Can a Class C license drive a 9-seater vehicle?
2 Answers
A Class C license can drive a 9-seater vehicle. The Class C1 driving license permits driving small vehicles with up to 9 seats and a body length not exceeding 6 meters, such as Jinbei and Refine models, as long as the seat count does not exceed 9 and the body length is within 6 meters. Below is a comparison of other vehicle types and their corresponding permitted driving licenses: 1. Large Bus A1: Can drive large passenger vehicles and B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, M models. 2. Tractor A2: Can drive heavy and medium-sized full trailers, semi-trailer combinations, and B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, M models. 3. City Bus A3: Can drive city buses with a capacity of 10 or more passengers and C1, C2, C3, C4 models. 4. Medium Bus B1: Can drive medium passenger vehicles (including city buses with a capacity of 10 to 19 passengers) and C1, C2, C3, C4, M models. 5. Large Truck B2: Can drive heavy and medium-sized trucks and C1, C2, C3, C4 models. 6. Small Automatic Transmission Vehicle C2: Can drive small and micro automatic transmission passenger vehicles, as well as light and micro automatic transmission cargo vehicles. 7. Low-Speed Cargo Vehicle C3: Can drive low-speed cargo vehicles (originally four-wheel agricultural transport vehicles) and C4 models.
I think a Class C driver's license is perfectly adequate for driving a 9-seater. I've been driving for several years, and based on daily experience, both C1 and C2 licenses cover small passenger vehicles with 9 seats or fewer, like my family's 9-seater minivan. The police have checked it several times, and there were no issues. Don't worry about having one or two extra seats—the key is to check the approved passenger capacity on the vehicle registration document, which shouldn't exceed 9. If you have doubts, just consult the traffic management office or check the vehicle insurance label to ensure it's updated. When driving, be mindful of the larger blind spots that can lead to accidents; adding a backup camera is a simple and practical solution. Also, develop safe driving habits, like regularly checking brake pads and tire wear.
