What type of driver's license is required for a 9-seater vehicle?
3 Answers
9-seater vehicles require a C1 driver's license. The C1 license permits driving small vehicles with up to 9 seats and a body length not exceeding 6 meters, such as models like Jinbei and Refine. A driver's license, also known as a 'driving license,' is an official document issued by government transportation authorities to individuals qualified to drive, typically in the form of a card. To obtain a driver's license, one must meet the minimum age requirement and pass a driving test. Taking the 2021 Jinbei Haishi S 1.5L Wealth Non-AC Cargo Van (National VI SWC15M) as an example: its dimensions are 4495mm in length, 1680mm in width, and 1995mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2945mm. It is equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, and the engine's maximum power output is 75 kilowatts.
After driving for so many years, I've learned that 9-seater vehicles like those SUVs or MPVs generally fall under the category of small cars. As for the driver's license, you'll need either a C1 or C2 license. The C1 allows you to drive both manual and automatic transmissions, while the C2 is only for automatic transmission vehicles. Why is it set up this way? Because when the number of seats exceeds 7, the safety risks increase, so it's essential to ensure the driver has sufficient training. I remember once when I helped a friend drive their 9-seater minivan for a camping trip, I had to confirm I had a C1 license first. The penalties for overloading are quite severe, so never take the risk of carrying extra passengers. If the number of seats exceeds 9, then you'll need a B1 license. When driving such vehicles regularly, you also need to pay attention to things like fuel consumption—gaining more knowledge is always beneficial.
I've worked in traffic enforcement and am very familiar with driving test regulations. Driving a 9-seater vehicle clearly requires a Class C license. C1 is suitable for both manual and automatic transmissions, while C2 is limited to automatic transmissions only. The vehicle must have no more than 9 approved seats to meet the standard for small passenger vehicles. In practice, many people mistakenly think 7 seats or fewer are acceptable, only to get ticketed for driving a 9-seater without the proper license. I recommend getting a C1 license, as it allows you to drive more types of vehicles. During driving school, focus on practicing safe driving techniques, especially since larger vehicles with more passengers carry higher risks. Don't rush to hit the road; first, consult the latest regulations at the DMV.
