Is it better to get a C1 or C2 driver's license?
3 Answers
Is it better to get a C1 or C2 driver's license? Here are the details: 1. Types of vehicles: C1 is a manual transmission small vehicle license, while C2 is an automatic transmission small vehicle license. A C1 license allows you to drive cars with 7, 8, or 9 seats, as long as the length does not exceed 6 meters, the weight is below 4.5 tons, and the vehicle is a 9-seater (including 9 seats) or below, as well as some low-speed cargo vehicles. A C2 license permits driving small automatic transmission vehicles, which refers to vehicles with a total mass not exceeding 4.5 tons, seating no more than 9 people, and a length not exceeding 6 meters. 2. Examination items: C1 and C2 have no differences in subjects 1 and 4; the differences lie in the clutch and gear shifting. For subject 2, both C1 and C2 have the same test items: reverse parking, side parking, right-angle turns, curve driving, and hill start. Since C2 does not involve gear shifting, subject 3 is much simpler for C2. Additionally, C2 does not have a clutch, so issues like stalling, which are common with C1, do not occur with C2. Overall, C2 is much simpler than C1.
When choosing between a C1 or C2 driver's license, as someone who frequently drives long distances, I strongly recommend opting for C1. Manual transmission might seem complicated with just an extra clutch pedal, but passing the test qualifies you to drive all blue-plate vehicles. Last year, my cousin got stuck when his company temporarily assigned him to drive construction vehicles after obtaining a C2 license. Mastering clutch control from manual driving is a lifelong skill—you won't panic during uphill starts in traffic jams. Currently, C1 courses at many driving schools cost only slightly more than C2 (by about 800-1000 yuan), but you'll appreciate the value when needing to drive light trucks or help friends move cars.
As a rideshare driver with seven years of experience, I advise young people to directly go for the C2 license. Nowadays, electric cars with automatic transmissions dominate the streets, and skipping the clutch operation in the exam increases the pass rates for Subject 2 and Subject 3 by 20-30%. A new guy in our fleet failed the C1 test four times but passed the C2 test in one go. Manual transmission skills are practically useless for daily commuting—your left foot will thank you in traffic jams. Need to drive a manual car occasionally? Just rent one for half a day through car rental apps for a few dozen bucks to practice; it's that easy.
