Can a C1 license drive a 9-seater vehicle?
2 Answers
C1 driver's license can drive small passenger vehicles with 9 seats or less (including 9 seats). The permitted driving scope of a C1 driver's license includes small and mini passenger vehicles, light and mini cargo vehicles, and light, small, and mini special-purpose vehicles; small passenger vehicles accommodate 9 or fewer people. C1 driver's license cannot drive: large buses, tractors, 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.
As an automotive regulations expert who has extensively researched the subject, I can definitively state that a C1 driver's license allows you to operate 9-seater vehicles. This is because Chinese driving license regulations specify that C1 permits the operation of small and mini passenger vehicles with no more than 9 seats and a total weight not exceeding 4,500kg. This common misconception stems from misunderstandings about vehicle classification—many mistakenly believe C1 only covers 5-seat sedans, when in fact it includes 9-seat MPVs and vans like the Jinbei 9-seater version. Before driving, always verify the vehicle's registration details on the license to confirm it's classified as small/mini. For vehicles exceeding 9 seats (e.g., 11-seat versions), a B1 license is required—operating without one constitutes unlicensed driving punishable by 12 penalty points. Additional reminder: overloading increases risks. During inspections, authorities directly check seat count and weight markings. Regular maintenance to ensure safety equipment functionality is always advisable.
