Can an A1 driver's license drive any vehicle?

[Erik]

A1 driver's license does not allow driving any vehicle. The permitted vehicle types for an A1 license include: large buses with more than 20 passengers, and passenger vehicles with a body length exceeding 6 meters. Other vehicle types permitted under an A1 license are: A3 (city buses), B1 (medium-sized buses), B2 (large trucks), C1 (small cars), C2 (small automatic transmission cars), C3 (low-speed trucks), C4 (three-wheeled cars), and M (wheeled self-propelled machinery). According to the appendix of the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses," the classification standards for driver's licenses include: A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, D, E, F, M, N, P, totaling 16 categories. The Ministry of Public Security issued the "Regulations" to further subdivide driver's licenses into 15 categories, with new licenses issued during annual inspections or reviews. C1 driver's license: Many people think a C1 license only allows driving small vehicles with fewer than 7 seats. However, the permitted vehicle types for a C1 license are small vehicles with up to 9 seats and a body length not exceeding 6 meters. Vehicles like Jinbei and Ruifeng, as long as they have no more than 9 seats and a body length under 6 meters, can be driven with a C1 license. Other permitted vehicle types for C1 include C2 (small automatic transmission cars), C3 (low-speed trucks), and C4 (three-wheeled cars). C2 driver's license: The C2 license is also a common type, allowing the driver to operate automatic transmission cars with up to 9 seats and a body length not exceeding 6 meters. Note that C2 license holders cannot drive manual transmission vehicles. B1 driver's license: The B1 license permits driving medium-sized buses, defined as passenger vehicles not exceeding 6 meters in length, with a rated passenger capacity of 10 (inclusive) to 19 (inclusive). Other permitted vehicle types include C1 (small cars), C2 (small automatic transmission cars), C3 (low-speed trucks), C4 (three-wheeled cars), and M (wheeled self-propelled machinery). The B1 license does not include B2. B2 driver's license: The B2 license allows driving heavy or medium-sized trucks or large, heavy, or medium-sized specialized operation vehicles. Heavy and medium-sized trucks are mostly cargo trucks, such as the large dump trucks commonly seen on roads. Other permitted vehicle types for B2 include C1 (small cars), C2 (small automatic transmission cars), C3 (low-speed trucks), C4 (three-wheeled cars), and M (wheeled self-propelled machinery), which is the same as the B1 license. A2 driver's license: The A2 license permits driving tractor-trailers, which can only be operated by drivers holding an A2 license. Even A1 license holders cannot drive tractor-trailers. Other permitted vehicle types for A2 include B1 (medium-sized buses), B2 (large trucks), C1 (small cars), C2 (small automatic transmission cars), C3 (low-speed trucks), C4 (three-wheeled cars), and M (wheeled self-propelled machinery). A3 driver's license: The A3 license is somewhat special, as it permits driving city buses, which are commonly used by the public. Other permitted vehicle types include C1 (small cars), C2 (small automatic transmission cars), C3 (low-speed trucks), and C4 (three-wheeled cars). A3 license holders cannot drive B1 or B2 vehicles. Although buses and large passenger vehicles may look similar, and some buses are even longer, A3 license holders cannot drive large passenger vehicles. The classification of the 16 driver's license categories is based on the driving difficulty and safety requirements of different vehicle types. It further subdivides the existing A (large buses), B (large trucks), and C (small cars) categories, adding D, E, F, M, N, and P levels. According to the new regulations, first-time applicants for a driver's license cannot apply for an A1 (large bus) license. The permitted vehicle types for first-time applicants include city buses, large trucks, small cars, small automatic transmission cars, low-speed trucks, three-wheeled cars, ordinary three-wheeled motorcycles, ordinary two-wheeled motorcycles, light motorcycles, wheeled self-propelled machinery, trolleybuses, and trams. For first-time applicants in temporary residence locations, they can apply for C-series licenses, i.e., small cars, small automatic transmission cars, low-speed trucks, and three-wheeled cars, but not motorcycles. Holders of the newly added D license can drive ordinary three-wheeled motorcycles with an engine displacement greater than 50ml or a maximum design speed exceeding 50km/h. Holders of an E license can drive ordinary two-wheeled motorcycles with an engine displacement greater than 50ml or a maximum design speed exceeding 50km/h. Holders of an F license can drive light motorcycles with an engine displacement of 50ml or less and a maximum design speed of 50km/h or less. Holders of an M license can drive wheeled self-propelled machinery. Holders of an N license can drive trolleybuses, and holders of a P license can drive trams.

[DeTravis]

When I first got my A1 driver's license, I thought I could drive any vehicle. But after driving large buses for several years, I realized I was wrong. The A1 license only allows you to drive large buses with 19 or more seats and trailers. For smaller vehicles like sedans or SUVs, you need a Class C license, and for motorcycles, you need a Class D or E license. My friend once borrowed his dad's off-road vehicle with his A1 license, but was stopped by traffic police, fined 2000 yuan, and had points deducted—it almost caused a big problem. Getting an A1 license is already difficult as it involves knowledge about passenger transport safety, but don’t assume it lets you drive all types of vehicles. If you really want to drive smaller cars, you need to take the Class C license test separately. The cost may be high, but safety is more important. I advise beginners to read the license instructions carefully before driving large vehicles to avoid mistakes that could harm themselves or others.

[JackDella]

As a young driver, I was super excited after getting my A1 license, thinking I could drive all vehicles, but soon realized its limitations. The A1 license only covers large buses, those with 19 seats or more, but doesn't allow you to drive cars, motorcycles, or three-wheelers. You need a C license for cars, and a specialized E license for motorcycles. I often chat with fellow drivers and found many mistakenly believe the A1 is all-purpose, only to get heavily fined when caught test-driving a friend's sports car. Driving a large bus is indeed cool, but don't cross the line. If you want to try different vehicle types, you'll need to obtain multiple licenses, spending more time learning but it's worth it for safety. Staying clear-headed and avoiding reckless risks is key.

[KadenMarie]

After working in the car industry for a long time, it's common to see A1 drivers causing accidents by driving small cars recklessly. An A1 driver's license only permits driving large buses and tractor-trailers, specifically those with 19 seats or more, and does not include small cars or motorcycles. For small cars, a C1 license is required, while motorcycles need a D license; otherwise, it's illegal and prone to accidents. For example, someone used an A1 license to drive a minivan for deliveries, was caught, fined, had points deducted, and was suspended from driving for six months. The A1 license itself is designed for passenger transport safety, focusing on large vehicle control skills during the test. It's advisable to always confirm that your driver's license matches the vehicle you're driving to avoid major losses due to minor negligence, which could harm both the vehicle and people. Safety should always be the top priority.

[MiguelMarie]

My child once asked if an A1 driver's license allows driving all vehicles, and I immediately said no to prevent accidents. The A1 license is only for large buses with 19 or more seats, while a C license is required for cars, and an E license for motorcycles, and so on. My neighbor once mistakenly used an A1 license to drive a family car, was heavily fined by traffic police, and terrified his family. Driving a large bus carries great responsibility, with higher risks due to the number of passengers, but it doesn't mean you can drive other types of vehicles. Parents must remind their children to study the driving scope carefully after obtaining an A1 license and not to borrow vehicles recklessly for convenience. Traffic safety is no trivial matter; the slightest carelessness can lead to tragedy.