailored according to different driving models. For example, the road test for small automatic cars has fewer topics.

Applicants age 70 and older take more tests than younger people — in addition to the two written and two practical driving tests and only candidates who can display unimpaired memory, judgment, reactions and other criteria can apply for a driver's license.

Moreover, the revised application rules stipulate that drivers age 70 and older must undergo an annual physical examination and submit the relevant physical condition certificate.

Zhang Fu, an instructor at the Eastern Pioneer Driving School in Beijing, said many seniors have multiple chronic illnesses, so medicines to treat strokes and high blood pressure are always available at the school, and appropriate measures will be taken immediately should an incident occur.

"I often advise seniors to drive slowly for their own safety. It is recommended that they do not compete with other vehicles, and avoid traveling during rush hours," he said.