What Type of Driver's License is Required for a 19-Seat Minibus?

[DiBriella]

For a 19-seat passenger vehicle classified as a medium-sized bus, a B1 driver's license is sufficient, provided the vehicle body does not exceed 6 meters in length and the approved passenger capacity is between 10 and 19 people, inclusive. If the 19-seat vehicle is classified as a large bus, an A1 driver's license is required. According to the "Motor Vehicle Driver's License Business Work Standards" issued by the public security department, motor vehicle driver's licenses are implemented in a tiered system, divided into 15 levels: A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, E, F, M, N, and P. The vehicle types permitted for each license level are as follows: A2 license: Permits driving tractor units, heavy and medium-sized full trailers, and semi-trailer combinations. A3 license: Permits driving city buses with a capacity of 10 or more passengers. B1 license: Permits driving heavy passenger vehicles. B2 license: Permits driving heavy and medium-sized cargo vehicles. C1 license: Permits driving small and micro passenger vehicles. C2 license: Permits driving small and micro automatic transmission passenger vehicles. C3 license: Permits driving low-speed cargo vehicles (formerly four-wheel agricultural transport vehicles). C4 license: Permits driving three-wheeled vehicles (formerly three-wheeled agricultural transport vehicles). D license: Permits driving three-wheeled motorcycles with an engine displacement exceeding 50ml. E license: Permits driving two-wheeled motorcycles with an engine displacement exceeding 50ml. F license: Permits driving motorcycles with an engine displacement of 50ml or less. M license: Permits driving wheeled self-propelled machinery. N license: Permits driving trolleybuses. P license: Permits driving trams. When driving a passenger vehicle, it is important to note: Because there are many passengers on board, it is essential to wear seat belts for optimal protection. Ensure adequate sleep to maintain focus while driving and avoid fatigue. Refrain from answering phone calls, as this can distract attention and increase the risk of accidents. Drive at appropriate speeds according to road conditions and maintain a safe following distance. According to Article 19 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law": Driving a motor vehicle requires a valid driver's license. Applicants must meet the driving permit conditions set by the public security department under the State Council. After passing the examination, the corresponding category of driver's license will be issued by the traffic management department of the public security authority. Drivers must operate vehicles within the scope of their license and carry it while driving. It is important to clarify that both driving without a license and driving a vehicle that does not match the permitted vehicle type are illegal. As stated in the first provision of the reply from the Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council regarding the interpretation and application of the "Road Traffic Safety Law" and its implementation regulations: Driving a vehicle that does not match the permitted vehicle type is considered equivalent to driving without a license. In terms of penalties, based on the principle of proportionality, the punishment may be appropriately lighter than for driving without a license. Therefore, both driving without a license and driving a mismatched vehicle type are subject to Article 99, Paragraph 1 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law": Driving without a license, with a revoked license, or during a license suspension period may result in fines imposed by the traffic management department of the public security authority and up to 15 days of detention.

[McDonovan]

I've driven 19-seater minibuses, which require a B1 driver's license. I used to work for a travel company, and driving these vehicles is much more challenging than regular cars—larger turning radius, longer braking distance, and carrying twenty passengers comes with great responsibility. Back then, I specifically went to driving school to upgrade to a B1 license, and the field test for Subject 2 was particularly tough; I practiced hill starts and parallel parking for three months. The B1 license requires applicants to be at least 21 years old and have at least one year of experience with a C1 license. For those interested in driving minibuses, I recommend planning ahead—this license becomes invalid after age 60, and you must submit an annual medical report. After obtaining it, you also need a one-year probationary period before you can drive on highways.