What is the license class for driving both manual and automatic transmission?
3 Answers
C1 license allows driving both manual and automatic transmission vehicles. Introduction to C1 (Small Vehicle): Small and micro passenger vehicles; light and micro cargo vehicles; light, small, and micro special-purpose vehicles. Small passenger vehicles with ≤9 seats, designed maximum total mass ≤4500kg, length ≤6.0m, width ≤2.0m, height ≤2.5m. Introduction to C2 (Small Automatic Transmission Vehicle): Small and micro automatic transmission passenger vehicles; light and micro automatic transmission cargo vehicles, small passenger vehicles with ≤9 seats, designed maximum total mass ≤4500kg. Length ≤6.0m, width ≤2.0m, height ≤2.5m. Introduction to C3 (Low-Speed Cargo Vehicle): Low-speed cargo vehicles, maximum designed speed ≤70km/h, designed maximum total mass ≤4500kg. Length ≤6.0m, width ≤2.0m, height ≤2.5m.
I remember choosing a C1 driver's license when learning to drive because it allows driving both manual and automatic transmission cars, which is the most convenient. The C1 license is suitable for small vehicles, offering drivers more freedom. For example, driving a manual transmission car allows you to experience the joy of control and provides more flexibility in mountainous areas or on long-distance roads, while an automatic transmission is effortless and convenient in congested cities. A C2 license, on the other hand, only permits driving automatic transmission cars, which is quite limiting—if you encounter a manual transmission car, you won't be able to drive it, making it inconvenient. Although practicing gear-shifting techniques for the C1 license takes time, learning fundamental driving knowledge, such as coordinating the throttle and clutch, enhances safety awareness and reaction skills. In the long run, the C1 license is more practical, offering a wider range of options when renting or buying a car, saving you the hassle of retaking the test later. I recommend beginners opt for the C1 license—investing in this skill is worthwhile. Economically, manual transmission cars are more fuel-efficient, making them suitable for those on a tight budget.
During the driving instruction process, I discovered that the driver's license that allows driving both manual and automatic transmission vehicles is the C1 category. C1 covers the right to drive small vehicles, regardless of the transmission type. In contrast, C2 is limited to automatic transmission only, offering less flexibility. The advantage of learning C1 is laying a solid driving foundation, mastering gear-shifting timing and operational procedures, and preventing traffic accidents. Although modern transportation mostly involves automatic transmission vehicles, manual transmission is common in emergency or engineering vehicles, and C1 can handle more scenarios. During the test, C1 involves manual skills, enhancing the understanding of vehicle principles. From my observation, students who choose C1 exhibit stronger confidence and are more composed when driving. Although C2 may be quicker to obtain, in the long run, it may miss opportunities for skill enhancement. I recommend that learners plan ahead to avoid regrets.
