Can a B2 license holder drive a tow truck with a vehicle in tow?
2 Answers
A blue-plate one-tow-two tow truck can be driven with a C1 driver's license, while a yellow-plate one-tow-two tow truck requires a B2 driver's license. Below are the specific details about the B2 license: 1. Driving scope: In addition to medium and heavy-duty trucks, it also permits driving other approved vehicle types such as C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, and M. This means small cars, small automatic transmission vehicles, low-speed trucks, three-wheeled vehicles, and wheeled self-propelled machinery can all be driven. 2. Exam subjects: The B2 license test consists of four parts: Subject 1, Subject 2, Subject 3, and Subject 4. 3. Exam content: Subjects 1 and 4 are computer-based tests covering traffic regulations and civilized driving. Subject 2 is a practical test with 16 components, including reverse parking, side parking, hill start, single-plank bridge, curve driving, right-angle turns, pressing plates, passing through width-restricted gates, driving on undulating roads, narrow road U-turns, simulating continuous sharp turns on mountain roads, simulating rainy and foggy weather, simulating slippery roads, simulating tunnel driving, simulating highway driving, and simulating emergency handling.
When it comes to driving a tow truck with another vehicle in tow, whether a B2 license is sufficient depends on the actual situation. Having driven for over a decade and studied the relevant regulations, I know that a B2 license is intended for heavy-duty trucks with a total mass not exceeding 12 tons. Tow trucks themselves are heavy, and adding a towed vehicle can easily exceed this limit, legally requiring an A2 license in such cases. Safety is another critical concern—towed vehicles without brakes can easily lose control, especially on highways. If caught by traffic police, you could face both demerit points and fines. I recall a friend who insisted on driving under such conditions and nearly caused an accident when the towed vehicle fishtailed on a curve—prompting him to opt for professional towing services instead. My advice: calculate the total weight first. If it exceeds the limit, don’t take the risk. It’s safer and more convenient to either upgrade your license or call for professional towing assistance.
