Can C2 be changed to C1?
3 Answers
C2 can be changed to C1. The conditions for changing a C2 driver's license to C1: You need to hold a C2 driver's license, ID card, and a health certificate, and apply at the vehicle management office that issued the C2 driver's license. You must undergo study and testing, and upon passing, you can obtain a C1 driver's license. If you already hold a motor vehicle driver's license and apply to add a permitted vehicle type, you must not have a record of 12 or more demerit points in the current scoring cycle and the most recent scoring cycle before the application. C1 driver's license test: The test subjects include four items: traffic regulations and related knowledge, field driving, road driving, and safe and civilized driving knowledge. Passing standards: Traffic regulations and related knowledge (Subject 1) — Written test, 100 points maximum, 90 or above is passing. Field driving (Subject 2) — On-site, actual vehicle. Minimum requirement is 80 points, below 80 is failing. Road driving (Subject 3) — Highway or simulated site, actual vehicle. 100 points maximum, must achieve 90 or above to pass. Safe and civilized driving knowledge — Written test, questions mainly in the form of cases, pictures, animations, etc., including true/false, single-choice, and multiple-choice questions, totaling 50 questions, 100 points maximum, 90 points to pass.
Oh, I initially got a C2 license to drive automatic transmission cars, which was quite convenient. But later, my friend mentioned that having a C1 license is better because it allows you to drive manual transmission vehicles, offering a wider range of applications. So, I went to the driving school to inquire and found out that it's indeed possible to upgrade, though you'll need to retake some exams, especially the manual transmission-related road test. The process involves applying for an additional license type at the vehicle management office first, then retaking the manual transmission parts of Subject 2 and Subject 3. The cost is around 1,000 yuan, and it takes about one or two weeks. I recommend doing it sooner rather than later, as manual transmission skills can be quite practical in emergencies, like when renting a car or for work-related needs. Plus, after passing the exams, your license will be upgraded to C1 without affecting your existing points or validity period, saving you from scrambling when encountering a manual transmission car unexpectedly. In short, if you usually drive an automatic but want to learn more, this is a great option.
I've been driving for several years now, and the experience of upgrading from a C2 to a C1 license was definitely worth it. The process is straightforward: you take your C2 license to a local driving school to register, and they arrange for you to retake the manual transmission test for Subject 2, which mainly involves hill starts and gear shifting tests. It costs a few hundred to a thousand yuan and takes about one or two days of practice. The key point is safety—once you're proficient with a manual transmission, you can better control the car and avoid issues like stalling in unexpected situations. After upgrading my license, I felt I had more vehicle options, making my daily commute or long trips more flexible. But don’t rush—remember to bring your ID and medical certificate for the test. If you pass, you can get your new license the same day. Overall, the time investment is low, and the practicality is high. I’d recommend it to anyone looking to improve their driving skills.
