
Automatic transmission C1 and C2 mainly have the following differences: C1 can drive two types of vehicles: C1 can drive both manual and automatic transmission vehicles, while C2 can only drive automatic transmission vehicles. Appendix 1 of the Ministry of Public Security Order No. 139 clearly stipulates the vehicles they are allowed to drive. The vehicle types that C2 is allowed to drive can all be driven by C1, but the vehicle types that C1 is allowed to drive may not necessarily be driven by C2. Permitted vehicle types: C1 is permitted to drive small and micro passenger cars, as well as light and micro trucks; light and micro special operation vehicles. Other permitted vehicle types include C2, C3, and C4. 3. C2 is permitted to drive small and micro automatic transmission passenger cars, as well as light and micro automatic transmission trucks.

As a young person who just got my driver's license, I found that the main difference between C1 and C2 lies in the transmission type. A C1 license allows driving both manual and automatic transmission small vehicles, requiring practice with gear shifting and clutch control during the test, making it more challenging. I chose C1 for flexibility—just in case a friend lends me a manual car, I can drive it without issues. However, C2 only permits driving automatic transmission vehicles, eliminating the hassle of clutch control and making the learning process much simpler, ideal for those who prefer automatic and want an easier route. Driving school instructors mentioned that C2 has a higher pass rate and might be slightly cheaper. In the long run, C1 offers broader applicability, but since most modern cars are automatic, C2 can handle daily needs just fine. My advice to young people is to choose based on time and budget—opting for C1 isn’t a bad deal, as learning extra skills is always beneficial.

Having been a driving instructor for over a decade, I can say the fundamental difference between C1 and C2 licenses boils down to manual transmission privileges. C1 holders can operate any small vehicle's gearbox, with test components covering starting, gear shifting, and hill starts—students must master clutch control, where a slight misstep can stall the engine. C2 is restricted to automatic transmission only, featuring simplified operations without a clutch pedal, making practice sessions significantly easier. From our teaching experience, C2 learners progress faster with shorter test durations, making it ideal for beginners or busy professionals. However, practical needs should guide the choice: C2 suffices for urban commuting where manual cars are rare, while C1 offers more flexibility for rural areas or road trips. Before enrollment, we recommend consulting experienced drivers—don't blindly follow trends, always prioritize safety.

As a parent of two children, I researched the differences between C1 and C2 licenses when helping them choose. C1 allows driving both manual and automatic transmission vehicles, while C2 is limited to automatics. This small difference has significant implications: C1 exams are more complex, requiring gear-shifting skills, with slightly lower pass rates; C2 is simplified - just press accelerator or brake, making it easier to pass. Personally, I recommend C2 for beginners since most new cars are automatic nowadays, saving the hassle of learning manual transmission while being safer to drive. As parents, our priority is children's safety - C2's simpler operation means fewer distractions. While C1 offers more versatility, C2 is sufficient for most people unless required by work.


