What are the categories of driver's licenses?
3 Answers
The new driver's license classification is divided into 15 categories: Driver's license categories: A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, E, F, M, N, P, totaling 15 categories. Permitted vehicle types and codes: Large bus A1 - Large passenger vehicles; Tractor A2 - Heavy and medium-sized full trailers and semi-trailers; City bus A3 - City buses with a capacity of 10 or more passengers; Medium bus B1 - Medium passenger vehicles; Large truck B2 - Heavy and medium-sized cargo vehicles; Small car C1 - Small and micro passenger vehicles, etc.
When I was getting my driver's license, I specifically researched this topic. The C1 license is the most common, allowing you to drive small cars, SUVs, and other blue-plate vehicles, both manual and automatic transmissions. C2 is restricted to automatic transmission vehicles, which is quite cost-effective nowadays with the rise of new energy vehicles. To drive for ride-hailing services like Didi, you need a C-class license plus a ride-hailing qualification. The B license is divided into B1 for medium buses and B2 for large trucks, both requiring practice with yellow-plate vehicles. The most powerful is the A license: A1 permits driving large buses and coaches, while A2 allows operating semi-trailer tractors, but you must first hold a B license for five years. A reminder: motorcycles require separate DEF licenses, and electric bicycles exceeding 25km/h under the new national standard also need a motorcycle license.
Just helped my cousin sign up for a driving school and organized some information: Driver's licenses are divided into seven categories: A, B, C, D, E, F, and M. The C license covers family cars, with C1 being suitable for both manual and automatic transmissions, while C2 is cheaper but only allows driving automatic transmission vehicles. The B license permits driving trucks and buses, requiring the driver to be at least 21 years old. The A license has higher entry barriers and requires progressive upgrades. Special reminder: The motorcycle D license allows riding both three-wheeled and two-wheeled motorcycles, while E/F licenses only permit two-wheeled motorcycles. Recently, the C6 license was introduced for driving trailer caravans, which requires upgrading from a C1/C2 license and passing the reverse parking test in the second subject. The cost varies significantly for different license types, and it is recommended to directly take the C1 test as it is the most practical.
