More and more people over 70 are stepping up to take tests for a driver's license and maintain their independence. One such student is 78-year-old Zhu Yongxi from Yinchuan, capital of Ningxia Hui autonomous region.

The change in policy allowing those over 70 to take driving tests, in effect since Oct 22, has been welcomed by the elderly.

"I went to the nearby drivers' school and applied immediately after learning about the new policy," Zhu said.

Though he learned the test questions, he failed to the pass the exam on his first attempt Nov 20. The passing line is 90 out of 100, but Zhu got an 84.