Can a C1 license be used to ride a two-wheeled motorcycle?
2 Answers
C1 license cannot be used to ride a two-wheeled motorcycle. It allows driving manual and automatic transmission small and micro passenger vehicles with 9 seats or fewer, as well as light and micro trucks (all blue-plate small trucks), light, small, and micro special-purpose vehicles, small automatic transmission vehicles (C2), low-speed trucks (C3), and three-wheeled vehicles (C4). Permitted vehicle types for C1 license: The scope of a C1 driver's license includes small and micro passenger vehicles, light and micro trucks; light, small, and micro special-purpose vehicles; small passenger vehicles with a seating capacity of 9 or fewer. Vehicles that a C1 license cannot drive: large buses, tractor-trailers, city buses, medium-sized buses, large trucks, ordinary three-wheeled motorcycles, ordinary two-wheeled motorcycles, light motorcycles, wheeled self-propelled machinery, trolleybuses, and trams. Additionally, a C1 license cannot drive vehicles with more than 9 seats or trucks with a total length exceeding 6 meters.
Let me clarify this issue. The C1 license is primarily a driver's license type for small cars and absolutely does not permit riding two-wheeled motorcycles. Motorcycles belong to a completely different vehicle category, requiring a specialized E or D license. Why the distinction? Because motorcycle operation is more complex, involving balance control, sharp turning techniques, and handling bumpy road conditions—skills not covered in C1 license training. Regulations clearly state that riding a motorcycle with a C1 license constitutes unlicensed driving, punishable by fines starting from hundreds of yuan, plus potential point deductions or license suspension. The safety risks are even greater: motorcycle accident rates are multiple times higher than cars, and untrained riders frequently suffer serious injuries from falls. So if you're serious about riding, properly enroll in a driving school to obtain an E license—don't cut corners with your life. Always check your license's permitted vehicle categories to avoid confusion.
