Can a C1 driver's license be used to drive a blue-plate truck?

[OReid]

Holders of a C1 driver's license can drive blue-plate trucks, which include trucks with a total mass below 4500KG (excluding), vehicles seating 9 people or fewer, and vehicles with a body length under 6 meters (excluding). Permitted vehicle types: The C1 driver's license allows driving small and mini passenger vehicles, light and mini cargo trucks, and light, small, and mini special-purpose vehicles. Small passenger vehicles must seat 9 people or fewer. C1 driver's license holders cannot drive: large buses, tractors, city buses, medium buses, large trucks, regular three-wheel motorcycles, regular two-wheel motorcycles, mopeds, wheeled self-propelled machinery, trolleybuses, and trams. Additionally, C1 license holders cannot drive vehicles with more than 9 seats or trucks exceeding 6 meters in total length. What type of transmission is C1: C1 is for manual transmission.

[DavidRose]

As an ordinary car owner with over a decade of driving experience, I have a decent understanding of driver's license usage scope. A C1 license does allow driving blue-plate trucks, but three key conditions must be met: First, the truck's gross weight must not exceed 4.5 tons—this number is crucial to remember; second, the overall vehicle length should be within 6 meters, which most common small box trucks satisfy; and finally, the load capacity cannot exceed 1.5 tons. Last time I helped a friend move, I drove such a truck and noticed the DMV had labeled it as 'light-duty flatbed truck' during registration. However, I must remind new drivers to pay special attention: if the truck's cargo compartment is modified or extended beyond limits, or if purchasing a used truck without verifying parameters, a B2 license might be required. It's best to always check the vehicle type on the registration certificate before each trip to avoid a 12-point penalty for driving without proper license authorization.

[Gomez]

When I obtained my driver's license, I specifically researched the relevant regulations. A C1 license allows driving certain blue-plate trucks, with specific standards outlined in the 'Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses': vehicle length ≤ 6 meters and total weight ≤ 4.5 tons. For example, light vans fall into this category, such as the common delivery vans and small refrigerated trucks in cities. However, it's essential to confirm the vehicle's approved load capacity; exceeding 1.5 tons makes it non-compliant. In actual driving, two points should be noted: first, some manufacturers produce extended mini-trucks that may exceed 6 meters, requiring a B2 license; second, since the cancellation of the road transport permit for trucks under 4.5 tons in 2023, non-commercial vehicles don't need a qualification certificate, but commercial vehicles used for delivery orders still require a professional qualification certificate. It's recommended to check the vehicle's parameter plate on the windshield for the most reliable information.

[Amanda]

Having been in the transportation industry for eight years, I've driven trucks of all sizes. The blue-license-plate vehicles that a C1 driver's license can handle are mainly the compact ones, such as the Wuling Rongguang Mini Truck or the Changan Xingka micro trucks. The cargo bed length usually doesn't exceed 3 meters, and the entire vehicle stays within 6 meters. The most important thing is not to overload when carrying goods—even though the truck has a blue license plate, road authorities will still check for overloading. I remember a colleague once got fined 500 yuan for carrying just 200 kg over the limit. Nowadays, some new drivers aren't aware and hit the road with modified, extended versions—getting caught with one of those will cost you all 12 points on your license. My advice for beginners is to start with standard micro trucks and always weigh the load before heading out—it's safer and saves you a lot of hassle.

[OVivian]

I just got my C1 license last year and have been thinking about driving the family's Foton Xiangling to transport some building materials. I consulted with a driving school instructor, who said there's no problem with this kind of blue-license-plate vehicle weighing around 3 tons in total. The key is to check the 'vehicle type' column on the vehicle registration certificate—it must specify a 'light' category truck. I even made a trip to the DMV, where the staff reminded me to pay attention to the vehicle length limit. If it exceeds 6 meters, even with a blue license plate, a B2 license is required. Another thing to note is that the recent exemption from dual certification requirements for trucks under 4.5 tons refers to not needing a road transport permit, but policies on the driver's vocational qualification certificate vary by region. It's best to check the latest local regulations on the 12123 app. I think before a new driver operates this kind of vehicle, it's advisable to have an experienced driver accompany them for a couple of trips to get familiar with the vehicle's condition.