How long does it take to upgrade from a C1 driver's license to a B2?
4 Answers
You need to have held a C1 license for more than one year and have no full-point demerit record in the most recent scoring cycle before applying (must be at least 21 years old) before you can pay fees at a driving school, register, take exams, and upgrade to a large truck B2 license. Below is relevant information about the B2 license: 1. Exam content: The B2 driver's license test mainly includes three components: traffic regulations and related knowledge, field driving, and road driving. The exam sequence follows traffic regulations and related knowledge (Subject 1), field driving (Subject 2), and road driving (Subject 3) step by step. 2. Passing standards: A score of 90 or above is required to pass the traffic regulations and related knowledge test. For the field test, vehicle driving must be performed at a designated site, with only pass or fail evaluations. Road driving requires actual vehicle operation on highways or simulated sites, with large buses requiring 90 or above, large trucks requiring 80 or above, and other vehicle types requiring 70 or above.
From my experience of upgrading from a C1 to a B2 license, the whole process took about three to six months. I had to wait until my C1 license had been held for a full year before I could apply. Then, I spent nearly two months at the driving school, dedicating two days a week to learning truck operation and safety knowledge. The examination phase was even more time-consuming. For the theory test (Subject 1), I had to wait for the scheduled exam date. The yard test (Subject 2) and the road test (Subject 3) required multiple appointments, and with the additional practice sessions and retake opportunities in between, it all added up to about a month. If everything went smoothly without any delays due to illness or leave, the entire process took me four months in total. For those planning to upgrade their license, I recommend planning your time and budget in advance. After all, learning to drive a truck is more complex than a car. More practice can shorten the cycle, but safety should always come first—don’t rush it.
I just upgraded to a B2 license last year, and the whole process took nearly five months, mainly delayed by the exam scheduling. The first step was confirming that my C1 license had been held for over a year and meeting the age requirements, then I enrolled in a driving school and paid the tuition. During training, I realized the content was much more advanced than driving a car, such as reverse parking and load-carrying exercises. The coach arranged three lessons per week, but I had to wait two weeks for the first theory test (Subject 1), followed by the road test scheduled a month later—I even failed once and had to retake it. If everything goes smoothly, three months might be enough, but I’d recommend preparing for half a year to handle unexpected situations like work conflicts causing missed lessons or retakes. Don’t overlook developing daily truck-driving habits—that’s the core purpose of upgrading your license.
The additional B2 license usually takes about four months. First, ensure you've driven with a C1 license for at least 12 months before enrolling in a driving school. I spent two months on training, covering both theory and practical skills. The theory test (Subject 1) was completed in a week, but there were delays in scheduling the field test and road test. In total, it took 130 days from enrollment to obtaining the license. To speed up the process, choose a driving school with good reviews to expedite scheduling. Remember to practice truck control thoroughly—though it may take more time, improving your skills is worth it.
