What type of driver's license is required to drive a 15-seater vehicle?
4 Answers
To drive a 15-seater vehicle, the driver must possess a B1, A1, or A2 license. Below is relevant information: 1. Requirements for upgrading to a B1 license: The applicant must have held a (C1) license for at least three years, be aged between 21-50 years old, and have no record of accumulating 12 penalty points in both the current and previous annual scoring cycles. Applications for upgrading to a (B1) license must be submitted to the local vehicle management office in the driver's registered residence, as regulations stipulate that such upgrades can only be processed at the driver's permanent residence location, not temporary residences. 2. Age requirements: Applicants for small cars, small automatic transmission vehicles, small automatic transmission vehicles for disabled persons, and light motorcycles must be between 18 and 70 years old.
I've been driving 15-seater vehicles for years, and I know you must have a B1 license for this type of vehicle. Don't think you can get by with just a regular car license—that's dangerous and illegal. I was almost fined once because I hadn't upgraded my license. Safety comes first when driving a 15-seater, and the responsibility is huge, especially when carrying passengers. Nowadays, getting a B1 license requires specialized training, which can cost over a thousand yuan. The theory and practical tests are strict, but after completing them, you can drive medium-sized trucks and buses, which is quite practical. It's best to check the permitted vehicle types on the back of your license regularly, so you don't regret it once you're on the road.
I just got my driver's license, and my instructor specifically reminded me that driving a 15-seater requires at least a B1 license. A C1 license only allows you to drive small cars, and the seat count is insufficient—don't even think about trying to get away with it. When I was preparing to upgrade to a B1, it took extra time, with the exam focusing on handling large vehicles and safety awareness. Driving a 15-seater without the proper license could result in being pulled over by the police, fined hundreds, or even having your license revoked, not to mention the impact on insurance. For those who want to drive such vehicles, I recommend consulting a driving school first or checking the specific requirements on the traffic regulation app 12123.
Driving a 15-seater vehicle depends on your license type. You must have a B1 or higher; a C1 license for small cars won't suffice. From my own experience: B1 license training includes both theoretical and practical parts, with greater emphasis on safe driving skills. Driving without the proper license carries significant risks—you bear full responsibility in case of an accident, plus legal troubles. If you frequently drive larger vehicles, obtaining a B1 license is worthwhile as it allows you to operate more vehicle types.
