Can a C1 driver's license drive a minivan?
2 Answers
Minivans fall under the category of small vehicles with fewer than 9 seats and are uniformly issued small motor vehicle license plates with white characters on a blue background and white borders. This type of vehicle is within the permissible driving scope of a C1 driver's license, so drivers holding a C1 license can drive minivans. Below is relevant information about the C1 driver's license: 1. Vehicle types permitted by a C1 driver's license: The permissible driving scope of a C1 license includes small and micro passenger vehicles, as well as light and micro cargo vehicles; light, small, and micro special-purpose vehicles; and small passenger vehicles with a seating capacity of 9 or fewer. According to this standard, a C1 license does not permit driving vehicles with more than 9 seats. Additionally, the total length of the cargo vehicle driven must not exceed 6 meters. 2. Vehicle types not permitted by a C1 driver's license: large buses, tractors, city buses, medium-sized buses, large trucks, ordinary three-wheeled motorcycles, ordinary two-wheeled motorcycles, light motorcycles, wheeled self-propelled machinery, trolleybuses, and trams.
As a driver with over a decade of experience, I can tell you that a C1 driver's license allows you to drive a minivan, but it must be a small minivan with a body length of less than 6 meters and a certified passenger capacity of no more than 9 seats. For example, common models like the Wuling Hongguang or Jinbei Little Sea Lion can be legally driven with a C1 license. I often use mine for transporting goods and picking up family members. However, if the minivan is too large or has more than 9 seats, such as those resembling long-distance coaches, a B1 license is required. This is crucial, as national regulations clearly stipulate this. When purchasing a minivan, always check the vehicle type information on the registration certificate to avoid violations. Overloading or exceeding passenger limits can result in fines if caught by the police. Safety first—don't take any chances.
