What is the difference between adding a license and direct testing?
5 Answers
The main differences between direct testing and adding a license are: Adding a license requires taking the test twice and paying fees twice. For example, upgrading from C1 to B2 means you don't need to pay the C1 registration fee if you directly test for B2. Additionally, upgrading from C1 to B2 requires that the C1 license has been held for at least one year, with no more than 12 penalty points, no speeding, drunk driving, or other major violations before applying for the B2 upgrade. Differences between C1 and B2: 1. Age requirement for application: C1 can be applied for at 18 years old, while B2 requires the applicant to be at least 21 years old. 2. Types of vehicles allowed to drive: C1 permits driving the following vehicle types: C1 small cars; C2 small automatic transmission cars; C3 low-speed trucks; C4 three-wheeled cars. B2 permits driving the following vehicle types: B2 large trucks; C1 small cars; C2 small automatic transmission cars; C3 low-speed trucks; C4 three-wheeled cars; M wheeled self-propelled machinery. 3. Difference in application locations: C1 can be applied for at any city's vehicle management office. B2 must be applied for at the vehicle management office in the applicant's registered residence location.
Adding a license means you already have a driver's license and then go for a new vehicle type permit, which is much easier than starting from scratch. Last time I upgraded from a C1 to a motorcycle license, it only took me two days to get it done because I already knew the basic traffic rules and operations from driving before, so the exam focused on practicing new skills. Taking the test directly means going through the entire process of obtaining a license for the first time, which involves learning theory, practicing in a closed course, and on-road driving. Starting from scratch might take over a month. The advantage of adding a license is saving time and effort, as the exam content is simplified, but you need to ensure your existing driving habits are good. Taking the test directly, although time-consuming, provides a more solid foundation and is suitable for beginners. However, both require passing the road test and safety assessment—this is the common point. When it comes to driving, it's best to choose based on your own experience and needs, and don't force yourself into it.
Adding a driving category means expanding the permitted vehicle types on your existing license. For example, after obtaining a car license, you might take tests for motorcycles or large vehicles. During the exam, the focus shifts more to the differences between the old and new vehicle types. Having driven for over a decade and added categories several times, I can say examiners mainly assess your control over the new vehicle type, skipping repetitive basic rule learning. Taking a direct test means going through the full process of obtaining a license for the first time, starting from scratch with all subjects to pass. The difference is evident in exam difficulty and preparation time: adding a category is usually quicker and cheaper, while direct testing takes longer and costs more. The key is that your existing driving experience can help, but don’t overlook safety. My advice: if your skills are solid, adding a category is more convenient; if you’re a beginner, taking the direct test is safer.
If you're just starting to learn driving like I did, getting a driver's license directly can be quite troublesome. You have to go through theoretical courses, field training, and road tests from scratch, taking several weeks to finally obtain it. But later, when I upgraded from a C1 license to an automatic transmission car, it was much simpler because the basic traffic knowledge was still there, and I only needed to familiarize myself with the new vehicle's operations. The test didn't require as many items to pass. License upgrades are generally suitable for those who already have a license and want to add a new category, saving effort; direct testing is the necessary path for beginners who are new to driving. The difference between the two lies in the time and effort invested: upgrading is faster and more straightforward, allowing you to hit the road immediately after passing; direct testing provides a more comprehensive foundation but takes longer. Don't overlook the cost factor either—upgrading is often cheaper. In short, choose based on your needs, and don't rush into upgrading just to save effort—safety comes first.
From a time and money perspective, there's a notable difference between license upgrading and direct testing. I've done the math: with upgrading, some skills are already mastered, the exam process is more compact, saving on registration and training fees, and it might take just a week to complete. Direct testing requires starting from scratch, spending more hours on theoretical knowledge and practical training, with higher costs and a longer duration. The core difference is that upgrading builds on existing experience, with examiners focusing on new vehicle capabilities, while direct testing covers all driving fundamentals. This affects safe driving habits; if the basics aren't solid when upgrading, mistakes are more likely. So my advice is, if you're planning your budget and schedule, upgrading is efficient but don't take it lightly; direct testing, though slower, provides a more secure foundation. Experienced drivers are better off upgrading, while newcomers should opt for the steadier path of direct testing. It's also crucial to regularly check license requirements to avoid confusing these two paths.
