What is the difference between C1E and C1?
4 Answers
The difference between C1E and C1 driver's licenses lies in the types of vehicles they permit to drive: The C1E license allows driving small and micro passenger vehicles, light and micro cargo vehicles, light, small, and micro special operation vehicles, as well as ordinary two-wheel motorcycles. The C1 license permits driving small and micro passenger vehicles, light and micro cargo vehicles, and light, small, and micro special operation vehicles. In comparison, the C1E 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 their motor vehicle driver's license, they will be issued a driver's license with a ten-year validity period. If they have not accumulated 12 penalty points in any scoring cycle during the ten-year validity period, they will be issued a long-term valid motor vehicle driver's license.
I've been driving trucks for ten years and often see beginners asking about the difference between C1 and C1E. Simply put, a C1 license allows you to drive medium-sized trucks weighing between 3.5 to 7.5 tons, such as vans or small garbage trucks, but it generally only permits carrying cargo within the vehicle itself and does not allow towing heavy trailers. C1E, on the other hand, is an upgraded version of C1, specifically adding the capability to tow heavy loads, such as trailers exceeding 750 kilograms, which is particularly useful for transporting furniture or towing RVs for camping. To obtain a C1E license, I first needed to have a C1 license and then undergo specialized training, focusing on trailer control and parking techniques during the exam to avoid risks on the road. Overall, C1 is suitable for short-distance urban deliveries, while C1E is better for long-distance or jobs requiring towing, offering much more flexibility. I started with just a C1 license, but after upgrading to C1E, my job opportunities doubled, and I earned significantly more.
I just got my C1 driver's license not long ago, and chatting with friends made me realize how useful the C1E license really is. The C1 is the basic license for driving medium-sized vehicles with limited cargo capacity, like transporting boxes or small goods. But with C1E, you can attach large trailers, such as towing an RV for travel or hauling equipment. The exams differ significantly—C1E includes an extra section on trailer handling, teaching skills like reversing and turning to avoid tipping over, though regular driving techniques remain similar. I'm considering getting the C1E next year because it offers much more freedom for trips, like holiday getaways with family without worrying about storage space. The exam fees are higher, and it takes an extra week, but it's worth it. Plus, having this license opens up side gigs like freight hauling for extra income, whereas just having a C1 imposes more restrictions.
When it comes to the difference between C1 and C1E, the key lies in trailer permissions. C1 only allows driving vehicles with a weight not exceeding 7.5 tons, and the trailer weight must not exceed 750 kilograms; otherwise, it's illegal and risky. C1E lifts these restrictions, permitting the towing of heavy loads like large trailers, with a total weight limit of around 12 tons. In practice, obtaining a C1E requires additional training in trailer operations to reduce accident risks, whereas C1 exempts this. It's recommended for those who frequently tow to upgrade early, ensuring compliance and prioritizing safety to avoid fines. Both license types require regular medical check-ups and renewals.
