Can a C1 license drive automatic transmission vehicles?
3 Answers
C1 license can drive automatic transmission vehicles. A C1 license allows driving C2, C3, and C4 models. The vehicle types permitted under a C1 license include small and micro passenger vehicles, light and micro cargo vehicles; light and micro special purpose vehicles; small and micro automatic transmission passenger vehicles and light and micro automatic transmission cargo vehicles; low-speed cargo vehicles and three-wheeled vehicles. Permitted vehicle types for C1 license: The driving scope of a C1 license includes small and micro passenger vehicles and light and micro cargo vehicles; light, small, and micro special purpose vehicles; small passenger vehicles with seating capacity not exceeding 9 people. Vehicles that a C1 license cannot drive: Large buses, tractors, 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.
When I was a driving instructor, this question came up all the time. A C1 license does allow you to drive automatic transmission cars, as small automatic vehicles are included in the permitted vehicle types. Just remind beginners not to get confused: it's fine to drive automatics with a C1 license, but students who obtained a C2 license would be driving without authorization if they operate manual transmission cars. Automatics are particularly beginner-friendly – no clutch or gear-shifting means no left-leg cramps in city traffic, plus smoother transitions between gas and brake. Still, I recommend getting a C1 license since it covers both transmissions, giving you more flexibility to drive friends' manual cars or access wider rental options.
As a female driver, I want to say that I've been driving automatic transmission vehicles with my C1 license for six years without any issues. I usually drive an Odyssey MPV with automatic transmission to pick up my kids, and the steering wheel is very light. I don't have to worry about stalling at traffic lights either. The regulations clearly state that the C1 license covers small automatic transmission vehicles, and this has been confirmed by the vehicle management office staff. On the other hand, my friend who got a C2 license wanted to drive my manual transmission Honda Fit and ended up in an awkward situation—getting caught by traffic police would result in a 9-point deduction. Nowadays, automatic transmission technology is mature, with fuel consumption comparable to manual transmission, and features like hill-start assist make it especially friendly for women with less physical strength.
