Can I directly apply for an A3 driver's license?
2 Answers
You can directly apply for an A3 driver's license, or obtain it through license upgrading. Although the A3 license is primarily for bus driving, it is not limited to buses only. According to relevant regulations, holders of an A3 license can also drive vehicles covered by the C1 license, such as small cars, small automatic transmission vehicles, low-speed trucks, and three-wheeled vehicles. The primary vehicle type permitted by the A3 license is buses, with additional permitted types including C1 (small cars), C2 (small automatic transmission cars), C3 (low-speed trucks), and C4 (three-wheeled vehicles). However, this license does not permit driving A1, A2, B1, or B2 vehicle types.
Last time a friend asked me if they could directly get an A3 driver's license. As an experienced bus driver, I have to say it's really not possible. When I was young, I also started with a C1 license for small cars and drove for a few years before applying for A3 training. Buses are large and carry many passengers, so it's too dangerous for beginners to handle directly—they simply can't react in time to sudden situations on the road. Driving schools require holding a C1 license for at least one year before applying for A3, along with passing a physical exam and being at least 21 years old. My advice for those serious about this career is to first master the C1 license, practice parking and reversing, and get comfortable before upgrading. If you're in a hurry to drive a bus, don't take shortcuts—safety comes first. Check with reputable driving schools for more details.
