Does an 8-meter trailer require a B1 or C1 license?
3 Answers
An 8-meter trailer requires a B1 driver's license. According to the relevant regulations of China's traffic laws, any vehicle over 6 meters in length and weighing more than 4,500 kg requires a B1 or higher driver's license. Violators will be penalized for driving a vehicle that does not comply with the regulations, and their license will be revoked. Conditions for upgrading from a C1 to a B2 driver's license: Age between 20 and 60 years old; height not less than 155 cm; holding a C1 driver's license for at least 1 year; no record of accumulating 12 penalty points in the current and the previous scoring cycle; visual acuity must reach 5.0 or above on the logarithmic visual acuity chart; no record of drunk driving or causing a fatal traffic accident with primary responsibility while holding a C1 license. Specific process for applying for a B2 driver's license with a C1 license: Apply to the vehicle management office for upgrading to a B2 license; fill out the application form, submit ID card and medical examination form, and provide the original copy of the current driver's license; attend theoretical and practical exams as scheduled; the new license will be issued by the vehicle management office within 7 working days after passing the exams.
I've been driving for many years and have towed quite a few trailers. An 8-meter trailer is quite large, and a C1 driver's license won't suffice—it's only suitable for towing light and small trailers. Anything too heavy would exceed the limit. The B1 license is for medium-sized buses and isn't applicable for towing scenarios. Typically, such long trailers require a B2 license because their weight can easily exceed 700 kilograms. Safety comes first—when towing, pay attention to turning techniques and vehicle maintenance. Don't cut corners to save money, as breaking the rules could lead to serious trouble if an accident occurs. Longer trailers mean longer braking distances, so regularly checking the braking system is a good habit.
From a driver's license perspective, neither C1 nor B1 is suitable for towing an 8-meter trailer. C1 is limited to small vehicles and light trailers, while B1 only applies to passenger vehicles and doesn't involve towing. According to regulations, exceeding weight limits usually requires a specialized B2 or C6 license. The length of the trailer affects wind resistance, making driving unstable, so beginners need to be extra cautious. I recommend practicing before obtaining a B2 license to ensure proficient control and avoid accidents on highways. Experienced drivers always share advice: stability comes first when towing large trailers.
