What is the difference between upgrading a license and directly applying for one?

[CarlosRose]

The main differences between directly applying for a B2 license and upgrading to a B2 license are that upgrading requires taking the test twice and paying two fees. Directly applying for a B2 license means you do not need to pay the C1 application fee. 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 violations, no drunk driving, or other major violations before applying for the B2 upgrade. Differences between C1 and B2 licenses: 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. Location for application: 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.

[Lukas]

As someone who has been driving for over a decade, I've gone through the entire process of adding a license class. Adding a license class means obtaining a driver's license for another vehicle type when you already have one—for example, upgrading from a C1 (passenger car) to a D (motorcycle) license. This requires retaking the exams, but it's easier than applying from scratch: you might skip part of the theory test, and the road test omits basic operations. Applying from scratch means starting as a complete beginner, learning traffic rules and practicing maneuvers like reverse parking. Time-wise, adding a license class is usually faster by a few weeks since you already have driving experience and don't need to relearn basics like starting and stopping. Costs are also lower, as you avoid paying for duplicate training. However, note that after adding a license class, there's a new probation period with stricter penalty point rules, and your license's validity period will reset.

[DelEdward]

A while ago during driving lessons, there was an uncle in our class who had held a C license for many years and was now upgrading to an E license to drive a three-wheeler for deliveries. He said it was much easier for him compared to us who were directly taking the C1 test—he only needed to study the additional content for the theory test, and the practical test was also simplified. Unlike me, who had to memorize the question bank and practice S-turns every day, he only needed about 20 hours of practice, while I spent nearly 50 hours for the direct test. However, the uncle complained that the penalty points system is stricter after upgrading, and there's a one-year probation period for the new license. Although the direct test is more exhausting, getting the license in one go is much simpler.

[Felicity]

The fundamental difference lies in the qualification review process. Adding a license is an upgrade for existing license holders, where the traffic management bureau will verify the status of your original license, such as penalty point records. Some exam content may be exempted, like safety and civilization knowledge, with the road test focusing more on the operation of the newly added vehicle type. Direct testing involves a full process after verifying identity and health certificates. The medical examination for adding a license is stricter, requiring no record of major accidents. After merging licenses, the validity period is calculated based on the new vehicle type. The learning records also differ; adding a license will be linked to the original file management.