What is the difference between C1 and B2?
2 Answers
Driver's license C1 and B2 differences are as follows: Different test items: C1's subject two only tests 5 items. B2 requires testing 16 items, and subject three B2 has a longer test distance than C1, plus an additional night driving test. Different purposes for obtaining the license: Most people who obtain a C1 license do so for personal driving. B2 license holders are mostly engaged in transportation. Different annual review times: C1 does not require study as long as no points are deducted, with a review every 6 years. B2 requires study even if only one point is deducted, with an annual review. Different vehicle types allowed to drive: C1 can drive small and micro passenger cars, as well as light and micro trucks, and light, small, and micro special operation vehicles. B2 license allows driving heavy and medium-duty trucks or large, heavy, and medium-duty special operation vehicles, with heavy and medium-duty trucks mainly being trucks.
I'm a new driver who just got my license, and my friends often ask me about the difference between C1 and B2. Simply put, a C1 license is for driving small cars, such as family sedans and SUVs, which are suitable for daily commutes or personal trips. On the other hand, a B2 license is for driving large trucks, including medium-sized trucks or heavy-duty freight vehicles, mainly used for transportation work. From an exam perspective, when I studied for C1, it only took me a few weeks, focusing on small car handling, which was much easier. However, my friends studying for B2 said the difficulty increases significantly, requiring practice with large vehicle reversing, slopes, etc., with longer training periods and higher costs—at least several thousand yuan more. In terms of practicality, for someone like me, a C1 license is sufficient—it's simpler and more cost-effective. But if you want to enter the logistics industry and drive trucks for extra income, B2 is a must. The key difference lies in the vehicle type: C1 vehicles are compact and agile, while B2 vehicles are large and require more experience. In terms of driving safety, larger vehicles carry higher risks, so the license requirements are stricter.
