What are the differences between B2 and B1 driver's licenses?
2 Answers
The differences between B2 and B1 driver's licenses are as follows: The types of vehicles allowed to drive are different: For a B1 license, you are allowed to drive medium-sized buses, C1 (small cars), and M (wheeled self-propelled machinery), including city buses with 10 or more but fewer than 19 passengers. For a B2 license, you are allowed to drive heavy and medium-sized trucks, large, heavy, and medium-sized special-purpose vehicles, as well as small cars (C1) and M-type vehicles. The application requirements are different: For a B1 license, the applicant must be between 21 and 50 years old, and a B1 license cannot be applied for directly. The applicant must have held a driver's license for at least 3 years and have no record of 12 or more penalty points in any three consecutive scoring cycles. For a B2 license, the applicant must be between 20 and 50 years old, and a B2 license can be applied for directly.
The biggest difference between B1 and B2 driver's licenses lies in the types of vehicles they allow you to drive: I obtained a B1 license, which is specifically for driving small passenger vehicles like family SUVs or MPVs with no more than 9 seats, suitable for daily commuting or family trips. B2, on the other hand, is a license for large trucks, allowing you to drive heavy-duty trucks for the freight industry. The age requirements also differ; for B1, you only need to be 18 years old to take the test, like me—I got my license last year as soon as I turned 18. For B2, you must be at least 21, and the driving test is more challenging, involving maneuvers like reversing and climbing slopes with large trucks. Cost-wise, B2 is more expensive because the training and tests involve heavy vehicles. My friend got a B2 license to work in logistics, but if you're just driving to and from work, B1 is more economical and practical, without the need for extra skills.
