How many seats can a C2 driver's license drive?
2 Answers
According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses," a C2 driver's license allows driving automatic transmission passenger vehicles with no more than 9 seats and a length not exceeding 6 meters. The permitted vehicle types for C2 include small and mini automatic transmission passenger cars, as well as light and mini automatic transmission cargo vehicles. C2 driver's license test subjects: Subject 1 - theoretical knowledge, mainly covering road signs and traffic laws; Subject 2 - field driving skills, including reverse parking, parallel parking, right-angle turns, S-turns, and hill starts; Subject 3 - road driving skills, covering lighting and roadside parking; Subject 4 - civilized driving theory, assessing the driver's civilized driving qualities. According to the "Motor Vehicle Driver's License Business Work Standards" issued by the public security department, motor vehicle driver's licenses are classified into a hierarchical system, dividing them into 15 levels: A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, E, F, M, N, and P. The permitted vehicle types for each license level are as follows: A1 driver's license permits driving large passenger vehicles; A2 driver's license permits driving tractors and heavy or medium full or semi-trailer combinations; A3 driver's license permits driving city buses with a capacity of 10 or more passengers; B1 driver's license permits driving heavy passenger vehicles; B2 driver's license permits driving heavy or medium cargo vehicles; C1 driver's license permits driving small and mini passenger vehicles; C3 driver's license permits driving low-speed cargo vehicles (formerly four-wheel agricultural transport vehicles); C4 driver's license permits driving three-wheeled vehicles (formerly three-wheel agricultural transport vehicles); D driver's license permits driving three-wheeled motorcycles with an engine displacement exceeding 50ml; E driver's license permits driving two-wheeled motorcycles with an engine displacement exceeding 50ml; F driver's license permits driving motorcycles with an engine displacement of 50ml or less; M driver's license permits driving wheeled self-propelled machinery; N driver's license permits driving trolleybuses; P driver's license permits driving trams.
When I first got my C2 driver's license, I also wondered about this issue—mainly concerning driving vehicles with up to nine seats. According to traffic regulations, small passenger vehicles are defined as those with no more than nine seats, including the driver. For example, I've driven seven-seat SUVs or minivans without any issues, but overloading or driving something like a bus would require a license upgrade. The exam emphasized safe passenger limits—don’t assume a five-seater has no restrictions; the actual seating capacity is determined by the vehicle's registration certificate. In practice, driving a small MPV for family trips is quite convenient, but always check the vehicle's documentation to avoid exceeding limits. Don’t underestimate this rule—it helps prevent fines or accident risks. I once had a friend who got fined for mistakenly driving a 10-seater, which was a harsh lesson. In short, after obtaining a C2 license, enjoy driving while staying mindful of these details.
