What is the maximum length of vehicle a C1 license can drive?
2 Answers
C1 license holders can drive light-duty trucks with a total length of 6 meters or less (including 6 meters), a maximum gross vehicle weight of 4,500kg or less (including 4,500kg), and an approved mass of less than 1,500kg. Permitted vehicle types: The C1 driving license covers small and mini passenger vehicles, light and mini cargo vehicles; light, small, and mini special operation vehicles; and small passenger vehicles with seating capacity of 9 or fewer people. C1 license holders cannot drive: large buses, tractor units, city buses, medium-sized buses, large trucks, ordinary three-wheeled motorcycles, ordinary two-wheeled motorcycles, light motorcycles, wheeled self-propelled machinery, trolleybuses, and trams. Additionally, C1 license holders cannot drive vehicles with more than 9 seats or trucks with a total length exceeding 6 meters. What is a C1 driving license: The C1 driving license is one of the classifications of motor vehicle driving licenses in China. It permits the holder to drive small and mini passenger vehicles, light and mini cargo vehicles; light, small, and mini special operation vehicles; and small passenger vehicles with seating capacity of 9 or fewer people.
The C1 driver's license allows driving vehicles with a length not exceeding 6 meters, which is what I learned from my instructor. Right after passing my C1 test, I was curious, and the instructor explained that the vehicle length refers to the overall length of the car, including parts like the trunk, and it must not exceed 6 meters; otherwise, you'd need to upgrade your license. I drive a family sedan that's just over 5 meters long, which is perfectly fine for daily commuting and even short trips. Actually, this restriction is mainly for safety—longer vehicles are harder to maneuver in cities and more troublesome to park. For beginners, it's advisable to start practicing with smaller cars around 5 meters, like the Hyundai Elantra or Toyota Corolla, as these models fall within the limit and are easy to handle. Never take the risk of driving a commercial vehicle over 6 meters; if caught, you could face points deduction or even license suspension—a friend of mine learned this the hard way. Overall, the C1 license is suitable for small cars, offering high practicality for daily life as long as the length complies.
