Can a B2 License Holder Drive an 11-Seater Yellow Plate Vehicle?
3 Answers
B2 license holders are not permitted to drive 11-seater passenger vehicles. This is because a B2 license allows the holder to operate vehicle types covered under the C1 license, which means a B2 license only authorizes driving small passenger vehicles as specified in the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses." The specific indicator for these vehicles is a blue license plate. Therefore, any passenger vehicle with a yellow license plate (regardless of the number of seats) cannot be driven by someone holding a B2 license. To obtain the qualification to drive yellow plate (medium or large) passenger vehicles, one must apply for a B1 or A-class driving license. According to Annex 1 of the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses" (Order No. 123 of the Ministry of Public Security of the People's Republic of China): 1. The vehicles permitted under a B2 license are: heavy and medium-duty trucks; heavy and medium-duty special operation vehicles. 2. The vehicles permitted under a B1 license are: medium-sized passenger vehicles (including urban buses with a capacity of 10 to 19 passengers).
I've had my B2 driver's license for several years and previously considered renting an 11-seater yellow-plate bus for trips, but after checking the regulations, I found it's not allowed. A B2 license only permits driving small passenger vehicles with fewer than 9 seats, while an 11-seater falls under the medium-sized passenger vehicle category, requiring a B1 license. Yellow-plate vehicles typically refer to those with more than 9 seats or a large total mass. Driving such a vehicle without the proper license class, if caught by traffic police, constitutes unlicensed driving, which could result in minor penalties like points deduction and a fine of a few hundred yuan, or severe consequences like vehicle impoundment affecting insurance. I believe safety comes first—exceeding the seat limit can easily lead to loss of balance, especially during turns or on highways, where significant body sway increases accident risks. So, everyone should avoid taking risks and either upgrade their license properly or choose an appropriate vehicle.
Based on my understanding, China's driver's license regulations clearly state that a B2 license only permits driving passenger vehicles with fewer than 9 seats or trucks. An 11-seater yellow-plate vehicle exceeds this limit, requiring an upgrade to a B1 license. The yellow plate color indicates larger vehicle dimensions or higher passenger capacity, necessitating more rigorous training for safe operation. I've analyzed cases where individuals were fined over 2,000 yuan plus 12 penalty points for driving such vehicles mistakenly - the loss outweighs the gain. I recommend checking the vehicle's nameplate and registration information to confirm seating capacity, while also enrolling in driving school to obtain a B1 license. The process takes approximately three months, including both theoretical and road tests.
