Can a C1 Driver's License Drive a Pickup Truck?

[Gertrude]

C1 driver's license can drive a pickup truck. The C1 driver's license allows driving light and small trucks with a total mass of less than 4500KG and a vehicle length of less than 6 meters. Both conditions must be met simultaneously; if any one exceeds the specified limit, driving is not permitted. Below are the relevant details: 1. Vehicles that a C1 license cannot drive: 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. 2. Precautions: The rear of a pickup can carry goods, but it must not be overloaded. Overloading will result in corresponding penalties.

[StHarrison]

As someone who deals with driver's licenses year-round, I've noticed many people have misconceptions about C1-permitted vehicle types. Pickup trucks are generally classified as light-duty trucks, and as long as they meet three conditions: total vehicle mass not exceeding 4.5 tons, length under 6 meters, and load capacity not exceeding 1.5 tons, they can be driven with a C1 license. Common pickups like the Great Wall Poer are acceptable, but you can't drive giant models like the Ford F-650. I recommend always checking the vehicle type on the registration certificate before driving - those marked as "light general cargo trucks" are fine. Also, note that if the pickup requires an operating permit, a C1 license won't suffice - this is particularly important. Finally, remember that pickups require annual inspections, unlike regular passenger cars.

[LeKathryn]

Having been a driving instructor for nearly ten years, students often ask about pickup trucks. Here's the thing: about 90% of domestic pickups on the market can be driven with a C1 license, like the Great Wall Fengjun and Zhengzhou Nissan Rich. The key is to check the vehicle type on the registration certificate - if it says 'light multi-purpose truck,' you're generally good to go. But be careful with imported models like the F-150 Raptor; some variants exceed 6 meters in length and require a B2 license. Here's a simple rule of thumb: blue license plate pickups are usually okay, yellow plates aren't. A lesser-known fact: the load height in the pickup bed shouldn't exceed the side panels, otherwise it's considered a violation - same rule as for regular light trucks.

[SanSabrina]

My first vehicle after getting the C1 license was a pickup truck, and I was initially concerned about the license requirements. In practice, there were no issues at all—common models like the Foton Tunland can be legally driven on the road. Traffic regulations clearly state that cargo vehicles with a length not exceeding 6 meters and a curb weight under 4.5 tons are permissible. However, it's important to check the vehicle specifications—for example, the RAM 1500, with a length of 5.8 meters, complies, while the Cadillac Escalade EXT exceeds the 6-meter limit. Additionally, when off-roading with a pickup on weekends, be mindful of certain forest areas that may restrict truck access. Overall, as long as you avoid oversized pickups, a C1 license is sufficient.

[MilaFitz]

Recently helped a friend with driver's license issues and specifically researched the C1 driving scope. Regular pickup trucks can be driven, like the Jiangling Yuhu series where the total weight is generally under 4.5 tons. However, three points must be noted: passenger capacity must not exceed 5 people—some double-row pickup back seats are too cramped and easily checked; cargo must not exceed height or width limits; the vehicle registration must not be listed as medium or heavy-duty trucks. When buying a used car, it's especially important to verify the paperwork—once saw a modified pickup truck with a height of 2.5 meters, which didn't comply with regulations. Although pickups are exempt from inspection within ten years, it's still recommended to perform a vehicle inspection for peace of mind.