What kind of driver's license is required for a sedan exceeding 6 meters?
2 Answers
For vehicles exceeding 6 meters, an A1 license is required. The A1 license covers the types of vehicles that are commonly seen carrying more than 20 passengers, such as large buses, and also includes any vehicle models with a body length exceeding 6 meters. Other vehicle types that an A1 license can drive include: A3 (city buses), B1 (medium-sized passenger vehicles), B2 (large trucks), C1 (small cars), C2 (small automatic transmission cars), C3 (low-speed cargo vehicles), C4 (three-wheeled vehicles), and M (wheeled self-propelled machinery). Requirements for upgrading to an A1 license: Having held a city bus or medium-sized passenger vehicle driving qualification for more than five years; or having held a large truck driving qualification for more than three years; or having held a tractor driving qualification for more than two years. In addition to meeting one of the above conditions, there must be no record of accumulating 12 or more penalty points in the last five consecutive scoring cycles before applying. Circumstances where upgrading to an A1 license is not allowed: Being fully or primarily responsible for a fatal traffic accident; driving under the influence of alcohol; drunk driving during the current scoring cycle and the last three consecutive scoring cycles before applying; driving at speeds exceeding 50% of the speed limit during the current scoring cycle and the three consecutive scoring cycles before applying.
I've been driving for many years and have seen those extra-long sedans over 6 meters, like limousines. Regular family cars are typically 4 to 5 meters long - for example, a Toyota Corolla is only 4.6 meters. But exceeding 6 meters becomes problematic. According to traffic regulations, vehicles over 6 meters in length are classified as medium-sized buses, which means a regular C1 driver's license won't suffice - you'll need a B1 license. Driving such long vehicles significantly increases difficulty when turning or parking, with more blind spots that can easily lead to accidents. So never try to save money or cut corners - directly enroll in a B1 license course at driving school and get properly certified for safety and legality. I once had a friend who borrowed an oversized vehicle and got caught by traffic police - fined 500 yuan plus penalty points, totally not worth it. Always measure carefully before buying a car, and upgrade your license immediately if the vehicle exceeds standards.
