What is the difference between a C1D driver's license and a C1 driver's license?
2 Answers
The difference between a C1D driver's license and a C1 driver's license lies in the types of vehicles they permit to drive: The C1D driver's license allows driving small and mini passenger vehicles, light and mini cargo vehicles, light, small, and mini special operation vehicles, as well as three-wheeled motorcycles and two-wheeled motorcycles. The C1 driver's license permits driving small and mini passenger vehicles, light and mini cargo vehicles, and light, small, and mini special operation vehicles. In comparison, the C1D license covers a broader range of vehicle types. Driver's license validity period: Article 56 of the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses" states: If a motor vehicle driver has not accumulated 12 penalty points in any scoring cycle during the six-year validity period of the motor vehicle driver's license, the license will be renewed with a ten-year validity period. If the driver has not accumulated 12 penalty points in any scoring cycle during the ten-year validity period, the license will be renewed with a long-term validity.
I've been driving for over a decade. The C1 license mainly applies to small vehicles like sedans and SUVs, allowing you to legally operate regular cars after obtaining it, but it doesn't include motorcycles. The C1D is different—it combines C1 and D, meaning you can drive all vehicles within the C1 scope as well as ride three-wheeled motorcycles and similar vehicles. The main difference lies in the driving range; C1D offers more flexibility. For example, if you occasionally want to ride a motorcycle for fun or do some small transportation work, you can do it all with one license without needing to take two separate tests. However, obtaining a C1D takes more time, as you must pass additional motorcycle theory and practical exams, and the cost might be a few hundred yuan higher. Safety-wise, motorcycles carry higher risks, so the training is stricter. If you have no need for riding motorcycles, a C1 license is more cost-effective and convenient; otherwise, C1D is more worthwhile, saving you future hassles.
