What Kind of Driver's License is Required for an 18-Seater Minibus?
2 Answers
An 18-seater commercial vehicle requires a B1, A1, or A2 driver's license. Below is an introduction to the relevant content: 1. A1A2D License: This license allows driving all vehicles except for small automatic transmission passenger cars for the disabled, trolleybuses, and trams. 2. B2 (Large Truck): The permitted vehicles include heavy and medium-duty trucks, as well as heavy and medium-duty specialized operation vehicles. Below is extended information about license types and permitted vehicle models: 1. A1 (Large Passenger Vehicle): Permitted vehicles include large passenger vehicles, with other permitted models being A3, B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, and M. 2. A2 (Tractor): Permitted vehicles include heavy and medium-duty full trailers and semi-trailer combinations, with other permitted models being B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, and M. 3. A3 (City Bus): Permitted vehicles include city buses with a capacity of 10 or more passengers, with other permitted models being C1, C2, C3, and C4.
As a long-time driving enthusiast, I've studied the license requirements for many vehicle types. To drive an 18-seater minibus, you need a B1 license—you can't just get by with a C1 license like you can with small cars. These vehicles are large, typically over 6 meters in length, and their weight doubles when fully loaded, making them slower to respond, with longer braking distances. Novices can easily panic, leading to rollovers or rear-end collisions. Statistics show many accidents stem from unlicensed driving causing overload and loss of control. To obtain a B1 license, you must first pass a medical exam to confirm physical fitness, then systematically study theoretical knowledge, mastering steering rules for large vehicles and passenger safety priorities. Finally, you must pass a road test to reinforce skills like reversing into parking spaces and navigating S-curves. Remember, after getting the license, don’t rush into long-distance driving—practice in urban areas first to build familiarity and ensure passenger and road safety.
