What are the disadvantages of upgrading from a B2 to a D driver's license?
4 Answers
There are no disadvantages. Here is the relevant information: Requirements for upgrading: You must have held a B2 driver's license for at least one year, and there should be no record of accumulating 12 penalty points in the current scoring cycle or the most recent scoring cycle before applying. You can apply to upgrade to a D license. Required documents include: the 'Motor Vehicle Driver's License Application Form'; a 'Medical Certificate for Motor Vehicle Drivers' issued by a county-level or military medical institution at or above the regimental level; the original and a copy of the applicant's valid ID; and the original motor vehicle driver's license. Notes: The age requirements, physical conditions, and restrictions vary for applying for different types of motor vehicle driver's licenses. Additionally, driver's licenses for vehicle types A1, A2, and B1 can only be obtained by upgrading the license type, exchanging a military or armed police force motor vehicle driver's license, or exchanging a foreign motor vehicle driver's license.
I think getting a D license endorsement can be quite costly. The registration and exam fees for a motorcycle license alone add up to at least seven or eight hundred yuan, and it's even more expensive if you enroll in a training course. After passing, your insurance premiums will increase slightly because insurers consider driving multiple vehicle types to be higher risk. Compensation for motorcycle accidents can be complicated, and it might even affect the demerit points on your B2 license. I used to think about it, but after weighing the pros and cons, I decided it wasn't worth the money. It's better to focus on truck driving and save the money for repairs or upgrading equipment—that's more practical.
There are significant risks in upgrading to a Class D license for safety reasons. Riding a motorcycle is prone to falls and accidents, unlike driving a truck which offers the protection of a vehicle body. I’ve seen many new riders with upgraded licenses getting into frequent minor collisions, where even a small accident can result in scrapes and scars, causing major trouble. Additionally, traffic violation points are accumulated cumulatively, and if penalized, it can affect the overall status of your driver’s license. There’s no need to take on such risks—just driving safely and following the rules in daily life is sufficient.
Getting a D-class license is quite time-consuming. The exam process requires taking leave to attend theoretical classes and practical training at the driving school, which takes at least two to three days and disrupts work. After passing, you still need to familiarize yourself with the new vehicle regulations, and daily life becomes more complicated with managing two licenses. I'm already exhausted from driving trucks every day and don't have time for such hassle. Even if I pass, it would be pointless.
