Are there many people taking the C2 driver's license test?
3 Answers
After the reform of the new driving test regulations, the number of people taking the C2 test has significantly increased. Here is some extended information: 1. The difference between C1 and C2: A C2 license only allows driving small and micro automatic passenger cars, as well as light and micro automatic freight vehicles; A C1 license permits driving small and micro passenger cars, light and micro freight vehicles, light and micro special operation vehicles, low-speed freight vehicles, and three-wheeled vehicles. Moreover, the cost of learning to drive for a C1 license is cheaper. In summary, C1 license holders can drive automatic vehicles covered by the C2 license, but C2 license holders cannot drive manual vehicles covered by the C1 license. The C1 license allows for driving a wider range of vehicle types. 2. The benefits of C2: Although the test subjects and procedures remain the same whether you take the C1 or C2 license test, the structural changes in driving vehicles do offer certain advantages. Since automatic vehicles do not have a clutch pedal and do not require gear shifting, there is no need to worry about stalling the engine.
When I enrolled in driving school last year, I noticed the C2 (automatic transmission) classes were packed, with only three or four out of over thirty students choosing C1 (manual transmission). The driving instructor mentioned that now 85% of learners opt for automatic transmission, especially young people who almost exclusively choose C2. The automatic transmission test is much simpler—no need to practice hill starts, fewer items in the second test phase, and no gear shifting tests. My cousin, who just got his license, said that driving in the city is all about automatic transmission now, so why bother with the hassle of manual? Even several women in their forties chose C2, complaining that pressing the clutch caused leg cramps. Despite the C2 class being 300 yuan more expensive than C1 on the driving school's fee chart, it hasn't slowed down the enrollment boom.
The most striking observation from a decade of coaching is that the number of C2 (automatic transmission) learners has tripled in five years. Previously, manual transmission training cars accounted for 70% of the fleet, but now there are only two manual transmission coach cars left in the entire training ground. Nowadays, when 18 or 19-year-olds come to learn driving and are asked about their preference, they often retort, 'What's the use of manual transmission?' Even rural trainees have switched to automatic, saying that even tractors sold now come with automatic transmissions. The data from the examination center is even more staggering—last month, out of 800 people taking the third subject test here, 72% were C2 candidates. Particularly on weekends, it's common to see three generations of a family all opting for automatic transmission tests. This trend is unstoppable.
