Gaokao Students Challenge Xiaomi Founder Lei Jun to Take a Driver's Test
A recent phenomenon has captured the attention of the Chinese social media sphere, where high school students preparing for the Gaokao, China's national college entrance examination, have begun a collective call-out to Lei Jun, the founder of Xiaomi, a renowned Chinese technology company. The students' request is not for academic advice or entrepreneurial guidance, but rather for a unique incentive: they are asking Lei Jun to consider gifting them a new Xiaomi car, the YU7, if they successfully obtain their driver's license after completing their exams.
10 June 2025
This unusual request has sparked a lively discussion on social media platforms, with many participants expressing both amusement and admiration for the students' audacity. Some netizens have joined in on the trend, expressing their own wishes and words of encouragement for the students, while also playfully asking Lei Jun for a car. Others have jokingly suggested that Lei Jun should offer an even more extravagant gift, taking the conversation to a humorous extreme.
Public interest figures have chimed in, praising the resourcefulness and willingness of the high school students to express their desires openly. The sentiment is that who wouldn't want to start their post-graduation life with a brand-new car, symbolizing freedom and success. If Lei Jun were to actually grant these wishes, it would undoubtedly make the recipients the envy of their peers for a long time to come.
Meanwhile, some individuals have shifted the focus towards the practical aspects of driving, providing tips and tricks for passing the driving test. A 70-second tutorial on reverse parking has been shared, leaving viewers feeling empowered and confident in their driving abilities.
Behind this lighthearted and humorous appeal lies a complex interplay of societal pressures, anxieties, and the broader cultural context of China's education system and parental expectations. The gesture reflects the immense stress and competitiveness associated with the Gaokao, which is a pivotal moment in a student's educational career. The exam is not only a determinant of the student's future academic and professional trajectory but also a significant source of family pride.
The involvement of Lei Jun, a highly successful entrepreneur and public figure, adds another layer to this phenomenon. It symbolizes the students' desire for role models and the societal emphasis on achieving success and recognition. By humorously challenging someone as accomplished as Lei Jun to undertake a seemingly mundane task like taking a driver's license test, the students are, in a way, bridging the gap between their aspiring futures and the current challenges they face.
The widespread support and amusement this has garnered from parents and the online community underscore the deep emotional investment that Chinese parents have in their children's educational pursuits. This not only highlights the high stakes of the Gaokao but also the broader societal values placed on education as a means to upward mobility and personal fulfillment.
The incident where a high school student publicly called out to Lei Jun to take a driver's license test may seem frivolous at first glance. However, it reveals deeper societal undercurrents and reflections on the values and pressures within China's contemporary culture. The event highlights the immense pressure and stress that high school students undergo in the Gaokao system and the desire for flexible and innovative approaches to education and success.
This incident also underscores the interesting dynamics between technology, entrepreneurship, and public perception in China. Lei Jun, as a tech mogul, represents the pinnacle of entrepreneurial success. His response, or the public's expectation of his response, to such a challenge could reflect broader societal attitudes towards authority, innovation, and the role of technology in everyday life.
The event touches on the theme of social media and its role in contemporary Chinese society. The fact that this challenge was issued publicly, likely through social media platforms, and gained enough traction to be reported on, speaks to the power of digital communication in shaping public discourse and the blurred lines between private and public spheres.
Lastly, there's a layer of commentary on the notion of fairness and equality. By challenging Lei Jun to take a driver's license test, the student might be making a tongue-in-cheek remark about the accessibility of success and the fairness of societal expectations. Everyone, regardless of their social status, should face the same challenges and hurdles - a sentiment that resonates deeply in a society where inequality and privilege are increasingly under scrutiny.
In conclusion, the "高考生喊话雷军考驾照" incident, while it may initially seem like a light-hearted or humorous anecdote, carries with it a range of deeper meanings and reflections on contemporary Chinese society, education, authority, and the role of technology and social media. It illustrates the complexities and challenges faced by younger generations in China, as well as their resourcefulness and willingness to engage in public discourse in innovative ways.

