Is a Qualification Certificate Required to Drive a Truck?
2 Answers
Trucks with a gross mass exceeding 4.5 tons require a qualification certificate, while those with a gross mass of 4.5 tons or less do not. Relevant details are as follows: According to the "Notice of the General Office of the Ministry of Transport on the Cancellation of Road Transport Certificates and Driver Qualification Certificates for Ordinary Cargo Vehicles with a Total Mass of 4.5 Tons or Less," starting from January 1, 2019, the management of qualification certificates for ordinary cargo transportation and vehicle operation certificates for vehicles of 4.5 tons or less will be temporarily implemented as follows: 1. Starting from January 1, 2019, transportation management departments across the country will no longer issue road transport certificates for ordinary cargo vehicles with a total mass of 4.5 tons or less. 2. Starting from January 1, 2019, for ordinary cargo vehicles with a total mass of 4.5 tons or less engaged in ordinary cargo transportation activities, transportation management departments across the country shall not impose administrative penalties on such vehicles or drivers on the grounds of "unlicensed operation" or "driving road passenger and cargo transport vehicles without obtaining the corresponding qualification certificate."
I've been driving heavy trucks for transportation for twenty years. Operating such a massive vehicle on the road without a proper qualification certificate is simply not possible—it's far more than just having a regular driver's license. The qualification requires specialized training, such as the process of obtaining a heavy vehicle license, which includes written tests on traffic regulations and road tests on steering control. A common issue for beginners is underestimating the vehicle's size, leading to frequent scraping accidents. I remember after passing the test and starting work, one rainy night I almost skidded, but managed to brake in time thanks to the techniques I learned—it would have been really dangerous without the proper certification. Also, transporting goods to different provinces sometimes involves strict checks, with fines ranging from hundreds to thousands. I advise fellow drivers to keep their documents updated, undergo regular retraining, and prioritize safe driving for everyone's benefit. After all, safety always comes first on the road.
