Do I need to take an exam when upgrading from C1 to B2?
3 Answers
An exam is required. Conditions for upgrading from a C1 driver's license to a B2 driver's license: Age between 20 and 60 years old; Height not less than 155cm; Held a C1 driver's license for at least 1 year; No record of accumulating 12 penalty points in the current scoring cycle or the most recent scoring cycle before application; Visual acuity must meet or exceed 5.0 on the logarithmic visual acuity chart; No record of drunk driving or being primarily responsible for a traffic accident causing casualties while holding a C1 driver's license. Specific process for applying for a B2 driver's license: Apply to the Vehicle Management Office for adding the B2 license category; Fill out the application form, submit ID card and physical examination form, and provide the original copy of the current motor vehicle driver's license; Participate in the theoretical and practical exams as scheduled; The new-level driver's license will be issued by the applying Vehicle Management Office within 7 working days after passing the exams.
Well, I've worked at a driving school for many years and often encounter students asking similar questions. If you have a C1 license and want to upgrade to a B2, you definitely need to retake the exams. The reason is that driving large vehicles requires significantly different skills compared to small cars, such as handling heavy vehicles and emergency braking—skills not typically trained for in regular passenger cars, which can lead to accidents. The exams usually include a theoretical section focusing on truck regulations and safety knowledge, and a practical section testing your driving ability in various road conditions. Among the students I've taught, some find the theory materials dull, but persistent memorization makes passing easier. For the road test, you'll need to drive an actual large vehicle—don’t stress, just practice a few more times. Before upgrading, confirm you meet the age requirements and have no major violation records. Completing this unlocks more vehicle options. Don’t skip the exams out of laziness—safe driving affects everyone’s road safety. Though the process takes time, it’s a worthwhile investment in your skills, making you more confident on the road.
Last year I upgraded from C1 to B2, and the whole process went quite smoothly, though exams were required. The theory test had two sets of questions, with more details about trucks compared to C1; the road test involved driving the instructor's large vehicle on a designated route, and I felt more confident after completing it. The instructor said the national requirement for the exam is to ensure we master special driving skills, such as turning and parking with a load. I think it's not a bad thing, just a few weeks of preparation is needed. Exam registration is done at the driving school, and I recommend finding a legitimate institution rather than unlicensed ones. The process might be a bit tiring, but after upgrading, you can drive more work vehicles and maybe earn some extra income. In short, don't worry, practice makes perfect. Here's a little tip: do more practice questions on your phone before the exam, and find an open space to drive around a few times for practical skills, and you'll pass easily.
