What kind of driver's license is required to drive a semi-trailer?
2 Answers
A Class A2 driver's license is required to drive a semi-trailer. According to the relevant provisions of the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses" (Order No. 123 of the Ministry of Public Security), holders of a legally valid Class A2 driver's license in China can drive full trailers and semi-trailers. A full trailer is one where the total weight of the trailer is borne by itself, while a semi-trailer is one where part of the total weight of the trailer is borne by the tractor. More information about the driver's license is as follows: 1. Conditions for applying to add a tractor-trailer driving category: To apply for a tractor-trailer driving category, the applicant must have held a medium-sized bus or large truck driving qualification for at least three years, or have held a large bus driving qualification for at least one year, and must not have accumulated 12 penalty points in the three scoring cycles prior to the application. 2. Other vehicle types that a Class A2 license can drive: B1 (medium-sized bus), B2 (large truck), C1 (small car), C2 (small automatic transmission car), C3 (low-speed truck), C4 (three-wheeled car), M (wheeled self-propelled machinery). 3. Can a Class A1 license drive a tractor-trailer? The Class A2 license is specifically for tractor-trailers, which can tow heavy and medium-sized full/semi-trailers. Only drivers with a Class A2 license can drive such tractor-trailers; drivers with a Class A1 license cannot drive tractor-trailers.
Driving a semi-trailer truck requires an A2 driver's license as a basic requirement. Having driven for many years, I've seen many people mistakenly think they can handle it with any license, only to face serious trouble when caught. Obtaining an A2 license isn't easy—you must be at least 24 years old and have held a B2 license for at least two years. You need to enroll in a driving school to learn theoretical knowledge and practical skills, such as trailer reversing and hill starts, which must be mastered. The tuition fee typically ranges from four to five thousand yuan, and practicing semi-trailer coupling and uncoupling at the training ground is crucial. If you plan to drive freight trucks regularly, an A2 license allows you to legally haul cargo containers or trailers, but don’t overlook safety details like longer braking distances and larger blind spots. If caught driving without the proper license, a fine of over 2,000 yuan is the least of your worries—you could face detention, vehicle impoundment, or even livelihood disruptions. It’s advisable to prepare early and enroll in a reputable training institution.
