What is the difference between a C2 driver's license and a C1 driver's license?
2 Answers
The differences between a C2 driver's license and a C1 driver's license: 1. Different test vehicles: The C2 license test uses automatic transmission cars, mostly models like Jetta and Elysee; the C1 license test uses manual transmission cars, generally models like Santana and pickup trucks. 2. Different license types: C2 is an automatic transmission small vehicle license; C1 is a manual transmission small vehicle license. 3. Different permitted vehicles: The permitted vehicles for a C2 license are small and micro automatic transmission passenger cars, as well as light and micro automatic transmission trucks and special-purpose vehicles; the permitted vehicles for a C1 license are small and micro passenger cars, as well as light and micro trucks and special-purpose vehicles.
I recently got my driver's license and researched the difference between C2 and C1. Simply put, a C2 license only allows you to drive automatic transmission cars, while a C1 license enables you to drive both automatic and manual transmission vehicles with fewer than 9 seats, such as small passenger cars and light trucks. When learning to drive, the C2 test is much easier—no need to learn clutch operation or gear shifting, and hill starts are simpler since you only need to focus on the brake and accelerator. The C1 test is more complex, requiring mastery of manual gear shifting and clutch balance, with a slightly higher error rate. Nowadays, many cars in cities are automatic, especially electric vehicles, which are all automatic, so I chose C2 thinking it would suffice, saving both money and time. However, C1 offers more flexibility in case you encounter a manual rental car or an emergency situation. I recommend new drivers choose based on their driving habits rather than just the difficulty level.
