What Type of Driver's License is Required for Large Buses
2 Answers
Large buses require an A1 driver's license. Below are the relevant details:1. Upgrading from C1: Large buses require an A1 license, while large trucks require a B2 license. Neither can be obtained directly; the minimum requirement is upgrading from a C1 license. You can upgrade to B2 after holding a C1 license for one year, and to B1 after three years. Upgrades can only be processed at the location of your household registration.2. Requirements for upgrading from C1 to B1: Hold a C1 driver's license for more than three years, have no record of drunk driving, and be aged between 21 and 50 years old.3. Definition of a driver's license: A motor vehicle driver's license is a legal document issued by the administrative authorities, certifying that the holder has learned and mastered traffic regulations and driving skills, and has passed the relevant tests, permitting them to drive a certain type of motor vehicle.
Driving a large bus is not something to be taken lightly. I remember driving for decades before wanting to try a bus, only to realize that a specialized A1 license is mandatory. A regular car license simply won’t do, because buses are enormous, carrying dozens of people, and require extra stability in turns and braking. Obtaining an A1 license is no easy task—it requires about a month of additional training, covering skills like reversing, emergency stops, and passenger management. During my training, I simulated mountain road turns; losing control could easily lead to a rollover, so safety always comes first. On the road, traffic police conduct strict checks—getting caught without the proper license means immediate fines, points deducted, and sky-high insurance premiums. I’ve even heard of some rookies cutting corners with fake licenses, only to cause accidents they couldn’t afford to compensate for, losing their jobs in the process. Regular annual inspections are also essential to keep skills sharp and uphold the trust placed in us.
