
You can take the test after holding a C1 driver's license for one year. If you pass the test, the vehicle management office will issue a new-level driver's license within 7 working days. The following are the conditions for upgrading from C1 to B2: To add a new permitted vehicle type to an existing motor vehicle driver's license, you must have held the (C1) permitted vehicle type driver's license for more than three years, and within the current scoring cycle to the most recent scoring cycle before applying for the new permitted vehicle type, there must be no record of accumulating 12 penalty points. Only then will the vehicle management office approve the application for the new permitted vehicle type. C1 is one of the codes for permitted vehicle types in a driver's license. According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses" (Ministry of Public Security Order No. 123), C1 refers to a driver's license that permits driving small and micro passenger vehicles, light and micro cargo vehicles, as well as light and micro special-purpose vehicles. It also allows driving the permitted vehicle types of C2, C3, and C4. B2 driver's license permits driving heavy and medium-duty cargo vehicles or large, heavy, and medium-duty special-purpose vehicles. Heavy and medium-duty cargo vehicles are mostly trucks, such as the large dump trucks commonly seen on roads, which belong to heavy-duty trucks. Large, heavy, and medium-duty special-purpose vehicles refer to vehicles equipped with special equipment or devices, such as water sprinklers, concrete mixer trucks, fire trucks, etc. Article 14 of the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses" states that for first-time applicants of a motor vehicle driver's license, the permitted vehicle types that can be applied for include city buses, large trucks, small cars, small automatic transmission cars, low-speed cargo vehicles, three-wheeled cars, small automatic transmission passenger vehicles for the disabled, ordinary three-wheeled motorcycles, ordinary two-wheeled motorcycles, light motorcycles, wheeled self-propelled machinery, trolleybuses, and tramcars. For those who already hold a motor vehicle driver's license and wish to add permitted vehicle types, the additional permitted vehicle types that can be applied for include large passenger vehicles, tractor trucks, city buses, medium-sized passenger vehicles, large trucks, small cars, small automatic transmission cars, low-speed cargo vehicles, three-wheeled cars, ordinary three-wheeled motorcycles, ordinary two-wheeled motorcycles, light motorcycles, wheeled self-propelled machinery, trolleybuses, and tramcars. Article 15 states that for those who already hold a motor vehicle driver's license and apply to add permitted vehicle types, there must be no record of accumulating 12 penalty points in the current scoring cycle and the most recent scoring cycle before the application. This applies to applications to add medium-sized passenger vehicles, tractor trucks, and large passenger vehicles as permitted vehicle types. The B2 driver's license test consists of four subjects: Subject 1 covers road traffic laws and regulations related to driving motor vehicles, including road traffic rules, traffic violations, traffic signals, and traffic accident handling. Subject 2 involves practical operations such as pole tests, side parking, hill starts, and driving through single-lane bridges for large passenger vehicles, city buses, tractor trucks, and other vehicle types. Subject 3 includes test drive preparations, starting, driving straight, lane changes, gear shifting operations, etc., for large passenger vehicles, city buses, tractor trucks, medium-sized passenger vehicles, and other vehicles. Subject 4 covers safe and civilized driving operation requirements, safe driving knowledge in extreme weather and complex road conditions, and handling knowledge for accidents.

Back when I first got my C1 driver's license, I was already thinking about upgrading to a B2 license to drive trucks for work. After checking the regulations, I found that I had to hold the C1 license for at least one year before applying for the upgrade. During that time, I drove a lot to gain daily driving experience and avoid any traffic violations. A year later, I went to the DMV to submit my application. First, I had to pass a physical exam to ensure I was fit, then I enrolled in a driving school to learn B2-specific skills. The tests included a theory exam and practical skills like reversing a large vehicle and hill-start parking, which were much more complex than the C1 tests. After successfully upgrading my license, I could take on transport jobs, but I reminded myself to practice more and not be careless—safety always comes first!

As a new driver who just got my C1 license, I'm curious about how to upgrade to a B2 license for driving trucks. After asking around, I found out that I need to wait at least one year after obtaining my current license. During this period, I often drive in the city to practice and familiarize myself with road conditions, laying the foundation for the upgrade. After a year, I went to a medical center for a health report, then visited the vehicle management office to fill out forms and take new test items. The B2 test includes more reversing exercises, which feels challenging but interesting. After completing it, I found more job opportunities, but driving large vehicles requires attention to things like tire pressure—don't rush to hit the road.

After teaching driving for so many years, I often get asked how long it takes to upgrade from C1 to B2. According to regulations, you must hold a C1 license for at least one year before applying—safety first to ensure a smooth transition for beginners. The application process is straightforward: pass a medical exam, then submit your driver's license and ID, followed by a theory test and practical exams like navigating long vehicles through curves. I recommend practicing the feel of driving larger vehicles through simulations—don’t rush it. Typically, it takes about three months to complete, but steady progress is key. After upgrading, driving trucks may pay more, but traffic rules become stricter, so stay alert.


