Can a C1 license holder drive a motorcycle?
2 Answers
According to the relevant regulations in 'Permitted Driving Models and Codes,' the code C1 permits driving small vehicles, specifically small and micro passenger vehicles, as well as light and micro cargo vehicles. Motorcycle licenses, on the other hand, should be under codes E and D. If someone with a C1 license drives a motorcycle, it constitutes driving beyond the permitted scope. Permitted vehicles for C1 license: The C1 driving license allows driving small and micro passenger vehicles, light and micro cargo vehicles; light, small, and micro special operation vehicles; and small passenger vehicles with seating capacity of 9 or fewer. Vehicles not permitted for C1 license: Large buses, tractors, city buses, medium buses, large trucks, ordinary three-wheel motorcycles, ordinary two-wheel motorcycles, light motorcycles, wheeled self-propelled machinery, trolleybuses, and trams. Additionally, a C1 license holder cannot drive vehicles with more than 9 seats or trucks with a total length exceeding 6 meters.
I've always been driving small cars, and it's true that a C1 license doesn't allow you to ride motorcycles. This is a common misunderstanding. When I first got my license, I thought it was possible too, but after asking a traffic police officer, I learned that C1 only covers manual transmission small cars, and you need to separately obtain a D or E license for motorcycles. Last year, my friend tried riding an electric motorcycle without a license and was fined 2,000 yuan on the spot, plus points deducted—it was a real hassle. Now, I've enrolled in an E license training course at a driving school. I have to study for the theory test and safe driving practices. During practice, I found that balancing a motorcycle is much harder to control, and my wrists get tired after riding for a while, but it feels great to have the freedom to travel after passing the test. My advice to anyone who wants to ride a motorcycle is to sign up for the license test early—don't take risks to save trouble. Safety comes first, and it also helps avoid legal risks.
