Why can't a C1 license drive an 8-seater?
4 Answers
C1 can drive 8-seater vehicles within 6 meters. A C1 license can drive passenger vehicles with 9 seats or fewer (including 9 seats), and all vehicles with blue license plates. Here are detailed explanations about the C1 license: 1. According to the 'Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses': The scope of a C1 license includes small and mini passenger vehicles, light and mini cargo vehicles; light, small, and mini special operation vehicles; and small passenger vehicles with a seating capacity of 9 or fewer. 2. Vehicles that a C1 license cannot drive: Blue license plates are for small vehicles, including small-tonnage trucks. Vehicles that a C1 license cannot drive are medium-sized buses, large trucks, wheeled self-propelled machinery, trolleybuses, trams, medium-sized buses, large trucks, and ordinary three-wheeled motorcycles.
I've been driving for decades and have seen many misunderstandings about the C1 driver's license. In fact, a C1 license allows you to drive an 8-seater vehicle, as the regulation only restricts vehicles with a total capacity of fewer than 9 people, including the driver. An 8-seater typically carries 7 passengers plus the driver, which fully complies with the requirement. The classification of driver's licenses is designed to match vehicle handling capabilities—larger vehicles like those with 10 or more seats require a B1 license due to their larger size and higher risks in braking and turning. If the vehicle's length does not exceed 6 meters and its weight is within 4500kg, C1 license holders can drive with confidence and should not be misled by rumors. Remember to check the approved capacity in the vehicle's manual for confirmation. The confusion in vehicle classification was a thing of the past, and the rules are now very clear.
I just got my driver's license, and my instructor taught me in class that a C1 license allows driving small cars with a total of no more than 9 people inside. An 8-seater just falls within this range. For example, I've driven my relative's 7-seat SUV to pick up and drop off people without any issues. Some vans may look like large vehicles, but if their approved capacity is 8, a C1 license holder can legally drive them. When actually driving, you need to check the vehicle's certificate to avoid tickets. Driving safety relies on skill accumulation. Larger vehicles are indeed harder to handle, but an 8-seater isn't restricted. The driving theory emphasizes classification to prevent accidents.
I care about road safety, and the size of a car directly affects the difficulty of driving. Larger vehicles have longer braking distances and are more prone to rollovers, which is why driving license classifications have restrictions. The C1 license is designed for lightweight vehicles to ensure the safety of beginners. An 8-seater car can be driven as long as it meets the small vehicle standard and does not exceed 9 people. If the total mass or length of the vehicle exceeds the standard, a higher-level driving license is required. In practice, verifying vehicle specifications reduces risks. The rules are based on years of accident statistics.
