How to Upgrade from C1 to A2 Driver's License and What Are the Requirements?
2 Answers
A2 driver's license cannot be obtained directly through initial application; it can only be acquired through license upgrading. The conditions for upgrading are as follows: The applicant must hold a C license for more than three years without accumulating 12 penalty points in the previous two cycles, or hold an A3 or B2 license for more than one year without accumulating 12 penalty points in the previous cycle, to upgrade to a B1 license. After holding a B1 license for more than three years without accumulating 12 penalty points in the previous two cycles, or holding an A1 license for more than one year without accumulating 12 penalty points in the previous cycle, the applicant can upgrade to an A2 license. Physical requirements for upgrading to B1: Age: Between 21 and 50 years old. Height: At least 150 cm. Vision: Uncorrected or corrected visual acuity of at least 5.0 on the logarithmic visual acuity chart for both eyes. Hearing: Ability to discern 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 movement and function. Lower limbs: Both lower limbs must be intact with normal movement function, and the length difference should not exceed 5 cm. C1 Driver's License: The C1 driver's license is one of the classifications of motor vehicle driver's licenses. It permits driving small and mini passenger vehicles, light and mini cargo vehicles, and light, small, and mini specialized operation vehicles. Small passenger vehicles must have a seating capacity of 9 or fewer. Age requirements for application: The minimum age to apply for a C1 driver's license is 18 years old, with no upper age limit. However, applicants aged 70 or older must pass tests for memory, judgment, and reaction abilities.
Back when I was getting my A2 license, I pondered this matter. Upgrading from C1 to A2 can't be done directly—there's an intermediate step involved. I had to be at least 24 years old and hold a B2 license for at least two years, with no major violations accumulating 12 penalty points during that period. First, I enrolled in a driving school to upgrade to B2, practiced for several months, passed the yard test and theory exam, and only after holding the B2 license for two years could I apply for A2. The A2 test itself has three parts: a written exam on traffic rules (Subject 1), yard operations like reversing and parking (Subject 2), and actual road driving (Subject 3). It's much harder than the C1 test, and the cost can run up to around 7,000 to 8,000 yuan, covering training, exams, and medical checks. I recommend finding a reputable driving school in advance and practicing several times a week. The whole process requires patience—don’t rush it. A heavy vehicle license comes with great responsibility.
