Is an exam required for upgrading from C1 to B2 license?

[HadleyDella]

To upgrade from a C1 to a B2 license, you need to take exams. There are three exam subjects in total: Subject 1 (theoretical exam), Subject 2 (field driving skills test), and Subject 3 (road driving skills test). The exam subjects are divided into road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge test (Subject 1), field driving skills test (Subject 2), and road driving skills test (Subject 3). For first-time applicants of a motor vehicle driver's license or applicants adding permitted vehicle types, the vehicle management office should issue a driving skills test permit within three days after passing Subject 1. The driving skills test permit is valid for two years, and applicants must complete Subjects 2 and 3 within the validity period.

[CameronRose]

When I was learning to drive, I pondered this question—upgrading from a C1 to a B2 license definitely requires taking exams, and it's not just a formality. I used to think I could cut corners with the upgrade, but the regulations clearly state that you must retake all the tests from scratch. The whole process is quite comprehensive: first, you need to enroll in a driving school and submit a medical examination report, since B2 involves driving larger vehicles, and the physical requirements are stricter. Then comes the theoretical test (Subject 1), which covers more advanced content than the C1, including truck safety knowledge. After passing that, you move on to practical training, where Subject 2 tests your skills in closed-course driving, like reversing and parking—much harder than with smaller cars. I stumbled a few times during my practice. Finally, Subject 3 is the road test, where the examiner closely watches how you handle the large vehicle in complex traffic conditions. The entire process is time-consuming and demanding, usually taking several months, but once you pass, you’ll legally obtain a B2 license to drive trucks. I also recommend finding a reliable driving school in advance to avoid wasting money and time.

[VanessaRose]

Having driven for over a decade, I personally went through the C1 to B2 license upgrade test – no shortcuts possible. It mainly consists of two major exam sections: the theory portion starts fresh with questions targeting truck regulations; the practical driving test is more demanding – you must inspect the vehicle condition before getting in, and operate it as steadily as a seasoned driver. When I was preparing, I practiced reverse parking daily – controlling that bulky vehicle body was brutal, one slight mistake meant failure. For license upgrades, you must enroll in driving school training – forget about self-study exams – and ensure your vision meets requirements. The whole process likely takes two to three months, but considering the earning potential of driving trucks, it's worth powering through. By the way, after passing, expect about a week's wait for the new license – don't rush to take jobs immediately.

[AdrianaLynn]

Upgrading from C1 to B2 definitely requires taking exams, no doubt about it. The exams mainly consist of two parts: theory and practical skills. The theory part is related to regulations and safety, while the practical part focuses on handling large vehicles, such as reversing and driving on the road. The process can be simply summarized as signing up for training, taking the exams, and obtaining the license. I advise everyone not to cut corners—going through the proper exam process ensures that everyone drives safely.

[DeHaven]

Upgrading from C1 to B2, taking the test is unavoidable—but I don't think it's too bad. The process involves first enrolling at a driving school, taking the theoretical exam, then practicing driving for the practical test. During the training, you can also meet a bunch of new friends. The overall cost is not high, just a few thousand yuan to get it done. Time-wise, it can be completed in as fast as one month, making it suitable for those looking to switch to freight transport. However, the test is quite strict—I've seen people fail two or three times in a row, which can be mentally stressful. It's advisable to practice beforehand to get a feel for it or choose a driving school with a good reputation to suffer less.