What license is required to drive a 19-seater vehicle?
2 Answers
19-seater buses require a Class B1 driver's license. The specific requirements are as follows: According to the 'Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses' issued by the Ministry of Public Security of the People's Republic of China, the Class B1 license allows driving medium-sized passenger vehicles (including urban buses with a capacity of 10 to 19 people) C1, C2, C3, C4, and M. Additional information: To upgrade to a B1 license, you must have held a C1 license for at least three years, be between 21 and 50 years old, and have no record of a full score (12 points) in the current and the most recent scoring cycle.
I've been driving for over a decade, often operating 19-seater coaches for tour groups. This type of vehicle requires a B1 driver's license, as the standard C1 license for small cars isn't sufficient. Looking back to when I first started learning to drive, with just a C1 license I could only operate small vehicles. Later, due to job requirements, I had to take the B1 test, which was much stricter, including assessments on turning control, load testing, and safety inspections. Driving a 19-seater is more stable than a small car, but you need to be mindful of its larger dimensions – always take extra care when reversing or making turns to avoid scraping trees or walls. Regular maintenance shouldn't be overlooked either; frequently check the engine oil and tires. Remember that braking distance increases when fully loaded, and it's safer to drive slower in rain or snow. For beginners, I recommend starting with a C1 license to gain experience before upgrading to B1 – this way you'll feel more confident when driving larger vehicles.
