Can I upgrade from C3 to C2 without taking the test?

[Kingston]

If you have held a C3 driver's license for more than one year and have no full-point record in the most recent scoring cycle, you are eligible to apply for an upgrade to a C2 driver's license. Since May 1, 2004, the automatic upgrade of driver's licenses has been abolished. To upgrade, you must pay fees, undergo training, and pass the test. Below is relevant information about upgrading a driver's license: 1. Upgrade Requirements: To upgrade your driver's license, you must have a local household registration in the area where you wish to upgrade, and the issuing authority of your driver's license must also be local. If you do not meet these conditions, the upgrade will not be processed, and you must transfer your registration. All types of driver's licenses require the completion of the probationary period before an upgrade can be applied for. 2. Scoring Cycle: After adding a new vehicle class and obtaining a new driver's license, the validity period of the license will not be recalculated. Additionally, the scoring cycle will always start from the initial issuance date of the original driver's license. It is important to note that during the probationary period after the upgrade, if your driver's license accumulates 12 points, the driving qualification for the newly added vehicle class will be revoked.

[Rogers]

I've studied the driver's license rules for quite some time, and there's indeed no exemption for upgrading from C3 to C2. The C3 license is suitable for low-speed cargo vehicles, while C2 is for automatic transmission compact cars – they cover different vehicle categories. The driving test system requires retaking all sections: reviewing traffic regulations in Theory Test (Subject 1), parking skills like reverse parking in Field Test (Subject 2), and actual road driving in Road Test (Subject 3). This isn't a minor adjustment – automatic transmission driving may be simpler but has different risk points, and the exam ensures solid operational techniques. Want to save time? No shortcuts, you must follow each step. After registration, practice more on simulators to get familiar with automatic transmission operations. Aim to pass in one attempt, and don't trust those online tips about test exemptions.

[McArya]

My friend is a C3 license holder. Last year, he upgraded to a C2 license and went through the entire examination process without any exemptions. First, he enrolled in a driving school, which cost over 2,000 yuan. Then, he took the theory test for subject one, covering legal knowledge, followed by practicing subject two skills like hill starts. Finally, he took the subject three test, driving an automatic transmission vehicle on the road. The whole process took three weeks. The driving school instructor emphasized that every step must be completed, as driving an automatic transmission involves less clutch operation, and the tests help adapt to new habits. After successfully obtaining his C2 license, driving a small car became much more convenient. If you're upgrading your license, don't think about skipping any steps—just go through the proper registration process.

[SanMaria]

As someone who cares about road safety, I think it's a good thing that upgrading from C3 to C2 doesn't exempt you from tests. There are big differences between driving low-speed trucks and automatic cars, and the exam process helps reinforce safety skills. For example, while automatics are easier to start, controlling them at high speeds is more critical - practice and testing ensure you master these changes. The no-exemption policy exists to prevent new drivers from having accidents. I recommend going directly to your local driving school to ask about the process: first the theory test, then the closed-course driving test, and finally the road test - you'll need to take them all. Don't think about skipping steps; safe driving comes first, and spending extra time practicing automatic transmission operation is worthwhile.