Can an A1 License Drive a Semi-Trailer?
2 Answers
No. The A1 license does not cover semi-trailers. To drive a semi-trailer, you need an A2 license. The main vehicle types covered by an A1 license are large buses. The A2 license primarily covers full trailers, heavy-duty trucks, and semi-trailers. Driving a vehicle type not covered by your license is considered driving a vehicle that does not match your license class and will result in penalty points. It is important to clearly understand your license and the vehicle types it covers, as the most severe consequence could be the direct revocation of your license. If an A1 license holder is caught driving a semi-trailer, they will be penalized by traffic police with a 12-point deduction, which could lead to a downgrade of the license. For large motor vehicle licenses, a 12-point deduction results in a downgrade, but not revocation. If the license is still in the probationary period, the holder may face the severe penalty of license cancellation, though it is not considered a revocation. The consequences of driving a vehicle type not covered by your license are very serious. An A1 license holder can drive large passenger buses and the vehicle types specified under B1 and B2 licenses. They can also drive vehicle types covered by a C license. However, they cannot drive semi-trailers, full trailers, or motorcycles, as these require different licenses. Additional licensing can be obtained through supplementary tests to qualify for driving these vehicle types.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I must say that having an A1 driver's license doesn't qualify you to operate semi-trailer trucks directly. The A1 license primarily authorizes you to drive large passenger vehicles, such as buses or tour coaches, which have fewer axles and smaller dimensions, making them relatively easier to handle. Semi-trailer trucks are different—they come with a trailer section, requiring stronger traction control and reversing skills, all of which necessitate a specialized A2 license. I made this mistake when I was younger, thinking my A1 license was sufficient, only to be fined a few hundred yuan by traffic police and lectured on the safety risks. Semi-trailer trucks have a higher accident rate, being prone to rollovers or loss of control, so these regulations exist to protect everyone. If you want to drive a semi-trailer truck, I recommend enrolling in a driving school to upgrade to an A2 license, take the test, and practice more. Never cut corners—it's not just illegal but could also harm yourself or others. Safety comes first on the road, and having the right license is more important than anything else.
