What are the requirements for upgrading from B2 to A1?
2 Answers
Requirements for upgrading from B2 to A1: You must have held a B2 driver's license for more than five years and have no record of accumulating 12 penalty points in any corresponding scoring cycle. If you have had instances of drunk driving, failure to undergo annual inspection for three consecutive cycles, or accidents resulting in casualties during the period of holding a B1 license, you cannot apply for an A1 license. Generally, upgrading from B2 to A1 involves obtaining a passenger vehicle license, which includes large buses (A1), medium-sized buses (B1), and city buses (A3). Specifically, the A1 category for large buses refers to vehicles exceeding 6 meters in length or with a seating capacity of more than 20 passengers. This type of vehicle typically includes long-distance coaches or some extra-long luxury cars.
From the perspective of driving experience, the conditions for upgrading from a B2 to an A1 license are quite common. You must be at least 24 years old, which is a mandatory requirement because driving a large passenger vehicle carries significant responsibility and requires a mature mindset. Additionally, you must have held a B2 license for at least 5 years, with a clean driving record during this period—meaning no instances of accumulating 12 penalty points or causing accidents with fatalities or injuries in the past five years. A medical examination is also essential; you’ll need a health report from a designated hospital to ensure your vision, hearing, and other physical conditions meet the standards. During training, you’ll learn the handling techniques for large passenger vehicles, and the exams are more rigorous, covering both theory and practical subjects. I think these regulations are reasonable, as an A1 license involves transporting many passengers, so safety is paramount. Before applying for the upgrade, it’s best to check your violation records to avoid rejection, which would waste time and money.
