How many seats can a C1 driver's license drive?
3 Answers
A C1 driver's license allows driving vehicles with 9 seats or fewer (including 9 seats). The permitted vehicle types for a C1 license include small and mini passenger cars, light and mini cargo vehicles, and light, small, and mini specialized operation vehicles. Holders of a C1 license can also drive vehicles permitted under C2, C3, and C4 licenses. Small cars refer to vehicles with a total mass of less than 4.5 tons, seating capacity of no more than 9 people, and a length under 6 meters. C1 driver's license test items: The C1 driver's license test consists of four examination components. The traffic regulations and related knowledge test, commonly known as Subject 1; the field driving test, known as Subject 2; the road driving test, also referred to as Subject 3, which includes 16 driving skills such as vehicle preparation, starting, and straight-line driving; and Subject 4, which focuses on safe and civilized driving operation requirements, similar to Subject 1, is a theoretical test. According to the "Motor Vehicle Driver's License Business Work Standards" issued by the relevant authorities, motor vehicle driver's licenses are categorized into a hierarchical system, dividing licenses into 15 levels: A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, E, F, M, N, and P. The permitted seating capacities for different license levels are as follows: A1 license: A1 license holders can drive large passenger vehicles with more than 20 seats. A2 license: A2 license holders can drive passenger vehicles with 19 seats or fewer. A3 license: A3 license holders can drive urban buses designed to carry 10 or more passengers. C2 license: Permits driving automatic transmission vehicles with 7 seats or fewer and a length not exceeding 6 meters. B1 license: The permitted vehicle type for a B1 license is medium-sized passenger vehicles, defined as those with a length less than 6 meters and a designed seating capacity of 10 (inclusive) to 19 (inclusive) passengers. B2 license: B2 license holders can only drive vehicles with 9 seats or fewer and blue-plate small passenger vehicles with a length under 6 meters.
When I first got my C1 driver's license, I was so excited thinking I could drive friends around on road trips. But during my first car rental for an outing, I almost picked an 11-seater minivan. Luckily, the rental shop owner reminded me that C1 license only allows driving vehicles with 9 seats or fewer, including the driver. So I can drive my family's 5-seater sedan or common 9-seater business vans, but 10-seaters and above are off limits. My instructor repeatedly emphasized during training that seat restrictions are for safety reasons – larger vehicles require more skilled handling. If caught driving over the seat limit, you'll face fines and 12 penalty points, plus higher accident risks. Now I always check the vehicle manual or registration for seat count before driving to ensure compliance. Safe driving is what matters most. I advise new drivers to pay close attention to this – don't be careless like I was initially.
I've been driving for over a decade and have mentored many students for their driver's license tests. A common question is what vehicles a C1 license allows you to drive. The C1 license permits driving cars with no more than 9 seats (including the driver), covering most sedans, SUVs, and small vans. For example, a 7-seat MPV is more than enough for family use, but vehicles exceeding 9 seats, like medium-sized buses, require a B license. Don't underestimate these details—driving the wrong vehicle not only violates regulations but also increases the risk of accidents. During my lessons, I always use real-life cases to emphasize that exceeding seat limits may result in fines, but compromising safety is far more serious. Before driving, it's best to check the vehicle's registration details to ensure the seat count complies with regulations. Developing good habits ensures a safe journey.
