
The driver's license classification comparison table is as follows: 1. Class A driver's license: Applicants must be at least 18 years old and it is applicable to 2-wheel, 3-wheel, and 4-wheel motorcycles. 2. Class A1 driver's license: Applicants must be at least 16 years old and it is applicable to light motorcycles, as well as Class B1 vehicles. 3. Class B driver's license: Applicants must be at least 18 years old and it is applicable to vehicles with fewer than 9 seats and a load capacity of less than 3.5 tons. Those with more than 2 years of driving experience are also allowed to drive motorcycles with an engine displacement of 125cc or less and 15 horsepower or less, as well as 3-wheel and 4-wheel heavy motorcycles. 4. Class B1 driver's license: Applicants must be at least 16 years old and it is applicable to 3-wheel motorcycles and 4-wheel heavy motorcycles with a power output of 15 kilowatts or less and a weight of 550 kilograms or less. 5. Class C driver's license: Applicants must be at least 18 years old and it is applicable to trucks weighing more than 3.5 tons plus trailers weighing less than 750 kilograms. This type of license is valid for 5 years and can be extended after a medical examination. 6. Class D driver's license: Applicants must be at least 21 years old and hold a Class B driver's license. It is applicable to passenger vehicles with more than 8 seats and trailers weighing less than 750 kilograms. 7. Class E driver's license: Divided into EB, EC, and ED, it is applicable to Class B, C, and D vehicles, plus trailers weighing more than 750 kilograms. Applicants must be at least 18 years old for EB and EC, and at least 21 years old for ED. Applicants must already hold a Class B or D driver's license to apply for this type of license.

Before getting my driver's license, I also researched this. The license classification mainly depends on the permitted vehicle types. C1 is the most common, allowing you to drive manual and automatic transmission cars and SUVs, while C2 only permits automatic transmission cars. Class B involves larger vehicles: B1 is for medium-sized buses like vans carrying up to 19 people, and B2 is for large trucks. A1 permits driving large buses, A2 is for tractor heads, and A3 is for city buses. Motorcycles are categorized into D for regular three-wheeled motorcycles, E for two-wheeled motorcycles, and F for light motorcycles. There are also special vehicle types like M for wheeled mechanical vehicles and P for trams. It's recommended for beginners to start with C1. Driving larger vehicles requires upgrading step by step, and motorcycles require a separate test. Don't mix up the classifications on the road—police checks are very strict.

Having worked in a freight company for ten years, I often explain driver's license classifications to newcomers. The core categories are divided into four types: Cars and small vehicles fall under Class C, with C1 covering both manual and automatic transmissions, while C2 is limited to automatic transmissions only. Medium-sized and above buses and trucks require a Class B license, where B1 is for mid-sized buses with 10 to 19 seats, and B2 is for large trucks. Large vehicles under Class A include A1 for large buses, A2 for semi-trailer towing vehicles, and A3 for city buses. Motorcycles have three levels: D, E, and F. C3 allows driving low-speed trucks, and C4 is for three-wheeled vehicles. A key point to note is that the supplementary page of your driver's license specifies the permitted vehicle type codes—choose B2 for driving trucks and A1 if you want to operate passenger transport. It's advisable to familiarize yourself with large vehicles by learning from experienced drivers before driving them.

Having been a driving instructor for twelve years, I've taught over a thousand students. Here's how to remember driver's license levels: For small cars, C1 is universal and can drive blue-plate vehicles with fewer than nine seats; C2 is only for automatic transmissions. For medium and large vehicles, B1 corresponds to minibuses (not exceeding 6 meters), while B2 is for heavy trucks. To drive a bus, you need an A1 license, A2 is required for trailers, and A3 is for bus drivers. Motorcycles are divided into three levels: D license allows driving both three-wheeled and two-wheeled motorcycles, while E is limited to two-wheelers. Pay attention to the rules for upgrading licenses, such as needing three accident-free years to upgrade from C1 to B1. Before taking the test, choose the right type—C1 is sufficient for daily tasks like picking up kids, while B2 is needed for logistics work. Don't try to save money by skipping levels when applying.

Last year, I obtained a C1 driver's license and specifically organized a classification table. For daily use, the C1 license offers strong versatility, allowing you to drive both manual and automatic transmission cars. If you prefer convenience, you can opt for a C2 license, but it comes with more restrictions. Commercial vehicle licenses are more complex: the B1 license permits driving small and medium-sized vans, while the B2 is suitable for trucks used in long-distance freight transport. The A3 license is for city buses, and the A1 is required for tourist coaches. Among motorcycle licenses, the D license is the most practical, covering both three-wheeled and two-wheeled motorcycles, while the E license is ideal for motorcycle enthusiasts. There’s also an N license for trolleybuses, though it’s quite rare. Choosing a license depends on your needs—office workers will find the C1 sufficient, while those considering part-time delivery might need a B license. Just remember, never use a C license to drive a truck.

Car forums often discuss driver's license classifications, here's some practical info. Mainly divided into car ABC and motorcycle DEF categories: Class C for cars, C1 covers all small vehicles, C2 has limitations; Class B includes B1 for medium buses and B2 for trucks; Class A is for large buses and coaches. Motorcycle D allows riding tricycles with sidecars, E is for regular motorcycles, F only for small-displacement bikes. Special categories like M license for vehicles (e.g. excavators), P license for trams. Young people are advised to directly take C1 plus D license, this combination has the widest applicability. C1 works for ride-hailing, but B1 or above is needed for intercity transport. Exam items and fees vary significantly between different license classes.


