What Vehicles Can an A1 Driver's License Drive?
4 Answers
The permitted vehicle types for an A1 driver's license include: large buses with more than 20 passengers, and passenger vehicles with a body length exceeding 6 meters must also use an A1 license. Other vehicle types permitted by the A1 license include: A3 (city buses), B1 (medium-sized buses), B2 (large trucks), C1 (small cars), C2 (small automatic transmission cars), C3 (low-speed cargo vehicles), C4 (three-wheeled cars), and M (wheeled self-propelled machinery). According to the appendix of the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses," the classification standards for driver's licenses are: A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, D, E, F, M, N, P, totaling 16 categories. The Ministry of Public Security issued the "Regulations" to further subdivide driver's licenses into 15 categories, with new licenses being replaced during annual inspections or reviews. C1 driver's license: Many people think that a C1 license only allows driving small vehicles with fewer than 7 seats. However, the C1 license permits driving vehicles with up to 9 seats and a body length not exceeding 6 meters, such as Jinbei and Ruifeng models, as long as the seat count does not exceed 9 and the body length is under 6 meters. Other permitted vehicle types for C1 include C2 (small automatic transmission cars), C3 (low-speed cargo vehicles), and C4 (three-wheeled cars). C2 driver's license: The C2 license is also a common one, allowing only the driving of automatic transmission cars with up to 9 seats and a body length not exceeding 6 meters. Note that C2 license holders cannot drive manual transmission vehicles. B1 driver's license: The B1 license permits driving medium-sized buses, defined as vehicles not exceeding 6 meters in length, with a certified passenger capacity of 10 (inclusive) to 19 (inclusive). Other permitted vehicle types include C1 (small cars), C2 (small automatic transmission cars), C3 (low-speed cargo vehicles), C4 (three-wheeled cars), and M (wheeled self-propelled machinery). The B1 license does not include B2. B2 driver's license: The B2 license allows driving heavy and medium-sized trucks or large, heavy, and medium-sized specialized operation vehicles. Heavy and medium-sized trucks are mainly trucks, such as the large trucks commonly seen carrying construction debris. Other permitted vehicle types for B2 include C1 (small cars), C2 (small automatic transmission cars), C3 (low-speed cargo vehicles), C4 (three-wheeled cars), and M (wheeled self-propelled machinery), which is the same as the B1 license. A2 driver's license: The A2 license permits driving tractor-trailers, which can only be driven by holders of an A2 license—even those with an A1 license cannot drive them. Other permitted vehicle types for A2 include B1 (medium-sized buses), B2 (large trucks), C1 (small cars), C2 (small automatic transmission cars), C3 (low-speed cargo vehicles), C4 (three-wheeled cars), and M (wheeled self-propelled machinery). A3 driver's license: The A3 license is somewhat special, as it permits driving city buses, which are commonly used by the public. Other permitted vehicle types include only C1 (small cars), C2 (small automatic transmission cars), C3 (low-speed cargo vehicles), and C4 (three-wheeled cars). This license does not allow driving B1 or B2 vehicle types. Although buses and large passenger vehicles look similar, with some buses even being longer, the A3 license does not permit driving large passenger vehicles. The above 16 categories of driver's license classification standards are based on the driving difficulty and safety requirements of different vehicle types. They further subdivide the existing A (large buses), B (large trucks), and C (small cars) licenses, adding D, E, F, M, N, and P levels. According to the new regulations, first-time applicants for a driver's license cannot apply for an A1 (large bus) license. The permitted vehicle types for first-time applicants include city buses, large trucks, small cars, small automatic transmission cars, low-speed cargo vehicles, three-wheeled cars, ordinary three-wheeled motorcycles, ordinary two-wheeled motorcycles, light motorcycles, wheeled self-propelled machinery, trolleybuses, and trams. For first-time applicants in a temporary residence, only C-series licenses (small cars, small automatic transmission cars, low-speed cargo vehicles, and three-wheeled cars) can be applied for. Motorcycle licenses cannot be applied for. Holders of the newly added D license can drive ordinary three-wheeled motorcycles with an engine displacement exceeding 50ml or a maximum design speed exceeding 50km/h. Holders of the E license can drive ordinary two-wheeled motorcycles with an engine displacement exceeding 50ml or a maximum design speed exceeding 50km/h. Holders of the F license can drive light motorcycles with an engine displacement of 50ml or less and a maximum design speed of 50km/h or less. Holders of the M license can drive wheeled self-propelled machinery. Holders of the N license can drive trolleybuses. Holders of the P license can drive trams.
I've held an A1 driver's license for so many years, and it allows me to drive a wide range of vehicles. Mainly large buses and coaches—those big vehicles—but also small cars and vans, which fall under the B1 and B2 license categories. However, I can't drive tractor-trailers; that's the domain of the A2 license. Operating large buses requires more rigorous training. I remember when I first obtained the license, I had to pass many hours of road tests and theoretical exams—it was quite challenging. In my daily work, I've driven tour groups on long-distance trips, and the responsibility feels immense because there are so many passengers on board, so safety always comes first. On weekends when I want to relax, I can easily take my family's sedan out for a spin. Overall, the A1 license is like a golden key in the passenger transport industry, but you still have to follow the rules and avoid driving prohibited vehicle types, or you could face fines or license suspension. Holding this license also requires regular medical check-ups to ensure good physical condition, as quick reflexes are essential when handling large vehicles.
The A1 driver's license covers a wide range of vehicles, including large buses, city buses, as well as A3, B1, and B2 vehicle types, such as SUVs and minivans. However, it does not permit driving tractor-trailers, which would be considered a violation. Obtaining this license typically requires several years of experience with a B1 or B2 license, along with specialized training and exams covering vehicle maintenance and emergency handling. I think this design is reasonable because large buses are more challenging to operate, and any accidents could have significant consequences. In practical use, I often see A1 license holders driving city buses in urban areas—efficient but requiring extra caution during peak congestion. Additionally, it also allows driving private cars, making family trips convenient. New drivers should avoid overextending themselves and gradually adapt to different vehicle types. Checking the license type is fundamental—don’t confuse A1 and A2 restrictions, as safety should always come first. License holders are advised to regularly review traffic rules to avoid mistakes.
With an A1 driver's license, I can drive any type of passenger vehicle, such as buses or long-distance coaches. It also covers small vehicles like regular cars and minivans, eliminating the need to obtain a B license. However, it doesn't permit driving tractor-trailers; those with trailers require special caution. Driving large vehicles feels particularly impressive, but it also comes with greater responsibility—ensuring smooth operation is crucial when carrying many passengers. I frequently use it for work, while driving a small car during holidays feels much more relaxed. Overall, the A1 is a high-level license, and safe driving is paramount.
