How to Upgrade from B2 to A2 Driver's License?
4 Answers
After meeting all the requirements for upgrading to the corresponding driver's license, go to the vehicle management office to apply for the license upgrade procedure. Before going, you need to prepare the relevant materials. Undergo a physical examination at a qualified medical institution such as a secondary or higher-level hospital, township health center, community health service center, or health examination center, and obtain the physical examination report. Go to the service window of the vehicle management office, submit the relevant materials to the staff, and wait for the staff to review them before making the payment. First, participate in the relevant driver's license skill training, then schedule the exam, and after completing the exam, go to the license and certificate hall.
I just upgraded my B2 license to A2 last year, and the whole process wasn’t too difficult but had to be done step by step. First, you need to confirm you meet the basic requirements: age between 24 and 50, holding a B2 license for at least two years, and no more than 12 penalty points in the last three scoring cycles. Then, enroll in a formal driving school for additional training. I chose the one closest to my home, with tuition around ¥8,000, covering all courses from Subject 1 to Subject 3. Subject 1 is the theoretical test on traffic regulations, similar to the B2 exam but with different question focuses—I spent two weeks practicing the question bank before taking it. The hardest part of Subject 2 was reverse parking and hill starts, so I asked the instructor for an extra half-hour of practice each session. The most crucial part was Subject 3, where you drive a tractor-trailer to simulate long-distance driving, with tests on narrow-road U-turns and emergency braking. Once you pass all tests, you can exchange your license. The entire process took about three to four months, and after upgrading, driving a semi-truck feels completely different with the improved visibility.
As a veteran truck driver with ten years of experience, I suggest paying attention to several key points when upgrading to an A2 license. First, ensure your B2 license has been held for at least two years, and you haven't maxed out penalty points for three consecutive years. Then, enroll in a driving school to learn how to operate a tractor-trailer. The most common issue I encountered during my license upgrade was the practical driving test: for Subject 2, you need to master the reference points for large trucks, especially avoiding crossing lines during right-angle turns, and nail the reverse parking in one go. During the test, the tractor-trailer is over a meter longer than a standard truck, and the steering wheel is much heavier—I recommend renting one for extra practice. The theory test isn't too hard, covering mostly traffic accident handling rules. Remember, upgrading requires starting from scratch on all subjects; don't believe anyone who says you can skip a step. Also, facial recognition is used throughout the exam, so don't even think about cheating. The whole process takes three to four months and costs between 7,000 to 9,000 yuan.
Here's a pro tip for upgrading your license: First, apply for a license upgrade at the DMV and focus on the vision test in your medical report. During training, prioritize mastering three tough skills: riding 30cm over consecutive obstacles in the second test without crossing lines, nailing the uphill parking in one attempt, and maintaining a strict 5km/h speed limit in the test area. For the third test, learn to anticipate the turning radius of tractor-trailers, leaving at least half a car's length as a buffer. The most frequently failed part is parallel parking, where tires must be exactly 30cm from the curb. A third of the theory exam covers accident rescue questions—memorize these thoroughly. Don't attempt if you're under 24 years old. The entire process takes at least two and a half months at the fastest.
