Can a C1 License Drive All Blue Plate Trucks?
3 Answers
C1 license does not necessarily allow driving all blue plate trucks. A C1 license can drive trucks up to 4.5 meters in length because the total length of trucks driven with a C1 license cannot exceed 6 meters. If the truck length exceeds 6 meters, it is classified as a large truck, which a C1 license cannot drive. In addition to large trucks, a C1 license also does not permit driving tractor-trailers, large buses, city buses, medium-sized buses, ordinary three-wheeled motorcycles, ordinary two-wheeled motorcycles, light motorcycles, wheeled self-propelled machinery, trolleybuses, and trams. The scope of a C1 license includes small and micro passenger vehicles, as well as light and micro cargo vehicles; light, small, and micro special operation vehicles; and small passenger vehicles with a seating capacity of 9 or fewer. Below is information on the four categories of heavy, medium, light, and micro vehicles: 1. Vehicle length ≥6m: Cargo vehicles with a total mass ≥12,000kg are classified as heavy cargo vehicles; 2. Vehicle length ≥6m: Cargo vehicles with a total mass ≥4,500kg and <12,000kg are classified as medium cargo vehicles; 3. Vehicle length <6m: Cargo vehicles with a total mass <4,500kg are classified as light cargo vehicles; 4. Vehicle length ≤3.5m: Cargo vehicles with a load capacity ≤750kg are classified as micro cargo vehicles.
As a seasoned driver with over a decade in the logistics industry, I must tell you that a C1 driver's license doesn't cover all blue-plate trucks. I've driven many small trucks—blue-plate light trucks and mini trucks are no problem, but the key condition is that the gross vehicle weight must not exceed 4.5 tons, and the length must be under 6 meters. Once, I saw my neighbor get fined for driving an overloaded blue-plate mini truck. The vehicle was struggling with construction materials, and when the traffic police checked the registration, the truth came out. Remember, among blue-plate trucks, those that exceed weight limits or are specifically designed for passenger transport—like modified vans with more than 10 seats—require an upgraded license to operate. So don’t jump to conclusions based on plate color alone; always check the vehicle specs, or you could face fines and points in no time.
When I first got my C1 driver's license, I was also confused about this issue. My instructor clearly stated that I could drive light blue-plate trucks, but two strict conditions must be met: the total mass must be within 4.5 tons and the vehicle length must be under 6 meters. I remember test-driving my friend's Wuling mini-truck on the very day I got my license—that vehicle, including cargo, was just over 3 tons, and it was no problem to drive. However, my cousin who runs a car rental business warned me that some blue-plate light trucks on the market are actually overweight, especially in areas with lenient policies where improper licensing occurs. Driving such vehicles in reality can easily lead to inspections. Additionally, special vehicles like refrigerated trucks and engineering rescue trucks, even if they have blue plates, usually require specialized qualifications. A C1 license alone isn't enough; it's best to check the vehicle's registration certificate to confirm the permitted driving type.
