How many seats can a Class C driver's license drive for passenger vehicles?
3 Answers
Class C driver's license can drive passenger vehicles with fewer than 9 seats. According to the regulations on the application and use of motor vehicle driver's licenses, a Class C license for small cars allows driving manual and automatic small passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and micro special-purpose vehicles. The total length of the driven cargo vehicle must not exceed 6 meters, and the total mass must not exceed 4.5 tons. A Class C driver's license does not require annual review or inspection; it is directly renewed by the vehicle management office upon expiration. If the motor vehicle driver has not accumulated 12 penalty points in any scoring period during the six-year validity period of the driver's license, they will be issued a motor vehicle driver's license with a ten-year validity period upon renewal.
I previously obtained a C1 driver's license when learning to drive, and the instructor explained this point in detail: A C license allows you to drive small passenger vehicles, with a seating limit of no more than 9 seats. This means you must check that the vehicle's certified seating capacity on the registration certificate does not exceed 9. I've driven some 7-seater MPVs, and they feel manageable; however, larger vehicles like buses or school buses with over 9 seats require a B license, as new drivers can easily lose control of such large vehicles. This rule is quite reasonable, preventing accidents caused by inexperienced drivers handling oversized vehicles. For daily use, small passenger vehicles are easier to park and have lower fuel consumption, making them suitable for family trips or city commuting. When buying a car, remember to check the seating capacity to avoid fines for purchasing the wrong type.
I usually drive a Class C vehicle for daily commuting, with a maximum passenger capacity of 9 seats. For example, my 5-seater car or an 8-seater business van borrowed from a friend are both acceptable, but absolutely no vehicles with 10 seats or more. The approved passenger capacity is fixed when the vehicle is licensed, so never modify it to add seats privately, otherwise you'll face serious trouble if caught by the police. Choosing small passenger vehicles within these limits makes driving easier for me – the compact body allows for agile acceleration and better stability in rainy conditions. I recommend practicing with different types of vehicles when getting your driver's license to adapt to varying seating capacities, which can save you a lot of hassle. The key is to follow traffic rules and protect yourself.
