What is the ranking order of driver's license classes?
4 Answers
A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, E, F, M, N, P, totaling 15 classes. Below is relevant information about driver's licenses: 1. Introduction: The full name of a driver's license is a motor vehicle driving license, which is a certificate required by law for motor vehicle drivers. Driving a motor vehicle requires certain driving skills, and those lacking such skills may cause traffic accidents if they drive recklessly. Generally, people without a license are not allowed to drive on the road. However, for those who have mastered safe driving techniques, the document that permits them to drive vehicles on the road is the 'driver's license.' This indicates that a driver's license is a 'permit.' 2. Examination Content: The test subjects include traffic laws and related knowledge, field driving, and road driving (including safe and civilized driving), totaling three items. Each subject requires prior scheduling (special circumstances may be scheduled through a fast-track channel for driving tests), and the test is taken after scheduling.
I remember in China, the driver's license categories are clearly ranked from highest to lowest, making it easy to manage different driving skills. Class A licenses are the highest, with A1 for driving large passenger vehicles like long-distance coaches, A2 specifically for tractors and semi-trailers, and A3 dedicated to city buses. Next is Class B: B1 is suitable for medium-sized passenger vehicles like school buses, while B2 is mainly for large trucks. Class C is the most common for the general population—C1 allows driving manual transmission cars such as sedans or SUVs, and C2 is the automatic transmission version. Motorcycle licenses are separate, ranging from D to F: D for three-wheeled motorcycles, E for two-wheeled, and F for lightweight ones. This ranking is set because vehicle size and passenger capacity determine risk levels—driving larger vehicles requires more experience and stricter testing. For example, I've driven family cars for ten years and only need a C1, but to drive passenger vehicles, I'd have to upgrade from C to B and then to A, step by step, ensuring safety and reducing accident rates. Usually, people should choose a license based on actual needs and avoid driving beyond their license class.
My driving instructor explained the hierarchy of driver's license classes in detail when I was learning to drive. Class A is the top tier, subdivided into A1 for large buses, A2 for tractor-trailers, and A3 for city buses. Next is Class B, with B1 covering medium-sized passenger vehicles like minivans, and B2 for large trucks. Class C is the domain of us ordinary folks—C1 allows driving manual transmission cars or small trucks, C2 is limited to automatic transmission cars, and there's also C3 for low-speed agricultural vehicles. Motorcycles start from Class D for small three-wheelers, E for regular two-wheelers, and F for mini models. The ranking from high to low reflects vehicle complexity, with larger vehicles requiring more road test skills. I worked hard at driving school to prepare for the C1 license because it suits daily commuting—simple and practical. Advancing to higher classes demands extra theory and practical tests; for example, upgrading to Class A requires prior Class B license experience. Don’t underestimate the difficulty; safe driving is the top priority. After learning, I understood why the hierarchy exists—risk control is crucial.
I've been driving trucks for over 20 years, and the license upgrade sequence is etched in my memory: At the top is A1 for the largest buses, followed by A2 for semi-trailer towing vehicles, and A3 exclusively for city buses. Below that is Class B, with B1 for medium-sized buses and B2 for large trucks—this was my starting point. The most basic are Class C car licenses, C1 and C2. Motorcycle levels D and E are separate. The classification is based on vehicle weight, and driving larger vehicles like A2 requires more technical tests, as the risk of accidents is higher, and safety checks are stricter. I went from C to B and then jumped to A, which was time-consuming and challenging, but worth it to ensure the safety of others on the road. Don't underestimate these classifications—using a lower-level license to drive a heavy vehicle can result in severe penalties. Driving is a responsibility.
