What is a B1 Driver's License?
3 Answers
B1 driver's license is a certificate required by law for drivers of medium-sized buses, classified as a medium-sized bus driver's license. The vehicle types permitted by a B1 license are medium-sized buses, defined as medium-sized passenger vehicles not exceeding 6 meters in length, with a seating capacity of 10 (inclusive) to 19 (inclusive) passengers. Below is an introduction to driver's licenses: 1. The full name of a driver's license is a motor vehicle driver's license, also known as a "driver's license," which is a certificate required by law for motor vehicle drivers. 2. Driver's licenses are divided into 16 categories: A1 license (large buses), A2 license (tractor trailers), A3 license (city buses), B1 license (medium-sized buses), B2 license (large trucks), C1 license (small cars), C2 license (small automatic transmission cars), C3 license (low-speed trucks), C4 license (three-wheeled cars), C5 license (small automatic transmission passenger cars for disabled persons), D license (regular three-wheeled motorcycles), E license (regular two-wheeled motorcycles), F license (light motorcycles), M license (wheeled self-propelled machinery), N license (trolleybuses), P license (trams).
When I first got my B1 driver's license, I thought it was just an ordinary car license. Later, I learned that it's specifically for medium-sized buses, allowing you to drive vehicles with 10 to 19 seats, like company shuttles or small tourist buses. The B1 test is much harder than the C1 test—you need to have a C1 license first, then pass additional theory and large vehicle driving tests. Just for the second subject (practical test), you have to practice parking and parallel parking for a long time, with strict site requirements, and it costs several thousand yuan. Nowadays, many young people want to drive company fleets or go on road trips with friends, so a B1 license is a good choice. Safety-wise, you must avoid overloading, as large vehicles have longer braking distances and are prone to skidding in rain or snow. Once, I drove relatives to a gathering with over 10 people packed into a Jinbei van, and that's when I truly appreciated the practicality of a B1 license. Daily maintenance isn’t expensive either, just slightly faster tire wear. If you're planning to get one, I recommend choosing a正规驾校 (正规驾校) and not cutting corners with unlicensed driving—that’s illegal.
In China's driver's license classification system, the B1 license falls under the medium-sized passenger vehicle category, specifically governing vehicles with 10 to 19 seats, such as minibuses or corporate shuttle vehicles. Having driven for over 20 years and renewed several licenses, I can confirm that the B1 license is indeed more versatile than the standard C1 license, allowing holders to take on contracted group transportation jobs for extra income. To obtain it, candidates must first possess a C1 license and then pass additional tests focusing on large vehicle operation skills, with particular emphasis on mastering turns and sightline control due to the vehicle's length increasing scrape risks. Restrictions include being prohibited from operating taxis or school buses (which require B2 or higher licenses), and these vehicles typically have higher fuel consumption, demanding more frequent maintenance. For beginners, developing patience and quick reflexes is crucial when learning B1 skills, as operating large passenger vehicles carries greater responsibility for multiple passengers' safety.
