Candidates for driver's licenses in Taiyuan, Shanxi province, must first serve as volunteers to assist traffic police for three days, Taiyuan Daily has reported.

The city's traffic police department requires students enrolled in driving courses to stand at busy intersections and help authorities maintain traffic order by dissuading violations via verbal directions and warnings.

Each volunteer must serve three hours a day for three consecutive days during rush hours.

The new program began on May 24 and will last for an unspecified period. Taiyuan is reportedly the first city to implement such a policy.

Liu Yuhao, a driving school student, said he didn't understand the purpose at the beginning but after two days of participating in the program he felt it taught him important lessons.

"I assisted police in dissuading drivers from violating traffic rules such as driving in the wrong direction or running red lights," he said. "I not only experienced the often frustrating work of traffic police for myself but was also made more aware of the danger of traffic violations."

Police said they hope this process will lead to more considerate and safety-conscious drivers and pedestrians.

Ma Jingna contributed to this story.