Can a C1 license be upgraded to an A1 license?
2 Answers
C1 license cannot be directly upgraded to an A1 license. You must first upgrade to a Class B license before you can upgrade to a Class A license. Specific details are as follows: Article 14 of the 'Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses': If you already hold a motor vehicle driving license and apply to add a permitted driving category, you must not have a full-point record in the current scoring cycle and the most recent scoring cycle before the application. Permitted driving category conditions: If applying to add medium-sized buses, trailers, or large buses to the permitted driving categories, the following must be met: You must have held a C1 license for more than six years and have no full-point record in the two most recent consecutive scoring cycles before the application.
From your question, I think we need to clarify the license classifications first. I've been driving sedans for years and know that C1 is the standard license for small vehicles, while A1 is for large buses. Honestly, you can't directly upgrade from C1 to A1. According to regulations, you must progress step by step: first obtain a medium-sized bus license, such as upgrading to B1 or B2, gain driving experience over time, and only then qualify for the A1 exam. The reason is that driving large buses carries higher risks, and traffic authorities enforce strict requirements to ensure your skills are solid. I know a guy who first upgraded to B2, worked in passenger transport for two years before taking the A1 test - it took considerable time and money, but was well worth it. New drivers shouldn't rush; safety comes first.
