Can an A2 driver's license drive a school bus?
3 Answers
A2 driver's license can drive school buses with fewer than 19 seats. For school buses with more than 19 seats, an A1 driver's license is required. Relevant information is introduced as follows: Driving a school bus requires legally obtaining school bus driving qualifications. According to Article 82 of the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses," the following conditions must be met to obtain school bus driving qualifications: 1. Obtain the corresponding driver's license for the vehicle type and have more than three years of driving experience, aged 25 or above but not exceeding 60. 2. No record of accumulating 12 penalty points in the most recent three consecutive scoring cycles. 3. No record of responsibility for traffic accidents resulting in death or serious injury. 4. No record of drunk driving or driving under the influence of alcohol, and no record of serious traffic violations such as overloading or speeding while driving passenger vehicles in the past year. 5. No criminal record. 6. Good physical and mental health, no history of infectious diseases, epilepsy, mental illness, or other conditions that may endanger driving safety, and no record of alcohol abuse or drug use.
I've been in the driving circle for many years. The A2 driver's license mainly allows you to drive large vehicles like tractors, such as semi-trailers or trailers. However, you can't drive a school bus directly with it. School buses fall under the passenger vehicle category, and according to regulations, you need a B1 driver's license or a similar qualification. More importantly, school bus drivers must also have a special school bus driving qualification certificate, which requires specialized training and exams, including background safety checks, because they're transporting children—safety comes first. Some people might have extensive experience with an A2 license, but operating a school bus is different—you need to drive slowly, wait for children to get on and off, and pay attention to blind spots. I suggest friends who want to switch careers first consult a driving school about upgrading to a B1 license or applying for a school bus qualification. Don't risk driving illegally, as fines and points are minor issues compared to the consequences of an accident—you can't afford the liability. When it comes to driving, following the rules ensures long-term peace of mind.
As someone who frequently follows traffic regulations, let me briefly explain. The A2 driver's license is for truck and trailer drivers, while driving a school bus falls under a different category. School buses require a passenger vehicle driver's license, typically of the B1 type, along with an additional school bus driving qualification certificate. This is because student safety on school buses cannot be taken lightly, and specialized training is mandatory. Think about it—there's a big difference between regular driving and operating a school bus, such as stopping on the road or the risks of children running around. I've seen people make the mistake of assuming their license is universally applicable, only to be stopped and warned by traffic police. For drivers with an A2 license, I recommend going directly to the transportation department to inquire about obtaining school bus authorization instead of guessing and making errors. Safe driving isn't just about skills; it also depends on knowing the rules. Reading more driving tips in daily life can help avoid unnecessary trouble.
