How long does it take to upgrade from C1 to B1?
3 Answers
You can upgrade to a B1 license after holding a C1 license for more than three years. To upgrade from a C1 to a B1 license, you must meet the following four requirements: Hold a C1 license for more than three years; No record of accumulating 12 penalty points in any of the last three consecutive scoring cycles; Meet the physical requirements: Age: Between 21 and 50 years old; Height: At least 150 cm; Vision: Naked or corrected vision must reach at least 5.0 on the logarithmic visual acuity chart; Hearing: Able to distinguish the direction of sound with each ear at a distance of 50 cm from a tuning fork; Upper limbs: Both thumbs must be intact, and each hand must have at least three other fingers intact, with normal limb and finger movement; Lower limbs: Both lower limbs must be intact with normal movement function, and the length difference should not exceed 5 cm. Additional notes for upgrading: The B1 upgrade application can only be processed at the vehicle management office in the driver's registered residence.
When I first got my C1 driver's license, I wanted to upgrade to a B1. After checking the rules, the basic requirement is that you must hold a C1 license for at least one year before applying for an upgrade. During this period, you need to ensure a good driving record with no major accidents or accumulating 12 penalty points. In practice, I drove for six months first to familiarize myself with city roads and highway driving, then spent time reviewing the theoretical exam content. The B1 test includes yard driving and road tests, focusing more on passenger vehicle control skills compared to the C1. If you're in a hurry, you can sign up at the driving school immediately after the one-year period, but it's best to reserve a month for preparation to avoid last-minute issues. I heard from a friend that someone tried applying before the one-year mark and got rejected, having to wait an extra month. So patience is key, and practicing passenger vehicle simulations can improve your pass rate.
Over the years of driving a taxi, I've seen many people go through the process of upgrading from a C1 to a B1 license. According to regulations, you must hold a C1 license for at least one year, and during this period, you cannot have any serious violations, such as drunk driving or excessive speeding points. I recommend gaining more driving experience during the waiting period, especially by trying out different vehicles to get a feel for them, since a B1 license is for driving medium-sized buses, which are larger. The test usually consists of two or three parts: a written test, a skills test, and a road test. You need to register in advance and prepare the required documents. Driving schools typically charge a training fee of one to two thousand yuan. Don’t just focus on the timing; also check whether your physical condition meets the standards for driving buses. Some places require passing a vision test before applying for the upgrade. Safety is the most important thing—don’t rush and neglect the basics.
