How long does it take to upgrade from a C1 driver's license to a B2?
3 Answers
Hold a C1 driver's license for more than 1 year. The conditions required to upgrade from a C1 driver's license to a B2 driver's license are: Age between 20 and 60 years old; height not less than 155cm; holding a C1 driver's license for more than 1 year; no record of accumulating 12 penalty points in the current scoring cycle and the most recent scoring cycle before application; visual acuity must reach 5.0 or above on the logarithmic visual acuity chart; no record of drunk driving or causing a traffic accident with casualties while holding a C1 driver's license and being primarily responsible. The specific process for applying for a B2 driver's license: Apply to the vehicle management office for upgrading to a B2 driver's license; fill out the application form, submit ID card and physical examination form, and submit the original copy of the current motor vehicle driver's license; attend theoretical and practical exams as scheduled; the new-level driver's license will be issued by the application vehicle management office within 7 working days after passing the exams.
After getting my C1 driver's license last year, I was eager to drive heavy trucks, but I had to wait a whole year before I could take the B2 test. The C1 license is for small vehicles, while B2 is for heavy trucks. According to Chinese traffic regulations, you must hold a C1 license for at least one year before you're eligible to upgrade to B2. Additionally, you must not have accumulated 12 penalty points in the two scoring cycles prior to your application—otherwise, you'll have to wait another year. Before upgrading to B2, I needed to prepare for the exam, which includes theoretical knowledge and practical training for truck operation, costing around 3,000 to 4,000 RMB. It's best to enroll in a reputable driving school and review traffic rules and safe driving techniques in advance. The time spent is worth it, as it allows me to drive delivery trucks or work in logistics later. However, I must remember that operating a truck is more challenging—safety comes first, so I need to drive steadily and avoid overloading.
With seven to eight years of experience driving small cars, I was already quite skilled. When I applied for the B2 license two years ago, my C1 license had been held for over three years. The rule for upgrading to B2 requires the C1 license to be held for at least one year, a strict regulation to prevent new drivers from rushing the process. Back then, I checked my penalty points record, which was clean, and then scheduled the test at the vehicle management office. The theoretical exams, Subjects 1 and 4, involved reviewing traffic laws, while Subjects 2 and 3 tested practical skills like reversing and loading/unloading cargo. Two months of preparation was sufficient. After the upgrade, driving a truck became more exciting, but I advise everyone to practice handling—large vehicles have poor visibility and slower brakes, so anticipating road conditions in advance is crucial for safety, cost-efficiency, and peace of mind.
