Can a C1 license drive a 9-seater Coaster?
2 Answers
Yes, a C1 license can drive a 9-seater Coaster. Vehicles with a total mass below 4500KG (excluding), seating capacity of 9 or fewer people, and body length under 6 meters (excluding) are eligible for blue license plates. Permitted vehicle types for C1 license: The C1 license allows driving small and mini passenger vehicles, light and mini cargo trucks, as well as light, small, and mini special-purpose vehicles. Small passenger vehicles must have a seating capacity of 9 or fewer people. Vehicles not permitted for C1 license: large buses, tractors, city buses, medium buses, large trucks, regular three-wheeled motorcycles, regular 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.
I have to say, whether a C1 license can drive a 9-seat Coaster depends on the specific model! Coasters are usually minibuses, and the standard version might have more than 10 seats. But if you're talking about a custom 9-seat version with a total weight not exceeding 4.5 tons, a C1 license is generally sufficient. With over a decade of driving experience, I've seen many people assume any 9-seater is fine, only to get fined. Once, a friend of mine was stopped driving a similar vehicle, and after checking the registration, they found it was a medium-sized bus—no B1 license, no go. So the key is to check the seating capacity and total weight on the registration, not just the model name. I suggest you confirm the vehicle parameters with the owner first or go directly to the DMV to ask. Safety first—better to avoid trouble.
