How many seats can a C1 driver's license drive?
3 Answers
C1 driver's license can drive vehicles with up to 7 seats. The vehicle types permitted under a C1 license include: small and micro passenger vehicles, light and micro cargo vehicles, and light, small, and micro special-purpose vehicles. Other vehicle types permitted under a C1 license include those allowed under C2 and C3 licenses. The requirements for vehicles under a C1 license are: light general cargo vehicles with a length not less than 5 meters, small general passenger vehicles with a length not less than 4 meters, or cars with a length not less than 4 meters. The full name of the driver's license is the motor vehicle driver's license. The permission to drive a vehicle is granted through the issuance of the driver's license, indicating that obtaining a driver's license is a formal procedure that must be issued by a specialized authority.
The vehicles that can be driven with a C1 driver's license must not have more than 9 seats, including the driver's seat. Having driven for many years, I've found that this regulation is primarily for safety reasons. Vehicles with 9 seats or fewer are generally lighter, making braking and control easier. If there are more seats, the vehicle becomes larger, and it can be prone to loss of control for beginners or inexperienced drivers. For example, 7-seat SUVs or 9-seat minivans are acceptable, but 10-seat microbuses cannot be driven. Overloading or driving vehicles beyond the permitted scope is not only dangerous but also subject to fines and penalty points. When driving, it's advisable to count the seats carefully and avoid taking risks by driving large buses—safety always comes first and is far more important than convenience.
I usually drive with a C1 license, mainly driving sedans or SUVs, and 5 to 7 seats are generally sufficient. It's not allowed for vehicles with more than 9 seats, which is quite reasonable as larger vehicles are harder to maneuver and parking spaces are harder to find. I once drove a friend's 9-seater minivan for a trip without any issues, but it's important not to modify it to add extra seats. If unsure, you can check the vehicle's registration certificate, which states the actual number of seats. In short, driving within the rules makes for a more relaxed experience, and safety is the top priority when traveling.
