What are the requirements for a bus driver's license?

[LeRicardo]

The requirement for a bus driver's license is a B1 license. The vehicle types permitted to be driven with a B1 license are medium-sized buses, defined as medium-sized passenger vehicles not exceeding 6 meters in length, with a rated passenger capacity of 10 (inclusive) to 19 (inclusive) people. Other permitted vehicle types include C1 (small cars), C2 (small automatic transmission cars), C3 (low-speed trucks), C4 (three-wheeled cars), and M (wheeled self-propelled machinery). Below are the types of driver's licenses and the permitted vehicle types: 1. A1: Permitted vehicles: Large passenger vehicles. Other permitted vehicle types: A3, B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, M. 2. A2: Permitted vehicles: Heavy and medium-sized full trailers and semi-trailers. Other permitted vehicle types: B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, M. 3. A3: Permitted vehicles: City buses with a rated capacity of 10 or more passengers. Other permitted vehicle types: C1, C2, C3, C4. 4. B1: Permitted vehicles: Medium-sized passenger vehicles (including city buses with a rated capacity of 10 to 19 passengers). Other permitted vehicle types: C1, C2, C3, C4, M. 5. B2: Permitted vehicles: Heavy and medium-sized trucks; heavy and medium-sized special-purpose vehicles. Other permitted vehicle types: C1, C2, C3, C4, M. 6. C1: Permitted vehicles: Small and mini passenger vehicles, as well as light and mini trucks; light and mini special-purpose vehicles. Other permitted vehicle types: C2, C3, C4.

[HZoe]

When I took the bus driver's license test, the most profound feeling was that the age requirement must be met. For medium-sized buses, you must be over 20 years old, and for large buses, it starts at 22 years old. The vision test is particularly strict, with naked eye or corrected vision required to reach 5.0 or above. Color blindness is an immediate disqualification. Additionally, you must have held a Class C license for at least three years, with no more than 12 penalty points in the last three consecutive scoring cycles. A record of drunk driving is an absolute deal-breaker. The most difficult parts were the Subject 2 and Subject 3 tests—backing a over-ten-meter-long vehicle into a garage and starting on a slope took three months of practice to pass. After obtaining the license, I realized the real challenge is daily driving, such as conducting a pre-trip inspection of tires and lights by walking around the vehicle.

[LaElizabeth]

Our coach often emphasizes that the core requirements for a bus driver's license boil down to three points: qualifications, experience, and compliance. The age limit is a hard rule—applicants over 50 must undergo additional reaction ability tests. Hearing ability, often overlooked in physical conditions, requires the capability to clearly hear soft speech from 30 meters away to qualify. To upgrade to a large bus license, one must have held a Class B license for over five years and submit proof of no major accidents in the past three years. During training, I repeatedly remind trainees to adhere to safety protocols, such as mandatory rest after four consecutive hours of driving, as these practical details are subject to surprise checks during exams. Regular inspections are stringent, with licenses being suspended directly for blood pressure exceeding standards.

[MacKendra]

I just passed the B1 license test. The basic requirements are being at least 20 years old and holding a Class C license for three years. The medical examination was more complex than for passenger cars, with over a dozen color vision test charts used, and spinal curvature exceeding 15 degrees would result in disqualification. The most challenging part was the nighttime simulation test, which involved switching high beams and handling sudden malfunctions. Only after obtaining the license did I learn about additional regulations, such as mandatory fire extinguishers in the passenger compartment, retaining dashcam data for three months, and even overloading by one person being considered a violation. Now driving a community bus, I have to check the fire extinguisher pressure gauge before every trip.

[KiraFitz]

Having driven tour buses for ten years, my experience tells me that behind the driver's license lies immense responsibility. Age restrictions actually ensure driving experience, as newbies taking sharp turns in large vehicles can easily roll over. Medical exams focus on cardiovascular health—last year, a driver in our fleet was suspended due to hypertension. Regulations are even more detailed: an A1 license holder driving school buses must take additional safety courses, and speed limits in rain or fog are 10 km/h lower than GPS suggestions. The most common penalty is for fatigue driving—last time at 2 AM, the onboard camera caught me rubbing my eyes, resulting in an immediate 6-point deduction.