Is it difficult for a beginner to directly obtain a B2 driver's license?
3 Answers
It is difficult for a beginner to directly obtain a B2 driver's license, and there are relatively few cases where one can pass on the first attempt. If upgrading from another license, there is usually some accumulated knowledge and driving experience, making it much easier. Conditions for upgrading from C1 to B2: The applicant must be at least 21 years old; must have held a C1 driver's license for at least one year; must not have a record of accumulating 12 penalty points in the most recent scoring cycle before upgrading; and can only process the upgrade in the location of their household registration. If these conditions are met, one can enroll in a driving school to upgrade to a B2 driver's license. Notes for taking the B2 test: The B2 license is for large trucks, which is certainly more difficult to obtain than a C1 license for small cars. The theoretical test is not much different, but during the reversing and yard training, one can feel that large vehicles are harder to control. However, having experience driving small cars can make learning to drive large vehicles relatively easier.
As a newly licensed driver, I went straight for the B2 license last year, and it was really challenging. At first, I thought more practice would suffice, but in reality, I encountered many issues. Driving large vehicles isn’t as agile as small cars—aligning the lines during reversing and parking was tough, and the steering wheel had a wider range of motion, making it easy to fail by slightly deviating and crossing the line. The theory exam also required memorizing more content, such as speed limits for trucks and loading regulations, which was tough for someone with a poor memory. I also spent a lot on training courses, and the instructor said the first-time pass rate isn’t high for beginners with weak fundamentals. For those considering a B2 license, I’d recommend starting with a small vehicle (C1 license) first to familiarize yourself with basic operations and traffic rules before upgrading—it’s safer and less stressful. Choosing a good driving school is also crucial during training.
From my perspective, as a parent with a child at home, it's quite risky for beginners to directly go for a B2 driver's license. The main challenges lie in skills and safety aspects. Large vehicles are more complex to handle, with features like larger turning radius and longer braking distance. If your reaction is a bit slow, accidents are more likely to happen. I've personally seen friends fail the B2 test multiple times, wasting both time and money. My advice for beginners is not to rush—take it step by step: first get familiar with starting and stopping small vehicles, accumulate a few months of experience, and then consider upgrading to B2. This approach not only reduces the learning curve but also avoids creating hazards on the road. Driving is a lifelong skill, and building a solid foundation is crucial. Investing some time in basic training is far better than skipping levels directly.