Is a small car classified as C1 or C2?
2 Answers
It depends on whether the small car is manual or automatic. A C1 driver's license is for manual transmission small cars, while a C2 driver's license is for automatic transmission small cars. A C1 license allows driving both manual and automatic transmission vehicles, whereas a C2 license only permits driving automatic transmission vehicles. Additional information: Driver's license classification for permitted vehicle types: A1 license. Permitted vehicle type: Large passenger vehicles. Permitted vehicles: Large passenger buses, A3, B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, M. A2 license: Permitted vehicle type: Tractor. Permitted vehicles: Heavy and medium-sized full trailers, semi-trailer vehicle trains, B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, M. A3 license: Permitted vehicle type: City buses. Permitted vehicles: City buses with a capacity of 10 or more passengers, C1, C2, C3, C4. B1 license: Permitted vehicle type: Medium-sized passenger vehicles. Permitted vehicles: Medium-sized passenger vehicles (including city buses with a capacity of 10 to 19 passengers), C1, C2, C3, C4, M. B2 license: Permitted vehicle type: Large trucks. Permitted vehicles: Heavy and medium-sized trucks; large, heavy, and medium-sized specialized operation vehicles, C1, C2, C3, C4, M. C1 license: Permitted vehicle type: Small cars. Permitted vehicles: Small and mini passenger vehicles, light and mini trucks, light, small, and mini specialized operation vehicles, C2, C3, C4.
In China's driver's license classification for small cars, choosing between C1 and C2 depends on the type of vehicle you want to drive. A C1 license allows you to operate both manual and automatic transmission vehicles, covering the vast majority of small cars, such as sedans and compact SUVs. Manual transmission cars require you to shift gears yourself, which tests your technical skills and coordination. A C2 license is limited to automatic transmission vehicles, making driving more straightforward with just the accelerator and brake. From a technical perspective, the C1 license has a broader application but is more challenging to obtain, requiring practice in clutch control. The C2 test is simpler, eliminating the need for gear-shifting maneuvers, making it suitable for beginners or those who prefer convenience. Nowadays, more and more new small car models come with automatic transmissions or are electric, offering smoother driving experiences. My recommendation is to choose based on your lifestyle needs: opt for C2 for urban commuting to save time and effort; if you enjoy the manual driving experience, C1 offers a greater sense of achievement. Regardless of the choice, after passing the test, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the operations to ensure safety—avoid stalling in heavy traffic at all costs.
