What kind of driver's license is required for a 9-seater business vehicle?
2 Answers
To drive a 9-seater business vehicle, at least a B1 driver's license is required. The relevant details are as follows: 1. Permitted vehicle types for a C1 license: A C1 license only allows driving vehicles with a total mass not exceeding 4.5 tons, seating capacity (including the driver) not exceeding 9 people, or vehicles with a length under 6 meters, all of which are classified as small cars. Specifically, common sedans, SUVs, MPVs, minivans, as well as small trucks and agricultural vehicles that meet the above criteria fall within the permitted driving scope of a C1 license. Additionally, a C1 license holder can also operate vehicles covered by C2 (small automatic transmission cars), C3 (low-speed trucks), and C4 (three-wheeled vehicles). 2. C1 license cannot drive 9-seater vehicles: A C1 license only permits driving vehicles with fewer than 9 seats. The permitted vehicle types for a C1 license are small cars.
I've been driving a 9-seater business van for many years, always using a C1 driver's license. According to national regulations, the C1 license allows driving small vehicles with no more than 9 seats. Obtaining a C1 license isn't difficult—just pass a medical exam and the driving test if you're over 18 years old. When driving, extra caution is needed because the increased passenger load means longer braking distances, raising the risk of rear-end collisions, and slower turns are necessary to prevent rollovers. Additionally, regular vehicle maintenance is essential, including checking tire wear and brake performance to ensure safety. Legally, overloading or modifying seats is a violation that can result in penalty points and fines, so I always count the seats before carrying passengers to ensure no more than 9. For beginners who find it challenging, starting with smaller cars to gain experience is advisable.
