
An exam is required. If passed, the vehicle management office will issue the new-level driver's license within 7 working days. Below are the detailed conditions for upgrading from C1 to B2: Must have held a motor vehicle driver's license for at least one year; No record of accumulating 12 penalty points in the current scoring cycle and the most recent scoring cycle before application; No history of causing a fatal traffic accident while bearing equal or greater responsibility; No history of drunk driving; Driver's license has not been revoked or rescinded within the past ten years; Age must be between 20 and 60 years. C1 is a code for a type of permitted driving vehicle under the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses" (Ministry of Public Security Order No. 123). C1 permits driving small and micro passenger vehicles, light and micro cargo vehicles, and light and micro special-purpose vehicles, and also allows driving vehicles permitted under C2, C3, and C4. B2 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 mainly trucks, such as the large trucks commonly seen on roads carrying construction waste, which fall under heavy trucks. Large, heavy, and medium-duty special-purpose vehicles refer to vehicles equipped with specialized devices or tools, such as sprinkler trucks, concrete mixer trucks, and fire trucks. Article 14 of the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses" states that first-time applicants for a motor vehicle driver's license can apply for permits to drive 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 trams. For those who already hold a motor vehicle driver's license and wish to apply for additional permitted vehicle types, they can apply for large passenger vehicles, tractor trucks, city buses, medium 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 trams. Article 15 states that those who already hold a motor vehicle driver's license and wish to apply for additional permitted vehicle types must have no record of accumulating 12 penalty points in the current scoring cycle and the most recent scoring cycle before application. This applies to applications for medium passenger vehicles, tractor trucks, and large passenger vehicles. The B2 driver's license exam consists of four subjects: Subject 1 covers road traffic laws and regulations, including road traffic rules, traffic violations, traffic signals, and accident handling. Subject 2 involves operational tests for large passenger vehicles, city buses, and tractor trucks, including pole tests, side parking, hill starts, and single-plank bridge navigation. Subject 3 includes driving preparation, starting, straight-line driving, lane changes, and gear shifting operations for large passenger vehicles, city buses, tractor trucks, and medium passenger vehicles. Subject 4 covers safe and civilized driving requirements, safe driving knowledge for extreme weather and complex road conditions, and accident handling procedures.

I must say, upgrading from C1 to B2 definitely requires taking exams, it's strictly regulated by the state. As someone with ten years of driving experience, I went through the upgrade process a few years ago and it was quite demanding: from retaking subject one to subject three. The theory test includes special rules for large vehicles, like penalties for overloading, while the practical test focuses more on reversing and navigating complex intersections. The cost is higher than the initial license test, but don't even think about skipping the exams—getting caught means immediate license revocation. The upside is that the training improves your skills, allowing you to take on truck jobs and increase your income. My advice is to find a reliable driving school, practice mock exams thoroughly, and always prioritize safety—driving a large vehicle comes with greater responsibility, so don't take it lightly.

As a new driver who just got my C1 license, I understand that upgrading to a B2 requires passing exams—there's no way around it. The test covers theory like traffic laws and heavy vehicle knowledge, plus practical skills like reversing and turning in the training yard, which really tests your reflexes. I heard it costs around one to two thousand, which stings a bit but is worth it to avoid mistakes and accidents on the road. To prepare, I enrolled in a training course and practiced mock questions a lot. Passing the B2 upgrade opens up way more job opportunities. From a safety perspective, the exam is a good thing—don’t fear the hassle. It’s not that hard; just push through and you’ll pass.

Exams are definitely necessary, and I emphasize the safety aspect: driving large vehicles carries higher risks of accidents, and exams screen for skills to ensure everyone's safety. The combination of theory and practical sessions teaches emergency handling, making driving more stable after learning. These rules are set to prevent laziness; don't think about saving exam time, actively preparing is good for yourself.

Upgrading to a B2 license definitely requires exams. I'm a practical person: memorize new rules in theory classes, practice reversing maneuvers a lot for quick hands-on skills. After getting the license, it's valuable for taking cargo jobs to earn extra cash—worth the registration fee without delay. Remember to get a physical checkup in advance and don’t miss any documents to pass in one go for peace of mind.


