How to Upgrade from B2 to A1 License?
3 Answers
B2 to A1 license upgrade requires the primary condition that the applicant must be between 26 and 50 years old. It is necessary to have held a B2 driver's license for more than five years and not have accumulated 12 penalty points in any of the five consecutive scoring cycles prior to the application.
To obtain an A1 license, you must meet several strict requirements: age must be at least 26, and you must currently hold a B license or A2 license. The most critical factor is heavy vehicle driving experience—you need 5 years of actual driving records. If you previously drove articulated vehicles with an A2 license, the waiting period can be reduced by 3 years. Don’t accumulate 12 penalty points within 3 months before applying, and any history of drunk or drug-impaired driving is absolutely disqualifying. You’ll need to complete full training at a driving school again, retake the theoretical exam, and master large bus operations during the 56-hour practical training, including cornering and lane positioning. The test still consists of the three standard parts—theory, yard test, and road test—but the large bus exam adds a 40cm narrow gate on a slope start, which is particularly challenging for handling skills.
Last time I accompanied my friend through this process, the steps were quite clear: First, go to the driving school to fill out the application form, bringing along your ID card, B2 driver's license, and a 3-year accident-free certificate. The physical examination must be passed. Currently, the tuition fee generally ranges from 8,000 to 12,000, including the exam fees. The theoretical learning is different from the subject one exam, focusing mainly on passenger transport regulations and the structure of 55-seat coaches. I remember there was a special lesson on the center of gravity shift in double-decker buses. The most challenging part of the field test is the continuous obstacle course, where a 7-meter-long vehicle must precisely navigate around six iron discs. After passing the exam, don't rush; you'll have to wait a week to get the new license marked with 'large passenger vehicle,' and the original B2 license will be invalidated.
