What vehicles can a C1 license drive?

[StKeegan]

According to China's "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses": The permitted driving scope of a C1 license includes small and mini passenger vehicles, light and mini cargo vehicles; and light, small, and mini special operation vehicles. Additionally, a C1 license can drive vehicles allowed by C2, C3, and C4 licenses, including small automatic transmission vehicles, light and mini automatic transmission cargo vehicles, low-speed cargo vehicles, and three-wheeled vehicles. Small vehicles refer to those with a total mass of less than 4.5 tons, seating no more than 9 people, and a vehicle length under 6 meters. C1 license examination subjects: There are a total of four subjects in the C1 license examination, conducted in the following order: traffic regulations and related knowledge (referred to as Subject 1), field driving (Subject 2), road driving (Subject 3), and safety and civilization knowledge (Subject 4). Passing standards: Subject 1 – Written test, full score of 100, passing requires 90 or above. Subject 2 – On-site, actual vehicle. Minimum requirement is 80, below 80 is failing. Subject 3 – Highway or simulated site, actual vehicle. Full score of 100, must achieve 90 or above to pass. Subject 4 – Written test, questions mainly in the form of cases, images, animations, etc., including true/false, single-choice, and multiple-choice questions, totaling 50 questions, full score of 100, passing requires 90. According to the "Motor Vehicle Driving License Business Work Standards" issued by the relevant authorities, motor vehicle driving licenses are classified into a hierarchical system, dividing licenses into 15 levels: A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, E, F, M, N, P. The permitted vehicle types for each different level of license are as follows: A1 license, permitted to drive large passenger vehicles; A2 license, permitted to drive tractors, heavy and medium full trailers, semi-trailer vehicle trains; A3 license, permitted to drive city buses with a capacity of 10 or more people; B1 license, permitted to drive heavy passenger vehicles; B2 license, permitted to drive heavy and medium cargo vehicles, etc.; C2 license, permitted to drive small and mini automatic transmission passenger vehicles, etc.; C3 license, permitted to drive low-speed cargo vehicles (originally four-wheel agricultural transport vehicles); C4 license, permitted to drive three-wheeled vehicles (originally three-wheel agricultural transport vehicles); D license, permitted to drive three-wheeled motorcycles with an engine displacement greater than 50ml; E license, permitted to drive two-wheeled motorcycles with an engine displacement greater than 50ml; F license, permitted to drive motorcycles with an engine displacement of 50ml or less; M license, permitted to drive wheeled self-propelled machinery; N license, permitted to drive trolleybuses; P license, permitted to drive trams.

[MacDelaney]

I've had my C1 driver's license for over ten years and have driven many small vehicles, including regular sedans, SUVs, and seven-seater MPVs. The C1 license allows driving small cars with a total mass not exceeding 4,500 kg and seating up to 9 passengers, as well as automatic transmission vehicles (C2 category), low-speed trucks (C3), or three-wheeled vehicles (C4). For daily commuting, I drive a small family car for convenience and flexibility, but I can't operate large trucks or buses, which require a B license. Also, be cautious with modified cars—don't add too many accessories that exceed weight limits, or they won't pass annual inspections and become unsafe. New drivers often ask about this, so I recommend practicing small vehicle skills after getting licensed, familiarizing yourself with city and highway driving—safe travel depends on the details.

[StChloe]

When I first got my C1 license, I was super excited. After asking my instructor, I learned that it allows me to drive small cars, like our family's compact sedan and small truck. Just make sure the seating capacity doesn't exceed 9 and the total weight stays under 4500kg, including backseat passengers. Passing the C1 test also means you can drive automatic transmission vehicles, which are quicker to learn. But don't touch motorcycles or large buses—violations could lead to points deduction, fines, or even insurance denial. When I use a minivan for cargo, I always watch the load. C3 trucks are also drivable but have lower speed limits. Before hitting the road, check the tires and brakes to prevent minor issues from escalating.

[RafaelLynn]

From a safety perspective, a C1 driver's license is only suitable for operating small vehicles, as larger vehicles require stronger control capabilities. Driving overweight vehicles or those carrying excessive passengers significantly increases risks, such as loss of control or rear-end collisions. The C1 license also permits operating low-speed cargo vehicles and three-wheeled automobiles, which are simpler to handle but require reduced speed on poor terrain to ensure cargo stability. Avoid greedy modifications—driving within the C1 framework is the safest approach. Regularly inspect vehicle conditions to prevent potential hazards.