Can a B2 license holder drive a semi-truck tractor without a trailer?
2 Answers
No, because the tractor is classified as a semi-trailer towing vehicle, which requires an A2 license to operate. Below are detailed descriptions of A2 and B2 licenses: A2: The vehicle types permitted for A2 license holders include towing vehicles. With a valid A2 license issued by China's public traffic police vehicle management authorities, one can drive heavy and medium-duty full trailers, semi-trailer combinations, as well as vehicles permitted by B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, and M licenses. B2: The vehicle types permitted for B2 license holders include medium and heavy-duty trucks or specialized operation vehicles, and also allow driving small cars, small automatic transmission cars, low-speed trucks, three-wheeled vehicles, and wheeled self-propelled machinery.
In our country, the regulations for obtaining a driver's license are quite detailed. A B2 license only allows you to drive heavy trucks or box trucks, but semi-trailer tractor heads, whether with or without trailers, fall under the category of towing vehicles and require an A2 license. Why is that? Because tractor heads are specifically designed for towing, with a higher center of gravity and chassis, making them more difficult to control. Those with a B2 license haven't received the necessary training and are more prone to accidents. I have experience driving trucks and have seen many people think it's fine to drive an empty tractor head, only to be caught by traffic police, fined hundreds of yuan, and deducted 12 points. In worse cases, their license might even be revoked. My advice is to always check the permitted vehicle types on your vehicle registration certificate—don't take risks, safety comes first. If you want to drive a tractor head, go through the proper process to obtain an A2 license. Don't cut corners for convenience; the regulations are there to protect everyone.
