What are the procedures for upgrading from a C2 to a C1 driver's license?
4 Answers
The procedures for upgrading from a C2 to a C1 driver's license are as follows: You need to hold a C2 driver's license, ID card, and a health certificate, then apply at the vehicle management office that issued the C2 license. You will need to study and take exams. Upon passing, you can exchange for a C1 driver's license. If you already hold a motor vehicle driver's license and are applying to add a permitted vehicle type, you must not have accumulated 12 penalty points in the current scoring cycle or the most recent scoring cycle before applying. C1 driver's license exam: The exam includes four subjects: traffic regulations and related knowledge, field driving, road driving, and safe and civilized driving knowledge. Passing standards: Traffic regulations and related knowledge (Subject 1) — written test, full score of 100, passing score is 90 or above. Field driving (Subject 2) — on-site, actual vehicle. Minimum passing score is 80, below 80 is failing. Road driving (Subject 3) — highway or simulated field, actual vehicle. Full score is 100, must achieve 90 or above to pass. Safe and civilized driving knowledge — written test, questions mainly in the form of cases, images, animations, etc., including true/false, single-choice, and multiple-choice questions. Total of 50 questions, full score of 100, passing score is 90.
When I upgraded from an automatic to a manual transmission driver’s license, it took me three trips to the DMV to get it done. First, I had to go to a designated hospital for a driver’s physical exam, and only after passing the vision and color blindness tests could I register. I brought my original ID, C2 driver’s license, and a one-inch white-background photo to the driving school to fill out the application for the license upgrade. The theory test for Subject 1 was similar to the automatic transmission content, with a focus on reviewing clutch operation points. The hardest part was Subject 2’s hill start—I practiced for three whole weeks to master the half-clutch technique. During the final road test, it rained, and the examiner paid extra attention to whether the engine stalled. The whole process took two months. I recommend finding a reliable driving school that specializes in manual transmission training and practicing gear-shifting rhythm before the test. After getting my C1 license, I found it much more convenient to drive my friend’s van for hauling goods.
Just upgraded to C1 license, sharing some practical tips: You must hold a C2 license for at least one year without accumulating 12 penalty points before applying. First step is to submit materials at the DMV window - note that you'll need to retake the physical exam and get new driver's license photos. The theory test shares 80% overlap with the automatic transmission question bank, with added focus on manual transmission mechanical principles. Practical training emphasizes mastering clutch-gas pedal coordination - instructors say new drivers often struggle with jerky gear shifts and rolling back on slopes. On exam day, wear flat shoes. The subject 2 test always includes 100-meter gear shifting drills, while subject 3 may randomly test hill start procedures. I practiced two hours daily after work and passed in one month. Bring enough change - retake fees are 50 yuan more expensive than C2. On getting my new license, I specially rented a manual transmission car for a celebratory drive.
As a girl, upgrading to a C1 license went quite smoothly. First, I booked the DMV service on the 12123 APP—remember to bring your driver's license booklet and a copy of your ID card. The medical checkup tests limb coordination, with special attention to left-foot clutch control. When choosing a driving school, check if their training cars are Santanas, as their clutches are more responsive. During training, my coach shared a tip: listening to the engine sound to gauge gear-shifting timing is more accurate than watching the tachometer. For the road test, be extra careful not to forget to release the handbrake—I once stalled during a mock test because of this. The total cost was around two thousand, half the price of initial training. Now, driving my dad's old Jeep back to the countryside, I'm no longer afraid of rough roads.
