Can a Class C License Drive a 9-Seater?
2 Answers
A Class C license can drive a 9-seater commercial vehicle or a 9-seater minivan, but it cannot drive vehicles with more than 9 seats. There are a total of 15 categories of driver's licenses, which are A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, E, F, M, N, and P. Below is a detailed introduction to the driver's license categories: 1. A1 is for large buses, A2 for tractors, A3 for city buses, B1 for medium-sized buses, B2 for large trucks, C1 for small cars, C2 for small automatic transmission cars, C3 for low-speed trucks, C4 for three-wheeled cars, D for regular three-wheeled motorcycles, E for regular two-wheeled motorcycles, F for light motorcycles, N for trolleybuses, and P for trams. 2. An A1 license can also drive A3, B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, and M vehicle types. An A2 license can also drive B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, and M vehicle types. An A3 license can also drive C1, C2, C3, and C4 vehicle types. A B1 license can also drive C1, C2, C3, C4, and M vehicle types. A B2 license can also drive C1, C2, C3, C4, and M vehicle types. A C1 license can also drive C2, C3, and C4 vehicle types. A C3 license can also drive C4 vehicle types.
Having driven for decades, I must say that a C1 driver's license indeed allows you to operate 9-seater vehicles, as Chinese regulations define small passenger vehicles as those with a maximum capacity of no more than 9 people, including vans or MPVs. I used to frequently drive my family's 9-seater, but the key is to check whether the permitted capacity on the vehicle registration certificate meets the standard—don't assume the number of seats is all that matters. The vehicle length must be under 6 meters; exceeding that could easily lead to violations. Beginners often ask about this, and my advice is to regularly check the vehicle manual and avoid overloading—safety first, to prevent fines and accidents. Regarding maintenance, the engine and braking system require regular inspections to keep them in good condition.
