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 are: 1. Different permitted vehicle types: The C2 license permits small and micro automatic passenger vehicles, as well as light and micro automatic cargo vehicles; the C1 license permits small and micro passenger vehicles, light and micro cargo vehicles, and light, small, and micro special-purpose vehicles. 2. Different test vehicles: The C2 test vehicle is an automatic transmission car; the C1 test vehicle is a manual transmission car. Driving an automatic vehicle with a C2 license does not require gear shifting and rarely results in stalling, making the operation process relatively simpler. After obtaining a C2 license, if you need to drive a manual transmission car, you must additionally obtain a C1 license.
When I was getting my driver's license, I specifically researched this issue. The main difference lies in the transmission type. A C1 license allows you to drive both manual and automatic transmission vehicles, requiring mastery of clutch operation. The test includes coordination-challenging items like hill starts. In contrast, a C2 license only permits driving automatic transmission vehicles without a clutch, making operations simpler and more beginner-friendly. I chose C1 because it offers more options—just in case I need to drive an older manual car or borrow a friend's pickup truck. However, in city traffic, the automatic transmission of C2 is indeed less tiring since you don't have to shift gears constantly. The pass rate for C2 is higher, saving time and effort, but in the long run, C1 enhances driving skills, such as better speed control on mountainous roads. Nowadays, many people opt for C2 for convenience, but if you enjoy driving or frequently travel, I'd recommend C1.
