Can a C1 license drive an automatic transmission car?
3 Answers
A C1 driver's license allows driving small automatic transmission vehicles, as well as manual transmission and automatic transmission blue-plate small box trucks. A C2 driver's license permits driving small automatic transmission vehicles, small and micro automatic transmission passenger vehicles, as well as light and micro automatic transmission cargo vehicles. Regulations on vehicle types permitted by a C1 driver's license: The permitted scope of a C1 driver's license includes small and micro passenger vehicles, light and micro cargo vehicles; light, small, and micro special operation vehicles; small passenger vehicles with seating capacity not exceeding 9 persons. Vehicles not permitted by a C1 driver's license: large buses, tractor units, city buses, medium 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. What is a C1 driver's license: A C1 driver's license is one of the codes for motor vehicle driver's licenses. The permitted scope of a C1 driver's license includes small and micro passenger vehicles, light and micro cargo vehicles; light, small, and micro special operation vehicles; small passenger vehicles with seating capacity not exceeding 9 persons. Application age: The minimum age requirement for a C1 driver's license is 18 years old, with no upper age limit. However, applicants aged 70 and above must pass tests for memory, judgment, and reaction abilities.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I find this to be a very common question. A C1 driver's license absolutely allows you to drive automatic transmission cars, because the C1 license is specifically designed for both manual and automatic small vehicles. I've been driving with a C1 license for over a decade, switching from manual to automatic without needing to change my license at all. Learning manual transmission during the driving test is primarily for foundational training—once you obtain a C1, you gain the freedom to drive various small cars. Some people worry they might not be allowed, but that's actually a restriction for the C2 license—C2 only permits driving automatic transmissions, whereas C1 is more versatile. Whether driving manual or automatic, safety comes first, especially since automatic is more convenient in heavy traffic. Just remember, before driving with a C1 license, confirm the vehicle is a standard small passenger car—don’t confuse it with other vehicle types, like buses or trucks, which have different requirements. Overall, the C1 is a practical choice that saves you the hassle of retaking the driving test.
There's no problem at all driving an automatic transmission car with a C1 driver's license. My friend bought an automatic sedan right after graduation with a C1 license and commutes daily without any issues. The C1 license covers both manual and automatic transmission small vehicles, including regular sedans. The reason is that in the driver's license classification, C1 is comprehensive, while C2 is specifically for automatic transmissions. When learning to drive, if you take the test with a manual transmission, you might find those basics useful, but driving an automatic is simpler in practice. Having driven different types of cars myself, automatics start faster and shift smoother, and a C1 license gives you the freedom to switch between models. Just remember to renew your license when it expires—if you're checked while driving, having a C1 is sufficient. Driving an automatic is very convenient in the city, with less clutch work making it easier. However, it's advisable for beginners to first familiarize themselves with manual transmission skills before transitioning, to build driving confidence.
