Can a blue license plate with 9 seats be driven with a C license?

[Daphne]

C1 driver's license can drive. The following is the relevant introduction: C1 driver's license: C1 driver's license is a type of motor vehicle driver's license code. The driving level of a C1 driver's license includes (all models of C2, C3, C4) driving small and micro passenger cars, light and micro trucks, light, small, and micro special operation vehicles, etc. The test subjects include traffic regulations and related knowledge, field driving, road driving, and safe and civilized driving knowledge. Driving requirements: According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses", the driving scope of a C1 driver's license includes small and micro passenger cars and light and micro trucks; light, small, and micro special operation vehicles; small passenger cars with a seating capacity of less than or equal to 9 people. According to this standard, a C1 license cannot drive vehicles with more than 9 seats.

[Wesley]

I've been a driving instructor for many years and often encounter students asking this question. Simply put, a C1 driver's license does allow you to drive 9-seater blue-plate vehicles because blue plates represent small non-commercial vehicles, and 9 seats fall exactly within the C1 license's permitted range. Regulations state that C1 license holders can operate small passenger vehicles with no more than 9 seats, including many small vans and MPVs. However, the key is to check the vehicle type on the registration certificate to confirm it's a small passenger vehicle and hasn't been modified. For example, I've personally driven a friend's 9-seater MPV with blue plates without issues, but if the vehicle is modified to have 10 or more seats, that would be illegal - a C1 license wouldn't suffice, and you'd need to upgrade to a B1 license. For beginners, I recommend not overloading the vehicle as overcapacity can easily lead to tire blowouts or loss of control - safety first.

[Maci]

As a car owner, I have a 9-seat blue-plate minivan that I often use for family trips. Driving this type of vehicle with a C1 driver's license is fully compliant, and no additional certification is required. Blue-plate vehicles fall under the small non-commercial category, with 9 seats being the upper limit. I always make it a habit to check the vehicle registration certificate first—if it states 'small passenger vehicle,' then I'm assured. Don't worry about license restrictions; the C1 license is designed precisely for this, unlike yellow-plate vehicles that require a higher-level certification. However, pay attention to whether the vehicle's configuration is factory-original. If the seats have been modified or sleeping berths added, it might be reclassified as a large passenger vehicle, which would then exceed the license scope. Remember to keep some seats empty and avoid carrying a full load to minimize unnecessary risks, especially on long-distance trips.

[DiLincoln]

Driving a 9-seater blue license plate vehicle with a C1 license is permissible, but I'd like to remind you from a safety perspective. A 9-seater is classified as a minibus, and regulations allow C1 drivers to operate it due to its limited seating capacity and smaller vehicle dimensions. In practice, after confirming the vehicle has blue plates, check the permitted driving type on the registration certificate - as long as it's categorized as a minibus, you're good to go. However, if the seating exceeds 9 or the vehicle is converted for commercial use, driving it would be illegal and could result in fines. For beginners handling such vehicles, it's advisable to drive gently and avoid sharp turns, given the higher center of gravity and potential instability, especially in rainy conditions. Always ensure you're fully aware of the vehicle's condition before driving to avoid unnecessary risks.

[Beth]

From a legal perspective, blue-plate vehicles are non-commercial small vehicles. A C1 driver's license can operate 9-seaters because they fall under the category of small passenger vehicles. Regulations clearly state that C1 license holders can drive passenger vehicles with no more than 9 seats, so there's no issue. However, attention should be paid to license plate color differences: blue plates correspond to small vehicles, while yellow plates may require a B-class license. If the vehicle registration certificate indicates the vehicle type as a small passenger vehicle, a C1 license holder can drive it directly; otherwise, if the information is ambiguous or altered, it may constitute a violation. A common misconception is assuming all blue-plate vehicles are easy to drive, but overloading or mismatched vehicle types can lead to fines and penalty points. It's advisable to regularly verify both the driver's license and vehicle records.