Can I directly apply for a B1 driver's license now?
4 Answers
Driver's license B2 can be directly applied for, but B1 cannot be directly applied for. To apply for a B1 license, you must have held an A3, B2, or C license for more than three years, and have no record of accumulating 12 points in the most recent three consecutive scoring cycles before application. Below is the relevant introduction: Order No. 139 of the Ministry of Public Security of the People's Republic of China, 'Decision of the Ministry of Public Security on Amending the Regulations,' has been adopted at the executive meeting of the Ministry of Public Security and is hereby promulgated, effective from April 1, 2016. Article 14: For the first application for a motor vehicle driver's license, you can apply for a license that permits driving urban buses, large trucks, small cars, small automatic transmission cars, low-speed trucks, three-wheeled cars, small automatic transmission passenger cars for the disabled, ordinary three-wheeled motorcycles, ordinary two-wheeled motorcycles, light motorcycles, wheeled self-propelled machinery, trolleybuses, or trams.
I've been driving for decades and am very familiar with the driver's license rules. Currently, you can't directly apply for a B1 driver's license. According to China's driving test regulations, the B1 license is for medium-sized buses, requiring you to hold a C1 or C2 license for at least one year before applying for an upgrade. The reason is that B1 vehicles are more difficult to control and pose higher accident risks, making it dangerous for beginners to drive them directly. For example, when I was young, I obtained a C1 license first, drove a small car for a year, and then went to the driving school to apply for the B1 upgrade test. The test includes both theoretical and practical parts. In the practical test, you need to complete field exercises like S-turns and pass a road test to assess your ability to handle real road conditions. I suggest everyone not to rush; first, practice basic driving skills—safety comes first. These policies are in place to protect drivers' safety and prevent major accidents on the road.
I just got my B1 license last year, so I’d like to share my experience. Indeed, you can’t directly apply for the B1 license. I had to wait a year after obtaining my C1 driver’s license, then went through the upgrade procedure at the driving school before registering for the test. The upgrade process was quite challenging—it included a medical check, reviewing for the theory test (covering traffic rules and B1 vehicle knowledge), and practical training like complex maneuvers such as reverse parking. I remember almost making a mistake during the field test, but the prior practice really helped. Now, driving a medium-sized bus feels less stressful, but I strongly advise newcomers not to take shortcuts by skipping steps. Without a solid foundation, it’s easy to get into trouble. My recommendation is to start with a C1 vehicle, accumulate a year’s worth of driving experience, and then consider upgrading. This way, the transition is smoother and safer.
From the perspective of driving regulations, it is currently not possible to directly obtain a B1 driver's license. Chinese traffic laws clearly stipulate that to apply for a B1 license, one must first hold a Class C license such as C1 or C2 for at least one year before being eligible to apply for an upgrade test. The upgrade process involves strict reviews, including checking for no major traffic violations in the driving record, and passing both a theoretical written test and a practical driving test. This entire process ensures that drivers have the necessary experience to handle medium-sized buses, thereby reducing the risks associated with new drivers. I understand these requirements and recommend checking the official website or consulting a driving school for detailed information, as these rules are implemented with public safety in mind.
