Can I directly apply for an A2 driver's license now?
2 Answers
A1 and A2 licenses in the A category can only be obtained through license upgrading, which allows driving more types of vehicles. You cannot directly obtain an A2 license. Below is an introduction to the A2 driver's license: 1. Introduction: The A2 license permits driving tractor-trailers. Holders of a valid A2 license issued by Chinese public traffic police vehicle management authorities can drive heavy-duty vehicles. 2. Permitted vehicle types: B1 (medium-sized buses), B2 (large trucks), C1 (small cars), C2 (small automatic transmission cars), C3 (low-speed trucks), C4 (three-wheeled vehicles), M (wheeled self-propelled machinery).
I just passed my small car driving test and wondered if I could directly upgrade to a heavy vehicle A2 license, but found out it's not possible. I asked friends at the driving school, and they said the A2 license is for driving large trucks or trailers, requiring a basic license like C1 or B first, plus at least one year of driving experience. This is mainly for safety reasons—new drivers jumping straight to heavy vehicles face high risks due to difficulties in turning, large blind spots, and higher chances of accidents from improper handling. Upgrading requires additional training and tests, like practicing reversing and load balancing. I’ve also seen people rush to skip the basics, only to fail exams or cause accidents, wasting money in the end. So, I think steadily gaining experience is the way to go—upgrade when the time comes, ensuring both safety and peace of mind.
