Do you need a driver’s license and to register an operating sightseeing train?

　　Sightseeing vehicles are classified as a type of special equipment.

　　It differs fundamentally from the traditional notion of a “car.”

　　Of course, the same holds true for listing.

　　So, what is the process for registering a sightseeing train?

　　Let’s sort this out together with the gang today~

　　The sightseeing train is a distinctive mode of transportation within tourist attractions.

　　It is primarily used for passenger sightseeing and short-distance travel.

　　Sightseeing trains are classified as special‑purpose equipment, not motor vehicles; therefore, they are not subject to traffic‑department regulation and do not require a driver’s license. However, operators must undergo relevant training and obtain a special‑equipment operator certificate before operating the train. Prior to official entry into service, sightseeing trains must complete vehicle registration procedures with the competent authorities.

　　In accordance with applicable laws and regulations, operators of sightseeing trains must first obtain a special equipment operation certificate; each train may carry only one operator, and each operator must hold a valid certificate. (If the operator is already certified, this step may be skipped.)

　　I. Examination Procedures and Precautions for Operators of Special-Purpose Equipment

　　The assessment procedure for operators of special equipment comprises application, acceptance, examination, and certification. Applicants shall meet the following requirements:

　　1. Must be at least 18 years old and no older than 60, and possess full civil capacity.

　　2. No diseases or physical impairments that would hinder the performance of the work, and compliance with the physical requirements for the specific job being applied for.

　　3. A minimum of junior high school education, and meeting the educational requirements for the relevant work assignment.

　　4. Meets the specific requirements of the corresponding examination syllabus.

　　II. Candidates must prepare the required documents.

　　Applicants who meet the aforementioned conditions shall submit the following application materials to the issuing authority at their place of employment or at their place of household registration (hukou) or residence permit:

　　1. One copy of both sides of the driver’s ID card

　　2. Six photos of the main work area

　　3. One copy of the educational certificate (drivers must have at least a junior high school diploma; management personnel must have at least a secondary vocational school diploma or higher).

　　4. Original physical examination form from a reputable hospital (basic check-up: height, weight, vision, limbs, blood pressure, heart rate, etc.; cost typically ranges from 20 to 80 yuan).

　　P.S.: Applicants may also submit their applications through the online registration system designated by the issuing authority, and attach scanned copies of the documents required under the preceding paragraph (in PDF or JPG format).

　　Figure | Application Form for Special Equipment Operator Qualification

　　You can check via Baidu or by calling 114, or consult with licensed colleagues in your field to find the nearest locally authorized quality‑inspection training institution. Enroll and complete the course—typically, the entire program can be finished in about three days. Then take the exam (a computer‑based test with a very high pass rate) to obtain your certification.

　　Local training institutions are required to complete several forms, two of which are particularly important; the internship certificate must be stamped with the company’s official seal.

　　Figure | Training and Study Certificate / Internship Certificate / Health Status Certificate Form

　　III. Obtaining the Certificate

　　1. The examination is graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 70 or above in each subject considered passing; only when all subjects are passed will the overall examination be deemed合格 (pass).

　　2. Examination results are valid for one year. Candidates who fail a single examination subject may, within one year, apply to the original examination authority for one re‑examination. If both subjects are failed, or if the re‑examination is also failed, the candidate must submit a new assessment application to the certifying authority.

　　3. The examination authority shall, within 20 working days after the conclusion of the examination, publish the list of candidates who have passed and submit the examination results to the issuing authority.

　　4. The issuing authority will complete the review and issuance of the certificate within 20 working days of receiving the examination results. 　

　　IV. Reexamination

　　Certified personnel shall, no later than one month before the expiration of the validity period of their certification, submit a re‑examination application to the issuing authority at their place of work or at their place of household registration (hukou) or residence permit, and provide the following documents:

　　1. Application Form for Re-examination of Special Equipment Operator Qualifications

　　2. Certificate for Safety Management and Operation of Special Equipment

　　P.S.: Those who meet the following requirements will pass the re-examination:

　　1. Age not exceeding 65 years;

　　2. During the period of certification, no violations of operating procedures have occurred, and no accidents for which the holder is liable have taken place.

　　3. During the validity period of the certificate, the cumulative interruption in the recorded work hours for the certified task listed on the “Special Equipment Safety Management and Operation Personnel Certificate” shall not exceed one year.

　　After obtaining the Special Equipment Operator Certificate, you must prepare the following documents to apply for an in‑plant license:

　　1. Copies of the product certificate of conformity, qualification certificates, and type‑test reports (to be carried with the vehicle upon purchase)

　　2. Vehicle purchase invoice (a standard, official invoice is acceptable)

　　3. Equipment photos (one full-front view photo per vehicle; take with a smartphone and print in color on A4 paper).

　　4. The company’s vehicle management system and emergency response plan for electric special-purpose vehicles and electric sightseeing vehicles must be stamped with the official seal. (Available for download via Baidu.)

　　5. Registration Form (First affix the official seal of the company where you will be registered; some sections require completion, while others do not. The form can be filled out at the service hall.)

　　Application location: The local district/county government’s one-stop service center, at the service window of the Market Supervision Administration. (The Quality Supervision Bureau, the Drug Administration, and the Industry and Commerce Bureau have been merged into the Market Supervision Administration.)

　　Note:

　　1. First, have the staff obtain the work permit.

　　2. After purchasing a vehicle, you must promptly register it with the local authorities.

　　3. To handle the household registration procedures, go to the service window of the local district/county Market Supervision Administration.

　　4. After the three bureaus are merged, staff may not be familiar with this procedure; if they encounter difficulties, please call the Mayor’s Hotline at 12345.

　　Figure | Special Equipment Usage Registration Form

　　Once all the aforementioned steps have been completed, certified personnel may begin work; however, prior to commencing duties, the scenic area must provide drivers with training to familiarize them with vehicle operation and the site’s route network, thereby ensuring safe and efficient vehicle operation.

　　That’s all there is to the registration process for the sightseeing train!

　　Information is for reference only~

　　Specific details regarding procedures and fees,

　　The policies and regulations of the relevant local authorities shall prevail.

　　— The meaning of travel is not to rush along the road, but to slow down and savor it. —