Is a Qualification Certificate Required to Drive a Small Truck?

[OGia]

Currently, no qualification certificate is required to drive a small truck. Below is detailed information about the exemption from qualification certificates for small trucks: Background: Since January 2019, ordinary freight vehicles weighing 4.5 tons or less no longer require a road transport permit or a driver's vocational qualification certificate. However, for ordinary freight vehicles exceeding 4.5 tons, both the road transport permit and the driver's vocational qualification certificate are still mandatory; otherwise, it is considered unlicensed operation. Benefits of Exempting Small Trucks from Qualification Certificates: This policy effectively reduces the financial and time costs for small truck owners. On one hand, eliminating the dual certificates saves the cost of obtaining them. On the other hand, without the dual certificates, there is no need for an annual review, saving time.

[AlexandraAnn]

I drove a small truck for several years, making short-distance deliveries. At first, I thought buying a vehicle was enough to drive, but after consulting with traffic police, I learned that the most basic requirement for driving a small truck is a C1 driver's license. For those with blue license plates and a total weight not exceeding 4.5 tons, a C1 license is sufficient, and no additional qualifications are needed. However, if you use it for commercial purposes, such as transporting goods for payment, it becomes an operational activity, and you must obtain a Road Transport Operation Permit from the local transportation department. Otherwise, getting caught could result in hefty fines, which isn’t worth it. I’ve seen some beginners overlook this, thinking they could drive freely, only to be fined thousands. Remember, vehicle condition also needs regular checks—worn tires or faulty brakes can lead to accidents, and safety is more important than paperwork. In short, not all small trucks require extra permits—it depends on their intended use.

[VonDante]

I just got my driver's license and wanted to help with moving by driving my dad's small truck. After checking some information, I found that a regular C1 license is sufficient for driving a small truck. I asked my driving school instructor, and he said that for blue-plate small trucks, as long as they're not overloaded, you can drive them directly without needing any additional qualifications. However, if you use it for commercial transportation to make money, that's a different story—you'll need to obtain an operating permit, which is quite a hassle, involving forms and fees at the transportation bureau. I also consulted online forums, where some people shared that last year's new regulations expanded the coverage of Class C licenses, making things much easier. They advised beginners to clearly distinguish between personal and commercial use to avoid small savings leading to big troubles. When driving, it's good practice to regularly check the fuel gauge and rearview mirrors, and keeping the vehicle clean can also reduce risks.

[HopeFitz]

I've been driving a small truck for over a decade, and I believe safety is the core issue. Generally, a C1 driver's license is sufficient for operating a small truck, as long as it's not for commercial purposes, such as moving your own furniture—no additional permits are needed. However, if you're using it to make money, like charging for cargo transport, you must obtain the proper qualifications. Otherwise, in case of an accident, the insurance company won't cover the damages, and you could even face jail time. I've seen fellow drivers fined 20,000 yuan for operating without the necessary permits. The rules are simple: for blue-plate vehicles, don't overload them, and daily driving is fine. But once it involves business operations, head straight to the transportation office to apply for the required documents. Don't just cut corners—these permits ensure the safety of pedestrians and give you peace of mind while driving. Also, regularly changing tires and checking oil pressure can prevent major disasters from minor issues.