Can a B2 License Drive a B1 Vehicle?
2 Answers
B2 license cannot drive B1 vehicles. B1 is a type of bus license, while B2 is a truck license. The following are the differences between B1 and B2: Permitted Vehicle Types Differ: 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) people. Other permitted vehicle types include C1 (small cars), C2 (small automatic transmission cars), C3 (low-speed trucks), C4 (three-wheeled cars), and M (wheeled self-propelled machinery). It's important to note that B1 license does not include B2 vehicles. If a B1 license holder wants to drive large trucks, they can upgrade their license to B1B2 (or A1, A2, A1A2, etc.). B2 license permits driving heavy, medium-sized trucks or large, heavy, medium-sized specialized operation vehicles. Heavy and medium-sized trucks are mainly trucks, such as the large dump trucks commonly seen on roads, which belong to heavy trucks. Large, heavy, medium-sized specialized operation vehicles refer to vehicles equipped with special equipment or tools, such as sprinkler trucks, concrete mixer trucks, fire trucks, etc. Application Requirements Differ: The age requirement for applying for a B1 license is 21-50 years old. B1 license cannot be applied for directly; applicants must have at least 3 years of driving experience and no record of 12 points in three consecutive scoring cycles. The age requirement for applying for a B2 license is 20-50 years old, and B2 license can be applied for directly.
When I first got my B2 driver's license, I thought I could drive all large vehicles. But when I tried driving my friend's medium-sized bus, it turned into a joke! A B2 license only allows you to operate large trucks—those long-bodied, heavy-load vehicles—while a B1 license is for medium-sized passenger vehicles like school buses or minibuses that carry 10-19 people. The two require different driving techniques, and if you force yourself to drive the wrong type, the police can fine you or even deduct points. It's also extremely dangerous and prone to accidents. I learned this the hard way—it's best to check the permitted vehicle types for your license at the DMV first, so you don’t end up as naive as I was. Want to drive a B1 vehicle? You’ll need to retake the theory and road tests to upgrade your license. The process isn’t hard but requires time to complete all four exam sections, saving you unnecessary hassle. Oh, and driving the wrong vehicle might also affect insurance claims—remember, safety first!
