Can a C1 license be directly upgraded to an A2 license now?
2 Answers
A C1 driver's license cannot be directly upgraded to an A1 or A2 vehicle type. You can directly apply for an upgrade to A3, B1, or B2. An A2 driver's license cannot be obtained directly through initial application; it can only be acquired through an upgrade. To apply for an upgrade to an A2 driver's license, you must meet one of the following conditions: have held a B1 license for more than three years, a B2 license for more than two years, or an A1 license for more than one year. Additionally, you must not have accumulated 12 or more penalty points in any of the three most recent scoring cycles before applying. An A2 license permits the holder to drive tractor-trailers. With a valid A2 license issued by the Chinese public security traffic management authorities, you can drive heavy and medium-duty full trailers and semi-trailers, as well as vehicles permitted under B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, and M licenses. For both A1 and A2 licenses, if you accumulate 1-11 penalty points, you must attend a 3-hour safety education session at the local vehicle management office within 30 days after the scoring cycle ends. If you accumulate 12 or more points in a single scoring cycle, your license will be downgraded to the next lower level. Additionally, if you are involved in a fatal traffic accident with equal or greater responsibility, your license will also be downgraded, with the minimum being C1. If you fail to undergo the required review for three consecutive scoring cycles, your highest permitted vehicle type will be revoked, and you will be notified to complete the downgrade and license replacement within 30 days. Failure to comply will result in penalties as per relevant regulations.
When I first got my C1 driver's license, I also wanted to directly upgrade to an A2 license to drive tractor-trailers for hauling goods. However, it's not possible in reality. You must go through two steps: first, upgrade to a B-class license like B2, gain at least two years of experience, and then apply for the A2 license. This is because A2 requires advanced driving skills, and jumping directly from driving small cars to large trucks is too risky and prone to accidents. The regulations are designed quite reasonably, usually requiring drivers to be at least 24 years old. I've seen too many cases of novice drivers making mistakes at my friend's trucking company, so I recommend you first consult a local driving school about obtaining a B license. The cost isn't high, but it takes about six months, including both theoretical and practical exams. Step by step, steady progress is the way to safely operate large vehicles. Driving is something you can't rush—safety always comes first.
