
Under the 2021 new traffic regulations, a C1 license cannot drive a C5 vehicle. A C1 license only allows driving vehicles with a mass not exceeding 4,500 kilograms, seating no more than 9 people, and with a total length less than 6 meters. On the other hand, a C5 license is a special category established for disabled individuals, allowing them to drive specially modified automatic transmission vehicles. Permitted vehicle types for a C1 license: The scope of a C1 license includes small and mini passenger vehicles, as well as light and mini cargo vehicles; light, small, and mini special-purpose vehicles; and small passenger vehicles seating 9 or fewer people. Vehicles not permitted for a C1 license: Large buses, tractor units, city buses, medium-sized buses, large trucks, ordinary three-wheeled motorcycles, ordinary two-wheeled motorcycles, mopeds, wheeled self-propelled machinery, trolleybuses, and trams. Additionally, a C1 license does not permit driving vehicles with more than 9 seats or trucks with a total length exceeding 6 meters.

Last time I went to the DMV for my annual vehicle inspection, I specifically asked a traffic police officer about this issue. A C1 driver's license allows you to drive ordinary small cars, including both manual and automatic transmission vehicles. However, C5 category vehicles are different—they are specially modified automatic transmission cars for disabled drivers, equipped with adaptations like special hand controls or pedals. The 2021 updated traffic regulations made this distinction clearer: C1 license holders cannot drive C5 vehicles and must obtain a C5 license instead, due to differences in operation methods and safety requirements. A friend of mine with a C1 license once curiously tried driving a C5 car and found the brakes overly sensitive, prone to accidental activation, which was extremely dangerous. Always match your vehicle to your license type—don’t experiment recklessly, as violations can result in fines and demerit points. For any doubts, consult a driving school or check official app rules directly. Safety comes first when driving—never gamble with lives.

I'm someone who loves studying traffic regulations and keeps up with the latest updates every day. After the 2021 update, a C1 license only allows driving small passenger vehicles with fewer than 9 seats, excluding specially modified vehicles like the C5. The C5 is designed for people with disabilities, featuring modifications such as added control levers, and requires additional training and exams to obtain a C5 license. Driving the wrong type of vehicle is not only a violation but could also lead to accidents due to unfamiliarity with the controls. While studying the regulations, I learned that the government implemented this classification to protect the exclusive rights of people with disabilities and ensure public safety. There have been past cases where non-disabled individuals driving C5 vehicles caused rear-end collisions, serving as a stark lesson. In daily life, if you have a license, you must follow the rules and avoid mixing vehicle types. If you genuinely need to help a friend, you can have them guide you from the passenger seat or go to a driving school to obtain a C5 license. Ultimately, the rules are there to protect everyone, so don't cut corners for convenience and end up in trouble.

As a novice driver who just passed the C1 license test, I specifically researched the regulations. Under the 2021 rules, C1 license holders cannot drive C5 vehicles because C5 is designed for disabled drivers with different operating equipment. You need to obtain a separate C5 license to ensure safe driving. My driving instructor emphasized that license categories exist to match skills, and C1 holders operating C5 vehicles may make more mistakes. Driving safety should always be the top priority.


