Do I need to apply for a corresponding qualification certificate to drive a small truck?
3 Answers
Currently, no corresponding qualification certificate is required to drive a small truck. The following is a detailed introduction about the exemption of qualification certificates for small trucks: 1. Background: Since January 2019, ordinary freight vehicles of 4.5 tons and below no longer require a road transport permit and a driver's vocational qualification certificate. However, for ordinary freight vehicles that are not 4.5 tons and below, the vehicle still needs to apply for a road transport permit and a driver's vocational qualification certificate, otherwise it will be considered as unlicensed operation. 2. Benefits of canceling the corresponding qualification certificate for small trucks: It can effectively reduce the financial and time costs for small truck owners. On one hand, canceling the "dual certificates" saves the cost of applying for certificates. On the other hand, canceling the "dual certificates" eliminates the need for an annual review, saving time.
I used to drive a small truck for deliveries, and it really depends on the size of the vehicle and what it's used for. Generally speaking, if the total mass of the cargo truck doesn't exceed 4.5 tons, you can drive it with just a C1 driver's license, without needing any additional qualification certificates. If it's overweight, then you'll need to take a road transport practitioner qualification exam, which also costs money. If you're transporting special goods like hazardous materials, you'll need to obtain a specialized qualification certificate, and the requirements vary from city to city. I recommend checking the latest regulations from your local traffic management department first, as many places now offer online inquiry services. Also, a reminder: the most important thing when driving a truck is to pay attention to safety, as some roads have very strict restrictions on trucks.
Whether a qualification certificate is required to drive a small truck mainly depends on the truck's tonnage and purpose. If you're driving a blue-plate light truck under 4.5 tons with a C1 driver's license, that's sufficient according to current national regulations, and no additional vocational qualification certificate is needed. However, for yellow-plate heavy trucks, a road transport vocational qualification certificate is mandatory, along with regular continuing education. If you're a driver employed by a transport company, the company usually handles these certificates uniformly. Special mention should be made for urban delivery situations: many e-commerce delivery vehicles may appear to be small trucks, but if the total vehicle length exceeds 6 meters, special permits are required even if the tonnage doesn't meet the standard.