
A1 and A2 can be held simultaneously. If you have held an A2 license for at least two years and have no record of full demerit points in the most recent five consecutive scoring cycles before applying, you can apply for an additional A1 license. Requirements for obtaining A1: To apply for an additional large passenger vehicle (A1) license, the applicant must have held a medium-sized passenger vehicle or large truck driving qualification for more than five years, with no record of full demerit points in the most recent three consecutive scoring cycles before applying. Alternatively, the applicant must have held a tractor driving qualification for more than two years, with no record of full demerit points in the most recent scoring cycle before applying. An A1 license permits driving large passenger vehicles, while an A2 license permits driving trailers and small passenger vehicles. The A1 license allows driving buses that can carry more than 20 passengers, and passenger vehicles with a body length exceeding 6 meters must also use an A1 license. The A2 license permits driving tractors. Holders of a valid A2 license issued by China's public security traffic police vehicle management authorities can drive heavy and medium-sized full trailers, semi-trailers, and train combinations, as well as vehicles permitted by B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, and M licenses.

I've been riding motorcycles for quite a few years now, so let's talk about license categories. A1 and A2 are common motorcycle license classifications. A1 is for small bikes under 125cc, suitable for 16-year-olds to learn, while A2 applies to medium-sized bikes under 35kW, available for those 18 and older. The key point is, if you obtain an A2 license, it automatically includes all A1 privileges—meaning you can ride small bikes without issues. So there's no need to 'simultaneously hold' two separate certificates. The regulations are designed this way for safety, encouraging progressive upgrades, like starting with A1 and easily testing for A2 or higher after two years. When I was learning, my instructor mentioned this avoids redundant procedures and saves extra costs. Overall, the system is quite smart—an A2 license covers a wide range, but it's best to check local rules before riding in case of minor variations.

I've researched this driver's license issue. In the motorcycle category, it's standard practice for A2 to cover A1. A1 is the basic level with lower thresholds, suitable for beginners, while A2 is a higher class that allows riding all A1 and A2 models after passing. There's no need to hold two licenses simultaneously - the DMV typically issues one license listing all permitted scopes. I recommend young riders directly aim for the A2 exam for convenience, which allows riding multiple bike types immediately. Upgrading is also simple - just take additional tests after holding A1 for two years. Remember, safety first - don't rush. Choose age-appropriate bike classes to improve skills progressively.

Simply put, the A1 license is for 125cc small motorcycles, while the A2 is for medium-sized motorcycles below 35kW. The A2 license includes A1 privileges, so when you obtain an A2, you can ride all A1 or A2 category bikes without needing two separate licenses simultaneously. This system arrangement reduces redundant testing—holding one license is sufficient.

I often help friends with vehicle issues, so it's good to understand driver's licenses clearly. The classification of A1 and A2 is designed for a safe transition, with regulations stating that an A2 license automatically covers the vehicle range of A1, meaning holding both is redundant. For example, if you obtain an A2 license, you can legally operate both small motorcycles and larger vehicles. The license is a single certificate, making management convenient. If you want to learn to drive, start from the basics and upgrade according to the rules.


