What is the minimum age requirement for obtaining a C1 driver's license?
3 Answers
The minimum age requirement for obtaining a C1 driver's license is 18 years old. In 2020, the upper age limit for applying for a small car driver's license was relaxed. However, applicants aged 70 and above must pass tests on memory, judgment, and reaction abilities to ensure their physical condition meets the requirements for safe driving. Physical examination requirements: Motor vehicle drivers aged 70 and above (including 70 years old) must undergo an annual physical examination, while those under 70 years old are not required to do so. Permitted vehicle types: The C1 driver's license allows driving small and micro passenger vehicles, as well as light and micro cargo vehicles; light, small, and micro special-purpose vehicles; and small passenger vehicles with a seating capacity of 9 or fewer people. Vehicles not permitted with a C1 driver's license: large buses, tractors, urban buses, medium-sized buses, large trucks, ordinary three-wheeled motorcycles, ordinary two-wheeled motorcycles, light motorcycles, wheeled self-propelled machinery, trolleybuses, and trams. Additionally, a C1 license does not permit driving vehicles with more than 9 seats or trucks with a total length exceeding 6 meters.
I remember the year I turned 18, I couldn't wait to sign up for a C1 driving school. At that time, I was so excited as if I had obtained the key to the adult world. In China, the law clearly stipulates that the minimum age to obtain a C1 manual car driver's license is 18 years old, which ensures that individuals have sufficient physical strength and judgment to drive safely. Don't worry about starting too late, 18 is the perfect time to learn as young people have quick reflexes and can easily master the skills. Besides age, you also need to pass a medical examination, especially the vision test, otherwise you might get stuck during the exam. Learning to drive from subject one to subject four takes several months, so don't rush; take your time to reduce the risk of accidents. Looking back now, that process helped me grow a lot, and safety always comes first.
Having driven for over a decade, I'm very familiar with this field. The minimum age requirement for obtaining a C1 driver's license is exactly 18 years old—this is a strict rule. Back when I was young, I signed up as soon as I met the requirement, finding it simple and practical. The C1 license is suitable for everyday family cars, unlike the B license for trucks, which requires you to be at least 20. The age setting is quite reasonable—by 18, people are adults with adequate reflexes and a sense of responsibility, reducing the chances of new drivers causing trouble on the road. I recommend learning and driving early to accumulate more experience over time, rather than delaying until older. Additionally, if you attempt the test underage or overage, you’ll definitely be disqualified—don’t count on luck here. Regular car maintenance is also crucial, as safe driving starts with forming good habits from the very beginning.
