Can an A1 driver's license drive a semi-trailer?
2 Answers
A1 cannot drive semi-trailers, only A2 can drive semi-trailers. Driver's licenses are categorized by the types of vehicles they permit driving as follows: Large passenger vehicle A1 license allows driving: large passenger vehicles, B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, M models. Tractor A2 license allows driving: heavy and medium-sized full trailers, semi-trailer vehicle trains, B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, M models. City bus A3 license allows driving: city buses with a capacity of 10 or more people and C1, C2, C3, C4 models. Medium passenger vehicle B1 license allows driving: medium passenger vehicles (including city buses with a capacity of 10 to 19 people) and C1, C2, C3, C4, M models. Large truck B2 license allows driving: heavy and medium-sized trucks and C1, C2, C3, C4 models.
When I first got my A1 driver's license, I was also curious about whether I could drive semi-trailers, since I often dealt with large vehicles. The A1 license is specifically for driving passenger vehicles, such as buses or coaches, but semi-trailers fall under the jurisdiction of the A2 license. Having driven for over a decade, I clearly understand that semi-trailers involve trailer coupling and heavy-load handling, which require more complex techniques and higher safety standards. Driving vehicles permitted under the A1 license is fine, but operating a semi-trailer without the proper license is a violation—traffic regulations strictly require an A2 license for that. Don’t take chances; I once heard about a friend who was fined thousands and penalized with points for driving illegally. Upgrading to an A2 license requires additional training and specialized exams, so I recommend consulting a driving school first. Safety should always come first when driving—following the rules benefits everyone.
