What type of driver's license is required for a 12-seater business vehicle?
2 Answers
A B1 driver's license is required to drive a 12-seater business vehicle (A1 and A2 licenses are also acceptable). The B1 license allows the holder to operate medium-sized passenger vehicles with a capacity of 10 to 19 passengers. Below is an introduction to the types of driver's licenses and the corresponding vehicle categories they permit: 1. A1 (Large Bus): Permitted vehicles include large passenger buses, with additional permitted categories being A3, B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, and M. 2. A2 (Tractor Trailer): Heavy and medium-sized full trailers and semi-trailers, with additional permitted categories including 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 additional permitted categories being C1, C2, C3, and C4.
I remember driving a 12-seater business van a few years ago when I had just obtained my B1 license. According to regulations, vehicles with 9 seats or fewer can be driven with a C1 license, but medium-sized passenger vehicles with 10 to 19 seats require a B1 license. This license isn't something you can get casually—it requires specialized exams, including road tests and theory, particularly focusing on how to handle larger vehicles. After all, more seats mean a higher center of gravity, increasing risks during turns or emergency braking. I invested considerable time and money when upgrading my license, and looking back, it was definitely worth it—safety comes first. If you're a beginner, never attempt to drive such vehicles with just a C license. Traffic police checks can result in fines, demerit points, or even vehicle impoundment for serious violations. Nowadays, many car rental companies verify your license type before renting out 12-seaters—no B1, no driving. Before taking the test, I recommend consulting driving schools for details to avoid wasted effort.
