How many subjects are required to upgrade from C3 to C1?
3 Answers
To upgrade from a C3 to a C1 driver's license, you need to pass four subject tests. Unlike upgrading from C2 to C1, which only requires passing Subject 2 and Subject 3 after the new regulations implemented on April 1, 2022, upgrading from C3 to C1 requires passing all subjects, similar to taking the test from scratch. These include theoretical knowledge (Subject 1), field driving skills (Subject 2), road driving skills (Subject 3), and civilized driving theoretical knowledge (Subject 4). Specific test items are as follows: Subject 1: Road traffic rules, traffic signals, handling of road traffic safety violations and accidents, regulations on the application and use of motor vehicle driver's licenses, motor vehicle registration, and other road traffic safety laws, regulations, and rules. Subject 2: Reverse parking, parallel parking, curve driving, right-angle turns, and stopping and starting on a slope. Subject 3: Preparation before driving, starting, driving in a straight line, shifting gears, changing lanes, pulling over, going straight through intersections, turning left at intersections, turning right at intersections, passing pedestrian crossings, passing school zones, passing bus stops, meeting vehicles, overtaking, making U-turns, and driving at night. Subject 4: Safe and civilized driving operation requirements, safe driving knowledge under adverse weather and complex road conditions, emergency handling methods for situations like tire blowouts, knowledge on preventing secondary accidents, and first aid knowledge for injured persons. C1 driver's license permitted vehicle types: Small and micro passenger vehicles, light and micro cargo vehicles; light, small, and micro special-purpose vehicles. C3 driver's license permitted vehicle types: Low-speed cargo vehicles (originally four-wheel agricultural transport vehicles). According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses," the following conditions must be met to upgrade from C3 to C1: The applicant must be between 18 and 70 years old; Must have held a C3 driver's license for at least one year; No full-score record on the C3 driver's license during the current scoring cycle and the most recent scoring cycle before application; The application for adding permitted vehicle types must be submitted at the place where the current motor vehicle driver's license was issued; No drunk driving or driving under the influence of alcohol within the last three scoring cycles.
From my experience, the C3 license is for low-speed trucks. To upgrade to a C1 license for small cars, you usually need to take two tests: the Subject 2 (driving field test) and Subject 3 (road driving test). Subject 2 assesses skills like reverse parking and parallel parking—C1 vehicles are lighter and more agile than C3 trucks, so you'll need to readjust. Subject 3 evaluates your ability to follow traffic rules and handle real-road situations. Since you've already passed the Subject 1 theory test with your C3 license, you won’t need to retake it. Having upgraded my license a few times, I recommend enrolling in a formal driving school for about a week of practice after registration to get familiar with small car controls. The tests aren’t hard, but safety comes first—proper preparation saves time and costs. The whole process takes around a month, with costs varying by region. After upgrading, driving family cars becomes much more convenient, making short trips with loved ones more enjoyable.
Last year, I completed the upgrade from a C3 to a C1 driver's license, taking two tests: the Subject 2 (practical driving test on the course) and Subject 3 (road test). Before registering, I consulted the traffic management bureau, and they confirmed that the Subject 1 (theoretical test) didn’t need to be retaken as it was common for both licenses. However, for Subject 2, I had to practice point-to-point parking and other maneuvers specific to small cars. Subject 3 was more about observing road conditions—driving a loop near the test center made me quite nervous. Switching from driving a truck to a car felt more responsive, and it took a few tries to get used to it. I recommend finding a coach for guidance at least a week in advance; the cost wasn’t high, and it took me about two weeks to complete. After successfully upgrading my license, commuting by car became super convenient, and I had no trouble taking friends out on weekends. The whole process was straightforward and efficient—just pay attention to the rules and avoid violations.
