Can a C1 license be directly upgraded to an A3 license?
3 Answers
C1 can be directly upgraded to A3. To upgrade from C1 to A3, you need to retake all exams from subject one to subject four. Subjects one and four are the same as for C1, covering theory and civilized driving tests, while subject three is also the same as C1, being the road test. Only subject two differs. The following points should be noted for the upgrade: 1. Conditions: To upgrade to A3 or B1/B2 models, you must have held a C1 driver's license for at least one year. 2. Requirements: During the upgrade period, there must be no record of penalties for drunk driving. 3. Items: Subject two for A3 includes a total of 16 items, such as reverse parking and moving in the garage, parallel parking, hill start, single-plank bridge, curve driving, right-angle turns, driving over bumps, passing through a limited-width gate, driving on undulating roads, U-turns on narrow roads, simulating continuous sharp turns on mountain roads, simulating rain and fog weather, simulating slippery roads, simulating tunnel driving, simulating highway driving, and simulating emergency situations.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I've driven all kinds of vehicles, and progressing from C1 to A3 isn't something that happens overnight—it requires step-by-step effort. Generally speaking, if you hold a C1 license and want to obtain an A3 license to drive buses, you first need to upgrade to a Class B license, such as B1 or B2. This requires retraining at a driving school, including theoretical and practical tests, and meeting the minimum driving experience requirement—typically at least one year of C1 driving experience before you can take the A3 test. These regulations are in place to ensure your skills are solid, as driving a bus carries significant responsibility for passengers. The upgrade process involves medical checks, exam fees, and possibly relearning traffic regulations. Some regions require one or two years of experience driving small passenger vehicles before applying. In short, you can't skip the Class B step directly. It's advisable to consult a certified driving school for specific procedures to ensure passing on the first attempt, saving time and ensuring safety.
As an ordinary driver, I also wanted to get an A3 license two years ago, but found out it wasn't possible. Going directly from C1 to A3 is just a dream—you have to first upgrade to a Class B license as a stepping stone. I spent several months attending driving school to get my B2 license, then waited another six months to gain some driving experience before applying for the A3 test. The process was quite tedious—having to retake all four test sections (Subjects 1 through 4) and paying again for medical exams. The driving school said these rules are reasonable, as operating buses is complex and lacking foundational experience can lead to accidents. The upgrade process actually helped improve my driving skills—handling large vehicles involves different visibility and control techniques. I recommend learning some driving techniques in advance to avoid unnecessary detours, and finding a reliable instructor to help plan things out for cost and hassle savings.
