What are the differences between B2 and B1 driver's licenses?

[SanMadelyn]

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.

[LondonRose]

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.

[OIan]

As a long-haul truck driver for many years, a B2 license is essential because it specifically allows driving large trucks, capable of handling vehicles with a load capacity exceeding 5 tons or a length over 6 meters. The B1 license only permits driving small passenger vehicles, limited to 9 seats, making its use more restricted. The test content varies significantly: B2's second subject includes continuous obstacles and single-plank bridges, which are challenging for controlling large vehicles; B1's test involves simpler tasks like weaving through cones with smaller cars. Age-wise, B2 requires applicants to be at least 21 years old—I upgraded directly from a C license back then. Nowadays, B2 offers more job opportunities, but the exam is more challenging. For daily driving, a B1 license is sufficient, being more convenient and cost-effective. Safety-wise, B2 truck drivers must pay attention to load balance, while driving smaller cars for daily family trips is more fuel-efficient.

[MacMaverick]

When choosing a driver's license for my child, I compared B1 and B2: B1 is for small passenger vehicles, available to those aged 18 and above, with simpler tests, making it suitable for beginners driving cars or minivans. B2 is for large trucks, requiring a minimum age of 21, involving intensive training to master truck operations like reversing and hill starts. In terms of practicality, B1 is ideal for commuting or travel without additional training; B2 suits those aiming for logistics or freight careers, with completely different vehicle sizes for tests. As a parent, if the child isn't pursuing a professional path, B1 is practical and quick; however, B2 offers higher income potential after obtaining it.