How many seats can a B2 license drive?
3 Answers
B2 license can drive blue-plate minibuses with 9 seats or fewer and a vehicle length under 6 meters. The vehicle types permitted by a B2 license include heavy and medium-duty trucks, mostly such as dump trucks, as well as large, heavy, and medium-sized special-purpose vehicles, which refer to vehicles equipped with special equipment or devices, such as sprinkler trucks, concrete mixer trucks, fire trucks, etc. In addition to the above vehicle types, the B2 license also covers all vehicle types permitted by C1, C2, C3, C4, and M licenses, including small and micro passenger vehicles with 9 seats or fewer, three-wheeled motor vehicles, wheeled self-propelled machinery, and light, small, and micro steering operation vehicles.
I've been driving vehicles with a B2 license for several years, typically buses with 10 to 19 seats. Common models include Jinbei minivans or Coasters, which are small buses with 12 to 18 seats. If you obtain a B2 license, don't assume you can drive sedans or large trucks—those fall under the C1 or higher license categories. Medium-sized buses offer more stability in handling compared to smaller cars, but you need to be careful when turning, as the long body can be harder to control. I usually drive a 16-seater tourist vehicle to pick up and drop off friends, and I’ve learned that overloading can lead to fines, so checking the seating capacity is crucial. The B2 license is ideal for business use or family trips, as it covers vehicles with just the right seating capacity—between 10 and 19 passengers—making travel convenient and safe.
From my experience, a B2 driver's license is restricted to buses with 10 to 19 seats, including those company commuter vans. If the seating exceeds 19, you'll need to upgrade to a B1 license, while vehicles with 9 seats or fewer fall under the C1 category. When selecting a vehicle, always check the details on the vehicle registration certificate—don't overlook this. I recommend that new drivers start with an 11-seater to gradually get accustomed to the weight and visibility of medium-sized vehicles. In daily use, fuel consumption will be slightly higher than smaller cars, but the larger passenger capacity makes them ideal for group activities. Remember to maintain the vehicle regularly, ensuring the brakes and tires are safe to prevent accidents.
