What is the difference between a C2E driver's license and a C2?
4 Answers
Here are the differences between a C2E driver's license and a C2: 1. In terms of vehicle types allowed: A C1 driver's license permits driving all vehicle types under C2, C3, and C4. Additionally, C1 allows driving micro and small passenger cars, as well as light and micro trucks, and light and micro operational vehicles. C2 cannot drive operational vehicles, and for micro and small passenger or cargo vehicles, it only permits driving automatic transmission models. C2 also does not permit driving C3 or C4 vehicles. 2. In terms of driving test difficulty: C1 and C2 have the same test items. In terms of difficulty, since automatic transmission C2 does not have a clutch, its operation is simpler than C1.
To be honest, I just got my C2 license last year and found it quite different from C1. During driving lessons, C2 only trains you on automatic transmission, so you don’t have to deal with the clutch or gear stick—the instructor just teaches you to press the accelerator and brake. The test only covers basic operations, so I passed easily. With C1, though, you have to practice manual transmission, which involves troublesome stuff like hill starts and gear shifting, and the risk of failing is higher. Now, with a C2 license, I can only drive automatic cars, like my Civic at home—90% of the cars on the road are like this—but I can’t borrow a friend’s manual car. If you don’t plan to drive manual, C2 saves time and money, and you can hit the road for a spin sooner.
As someone who has been driving for over a decade, I obtained my C1 license in the early years when manual transmission was a must-know. Nowadays, the C2 license is much more popular among young learners due to its simplicity in operating automatic transmissions, which reduces driving stress and suits urban congested roads. However, C2 has more restrictions: it only allows driving automatic transmission vehicles like the Prius, whereas C1 offers flexibility to drive both manual and automatic. The downside is that with a C2 license, renting a manual car or switching to a job requiring manual driving becomes impossible, limiting its practicality. Automatic transmissions are safer, reducing distractions from gear shifting and lowering accident rates, making them ideal for beginners prioritizing safety.
I compared C1 and C2, and chose C2 for convenience. Learning is faster, the test takes just a few days, and the cost is lower. C1 manual transmission is more challenging, requiring more time and money. In actual driving, C2 only allows automatic transmission vehicles, which are sufficient for modern cars; C1 is more versatile, but automatic transmissions are now widespread. The downside is not being able to rent manual cars when traveling. A C2 license is simpler and better suited to modern life, making it the first choice for young car owners.
