Can a C1 driver's license be directly upgraded to an A1?
2 Answers
C1 driver's license cannot be directly upgraded to A1. The relevant methods for upgrading are: 1. Application conditions: Those who have obtained a C1 driving qualification for more than three years and have no full-point record in the two most recent scoring cycles before application can apply for B1 (age 21-50); Those who have held a B1 driving qualification for more than five years and have no record of 12 points within three years (age 26-50) can apply for A1. 2. The following circumstances are not eligible for application: causing death in a traffic accident and bearing full or primary responsibility; driving under the influence of alcohol; having a record of driving under the influence of alcohol in the current scoring cycle and the three most recent scoring cycles before application; driving a motor vehicle at more than 50% over the speed limit in the current scoring cycle and the three most recent scoring cycles before application, without the motor vehicle driver's license being revoked.
I've been driving for over a decade and often get asked if you can directly upgrade from a C1 to an A1 license. The answer is no. You must first upgrade to a B license—either B1 for medium buses or B2 for large trucks. After five years of driving experience with no more than 12 penalty points deducted annually during those five years, you can then apply for an A1 license. Why such strict requirements? Large buses carry dozens of passengers, and a slight missteer could lead to an accident. Drivers must spend years gaining experience with trucks or medium buses to familiarize themselves with large vehicle handling and emergency procedures. My cousin obtained his B2 license two years ago and is now gaining experience in transportation, waiting until he meets the time requirement to challenge the A1 license. The entire process takes five to six years—it can't be rushed.
