Can a C1 License Drive a 9-Seater Vehicle?

[CassandraLee]

C1 license holders cannot drive 9-seater vehicles. The vehicle types permitted under a C1 license include: small and micro passenger vehicles, light and micro cargo vehicles, and light, small, and micro special operation vehicles. Other vehicle types permitted under a C1 license include those allowed by C2 and C3 licenses. The requirements for vehicles under a C1 license are: light general cargo vehicles with a length of no less than 5 meters, small general passenger vehicles with a length of no less than 4 meters, or cars with a length of no less than 4 meters. The full name of a driver's license is a motor vehicle driver's license. The permission to drive a vehicle is granted through the issuance of a driver's license, which indicates that obtaining a driver's license is a formalized process that must be carried out by a specialized authority.

[Teresa]

As an experienced driver with over a decade of driving experience, I'm very familiar with license regulations. A C1 driver's license does allow you to drive 9-seater vehicles, but there's a crucial condition—the vehicle length must be under 6 meters. Common short-wheelbase MPVs like the 6-seat Buick GL8 or 9-seat Jinbei Haise generally meet this requirement. However, be cautious with those extended luxury business vans—if the body exceeds 6 meters, you'll need a B1 license. I remember last year when I drove my friend's 9-seat Mercedes Vito on a long trip, I specifically measured its 5.4-meter length, so using a C1 license was perfectly legal. It's best to check the vehicle registration certificate parameters before renting to avoid being misled. Also, pay attention to blue license plates when choosing a vehicle—most vehicles over 6 meters require yellow plates.

[Anderson]

As a new driver who just got the license, my instructor specifically emphasized the driving scope of the C1 license. In theory, it allows driving 9-seater vehicles, but you need to carefully check the actual dimensions of the vehicle. Some 9-seater vehicles on the market exceed the length limit, such as modified extended Mercedes-Benz Sprinters that are over 6 meters long. Driving such a vehicle and getting caught by traffic police would be considered unlicensed driving. Last time when my colleagues and I rented a car for a team-building event, we checked the parameters of the 9-seater Maxus in advance and confirmed its length was 5.34 meters before driving it safely. It would have been risky to drive the old Toyota Coaster from our company, as that vehicle is nearly 6 meters long and falls under the category of medium-sized buses. It's recommended for new drivers to use an APP to check the vehicle information clearly before driving.

[ParkerLynn]

I often assist clients with traffic accident claims and find that many people are unclear about what vehicles a C1 license allows them to drive. Simply put, it covers blue-plate vehicles under 6 meters in length and with fewer than 9 seats. For example, common models like the 9-seat Ford Transit (about 5.3 meters) or family MPVs like the Volkswagen Caravelle are acceptable. The key is to check the registration details on the vehicle license—don’t blindly trust the seat count claimed by sellers. Last week, a client bought a used 7-seat Jianghuai minivan without realizing it exceeded 6 meters in length, resulting in fines and penalty points. If unsure, visit the DMV to verify the vehicle's records.