Can a C1 driver's license drive an automatic transmission car?
2 Answers
Holders of a C1 driver's license can drive automatic transmission sedans. The vehicle types permitted under a C1 license include both manual and automatic transmission sedans. The permitted vehicle types for C1 include small and mini passenger vehicles, light and mini cargo vehicles; light and mini special operation vehicles; small and mini automatic transmission passenger vehicles and light and mini automatic transmission cargo vehicles; low-speed cargo vehicles and three-wheeled vehicles. Below is additional information: 1. C1 driver's license: light ordinary cargo vehicles with a length not less than 5 meters, or small ordinary passenger vehicles with a length not less than 4 meters, or sedans with a length not less than 4 meters. 2. Driving requirements: According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses," the scope of C1 driver's license includes small and mini passenger vehicles and light and mini cargo vehicles; light, small, and mini special operation vehicles; small passenger vehicles 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.
I'm a young person who just got my C1 driver's license not long ago, and I learned to drive a manual transmission car. However, my family car is an automatic, and I have no problem driving it. During driving lessons, my instructor mentioned that a C1 license covers both manual and automatic vehicles—learning to drive a manual is a bit more challenging as it requires practicing clutch control and gear shifting, but it becomes easier once you're actually driving. With an automatic, you don’t have to press the clutch as often, which makes driving in city traffic less tiring for your feet, and the coordination between hands and feet is simpler. Friends often ask me for advice when buying a car, and I always recommend getting a C1 license first because it allows you to drive almost all small cars or SUVs. In case you rent or borrow a manual transmission car, you’ll still be able to handle it. When driving an automatic, just be careful not to randomly move the gear lever—get used to it, and it’ll be safe and convenient. The driving test focuses more on manual transmission, but regulations permit driving automatics, so don’t worry—just practice more to get familiar with the differences between car types, and you’ll be fine.
