What is the age limit for applying for a Class B driver's license?
2 Answers
Class B driver's licenses are divided into B1 and B2. The age requirement for obtaining a B1 license is 21 years or older and under 60 years old; the age requirement for obtaining a B2 license is 20 years or older and under 60 years old. Permitted vehicle types for B1 license: The permitted vehicle types for a B1 license are medium-sized passenger vehicles with a certified seating 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). Permitted vehicle types for B2 license: The permitted vehicle types for a B2 license are heavy-duty, medium-duty trucks or large, heavy, and medium-duty special-purpose vehicles. Heavy-duty and medium-duty trucks are mostly trucks; large, heavy, and medium-duty special-purpose vehicles refer to vehicles equipped with special equipment or devices, such as sprinkler trucks, concrete mixer trucks, fire trucks, etc. Additionally, other permitted vehicle types for a B2 license include C1 (small cars), C2 (small automatic transmission cars), C3 (low-speed trucks), C4 (three-wheeled cars), and M (wheeled self-propelled machinery).
I've been driving cargo trucks for over a decade. When I wanted to get a Class B license back then, I was told I had to be at least 21 years old, and this rule hasn't changed. I remember being eager to upgrade when I got my Class C license at 18 to drive small cars, but the company policy required drivers to be 21 before they could take the Class B test for long-haul routes. It's not just because operating large vehicles is more complex—skills like reversing and handling cargo take practice—but also because of mental maturity; young people tend to panic in emergencies, which increases road risks. After I passed my test at 21, I understood it better: instructors in training always emphasized accident prevention. Now, when I see new drivers, I often remind them to wait patiently until they're old enough—learning to drive becomes easier and safer then. After all, a driver's license isn't just about skills; it's about responsibility.
