How Many Seats Can a C1 License Drive?
2 Answers
C1 license allows driving vehicles with up to 9 seats. The vehicle types permitted by a C1 license include small and mini passenger vehicles, light and mini cargo vehicles, as well as light, small, and mini special operation vehicles. The examination subjects for obtaining a C1 license consist of four parts: traffic regulations and related knowledge, field driving, road driving, and safe and civilized driving common sense. The full name of a driver's license is Motor Vehicle Driving License, which is a legal document issued by the administrative authorities after the applicant has learned and mastered traffic regulations and driving skills, and passed the required tests, permitting the holder to drive certain types of motor vehicles. Driving a motor vehicle requires certain driving skills. Without these skills, driving a motor vehicle recklessly may lead to traffic accidents. Generally, individuals without a license are not allowed to drive on the road.
I remember when I just got my C1 driver's license last year, I specifically asked my instructor how many seats this license allows me to drive. The instructor told me it's for vehicles with up to 9 seats, including the driver—as long as the total doesn't exceed 9 people, it's fine. My current car is a regular 5-seater sedan, which is more than enough for commuting and giving colleagues rides. But if I want to drive a van or a larger SUV, I have to check the seating capacity. If it exceeds 9 seats, it falls under the medium-sized vehicle category, which requires a B1 license to operate legally. If caught driving the wrong type of vehicle by the police, fines and penalty points would be the least of my worries—the real concern is the safety risk, especially the higher chance of rollovers when turning. For new drivers, it's best to avoid vehicles with more than 7 seats initially and get comfortable handling smaller cars first. If unsure about vehicle regulations, it's good to ask experienced drivers or check online forums where many people share their experiences.
