Is a Qualification Certificate Required to Drive a Small Truck?
2 Answers
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.
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.
