How long does it take to upgrade from C1 to A1?
2 Answers
Upgrading from C1 to A1 takes at least 4 years. According to the 'Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses,' a C1 license cannot be directly upgraded to an A1 license, as A1 is the highest-level license for passenger vehicles. To upgrade to A1, you must first upgrade to a B-class license and then to A1. The prerequisite for upgrading to B1 is holding a C1 license for at least two years, being between 20 and 60 years old, and having no record of 12 penalty points in the two most recent scoring cycles, with no outstanding traffic violations. According to the 'Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses' (Ministry of Public Security Order No. 123) of the People's Republic of China, the following conditions must be met to apply for an upgrade: To apply for an A1 (large passenger vehicle) license, you must have held a B1 (medium passenger vehicle) or B2 (large truck) license for at least five years, or a tractor license for at least two years, with no record of 12 penalty points in the five most recent consecutive scoring cycles. If you hold a B1 or B2 license, you can upgrade to A1 under the following conditions: Hold an A3 or B1 license for at least two years, a B2 license for at least three years, or an A2 license for at least one year. There should be no record of 12 penalty points in the three most recent consecutive scoring cycles, and the applicant must be between 22 and 60 years old. The A1 license covers large passenger vehicles and also permits driving vehicles under the A3, B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, and M categories. A1 license examination items: Subject 1: Driving theory test, covering driving fundamentals, road safety laws and regulations, and local regulations. Subject 2: Practical test, including 16 items such as road stakes, hill starts, parallel parking, single-lane bridge crossing, curve driving, right-angle turns, narrow gate passage, obstacle course, bumpy road driving, U-turns on narrow roads, simulated highways, continuous winding mountain roads, tunnels, rain (fog) conditions, slippery roads, and emergency handling. Subject 3: On-road test, covering preparation, starting, straight driving, gear shifting, lane changing, pulling over, crossing intersections, left/right turns, pedestrian crossings, school zones, bus stops, picking up passengers, overtaking, U-turns, and night driving. Local authorities may also add complex road conditions like mountainous areas, tunnels, and steep slopes. Finally, a test on safe and civilized driving knowledge. Subject 4: Theory test, also known as Subject 3 Safe and Civilized Driving Knowledge, or Subject 4 Theory Test, is part of the motor vehicle driving license assessment.
I've noticed many people inquiring about the waiting period for upgrading from a C1 to an A1 license. As an experienced driver, I can share some insights: According to regulations, you must hold a C1 license for at least 5 years, during which you must be between 22 and 60 years old. These 5 years aren't just about waiting—it's crucial to accumulate safe driving experience. Ensure you have no record of full-point deductions, practice more to enhance skills, such as driving on highways or in complex road conditions. When applying, you'll also need to pass medical exams and road tests, which may take several additional months. Don't rush the upgrade; patient preparation ensures safety for yourself and others. After all, driving passenger vehicles carries greater responsibility. I've seen many overlook basic training and end up in accidents. Plan early and regularly check your license status to make the upgrade smoother.
