Can a C1 driver's license drive automatic transmission vehicles?

[Vargas]

A C1 driver's license can drive automatic transmission vehicles. According to Annex 1 of China's "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses" regarding permitted vehicle types and codes: The scope of a C1 driving license includes small and mini passenger vehicles, light and mini cargo vehicles, as well as light, small, and mini specialized operation vehicles. Moreover, a C1 license allows driving vehicles permitted under C2, C3, and C4 licenses, including small automatic transmission vehicles, light and mini automatic transmission cargo vehicles, low-speed cargo vehicles, and three-wheeled vehicles. Small vehicles are defined as those with a total mass of less than 4.5 tons, seating capacity not exceeding 9 people, and a vehicle length under 6 meters. According to the relevant legal provisions of the "Road Traffic Safety Law": Article 19: Driving a motor vehicle requires legally obtaining a motor vehicle driving license. Applying for a motor vehicle driving license must meet the driving permit conditions stipulated by the public security department of the State Council; after passing the examination, the traffic management department of the public security organ issues the corresponding category of motor vehicle driving license; drivers must operate motor vehicles according to the permitted vehicle types specified on their driving license; when driving a motor vehicle, the driver must carry the motor vehicle driving license. Therefore, it should be clear that both driving a motor vehicle without a license and driving a motor vehicle that does not match the permitted vehicle type are illegal. According to the first provision in the reply of the Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council "Regarding the Understanding and Application Issues of the Legal Provisions of the 'Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China' and Its Implementation Regulations": Driving a motor vehicle that does not match the permitted vehicle type on the driving license is, in nature, considered unlicensed driving; in terms of applicable penalties, based on the principle of matching the penalty to the offense, it can be appropriately given a lighter penalty according to the penalty provisions for driving a motor vehicle without a license. Therefore, both unlicensed driving of a motor vehicle and driving a motor vehicle that does not match the permitted vehicle type should be subject to the provisions of Article 99, Paragraph 1 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law": Driving a motor vehicle without obtaining a motor vehicle driving license, or when the motor vehicle driving license is revoked or temporarily suspended, shall be subject to a fine by the public traffic management department, and may also be detained for up to 15 days. According to the "Motor Vehicle Driving License Business Work Specifications" issued by the public security department, motor vehicle driving licenses are implemented in a hierarchical system, thus dividing driving licenses into 15 levels: A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, E, F, M, N, P. The permitted vehicle types for each different level of driving license are as follows: A1 driving license permits large passenger vehicles; A2 driving license permits tractors, heavy and medium full trailers, semi-trailer vehicle combinations; A3 driving license permits city buses with a capacity of 10 people or more; B1 driving license permits heavy passenger vehicles; B2 driving license permits heavy and medium cargo vehicles, etc.; C1 driving license permits small and mini passenger vehicles, etc.; C2 driving license permits small and mini automatic transmission passenger vehicles, etc.; C3 driving license permits low-speed cargo vehicles (originally four-wheel agricultural transport vehicles); C4 driving license permits three-wheeled vehicles (originally three-wheel agricultural transport vehicles); D-type driving license permits three-wheeled motorcycles with an engine displacement greater than 50ml; E-type driving license permits two-wheeled motorcycles with an engine displacement greater than 50ml; F-type driving license permits motorcycles with an engine displacement of 50ml or less; M-type driving license permits wheeled self-propelled machinery vehicles; N-type driving license permits trolley buses; P-type driving license permits tramcars.

[DelDaniela]

As an ordinary driving enthusiast, I started trying automatic transmission cars right after obtaining my C1 driver's license with no issues, because Chinese regulations clearly allow C1 license holders to drive automatic transmission vehicles, including most sedans and SUVs. In actual driving, I find automatic transmissions simpler to operate – no need to frequently press the clutch or shift gears after starting, which especially reduces fatigue in traffic jams. I remember feeling a bit nervous when first driving an automatic, worrying about violating rules, only to discover that the driving test also covers automatic transmission knowledge. The instructor even reminded me that the C1 license scope includes all small automatic transmission vehicles. However, beginners should first practice getting accustomed to the feel of the accelerator and brake to avoid stalling or skidding. I recommend reading the driver's license application regulations to avoid misunderstandings – some friends mistakenly think they need to retake the C2 license test for automatics, when in fact it's unnecessary. Better understanding of regulations makes driving more reassuring and hassle-free.