
A1 driver's license permits driving large buses carrying more than 20 passengers, as well as passenger vehicles exceeding 6 meters in length. Other vehicle types allowed under an A1 license include: A3 (city buses), B1 (medium-sized buses), B2 (large trucks), C1 (small cars), C2 (small automatic transmission cars), C3 (low-speed trucks), C4 (three-wheeled vehicles), and M (wheeled self-propelled machinery). The full name of the driver's license is the motor vehicle driving license, which is a legal document required for operating motor vehicles. Driving a motor vehicle requires specific skills, and those lacking such skills may cause traffic accidents if they drive recklessly. Generally, individuals cannot drive on public roads without a valid license.

Right after I got my A1 driver's license, my friends kept asking me what kind of vehicles I could drive. Simply put, I can drive all kinds of large buses, including intercity coaches and double-decker tour buses. The A1 license is specifically for operating large passenger vehicles carrying more than 20 people, and it also covers A3 city buses, B1 medium-sized buses, and C1 small cars. The coolest part is that I can even drive articulated city buses, though those are pretty rare on the roads. By the way, I once drove a 47-seat company bus from Beijing to Shanghai, and it was smooth sailing on the highway—this license definitely has its perks. Just remember, motorcycles are off-limits; I almost made a fool of myself last time.

Having driven coaches for a passenger transport company for fifteen years, the A1 license is truly the gold standard in our profession. It qualifies drivers to operate all types of passenger vehicles, including large coaches exceeding 6 meters in length and tour buses with over 20 seats. In fact, it also covers additional vehicle categories like medium-sized buses, city buses, trucks, and passenger cars. The 43-seat long-distance coach I drive daily is a prime example. However, remember two key restrictions: first, it doesn't permit driving articulated vehicles, and second, motorcycles are strictly off-limits. Obtaining this license involves rigorous testing through an upgrade process, unlike the relatively easier path to obtaining a standard car license.

When I was taking the A1 driver's license test, I realized how extensive its coverage is. In addition to the core large passenger vehicles, it also allows you to drive city buses, commuter shuttles, and small vans. The most surprising part was that even common household sedans are within the permitted driving range. However, once when I saw a new luxury coach in the fleet and wanted to test drive it, I found out that vehicles over 9 meters in length are not allowed. This license requires high driving skills, as you're responsible for the safety of dozens of people, and passing the test gives you a great sense of achievement.


