What types of vehicles can be driven with a B1 or B2 driver's license?
2 Answers
A B1 driver's license allows you to drive medium-sized buses with a length of less than 6 meters and a passenger capacity of 9 to 20 people. A B2 driver's license permits the operation of heavy-duty and medium-duty trucks. However, a B1 license does not authorize the holder to drive trucks. A B2 license can be applied for directly, while a B1 license requires the applicant to already hold a C1 license and have at least three years of driving experience before upgrading. Additionally, within the three years of holding a C1 license, the applicant must not have accumulated 12 penalty points in any two scoring cycles to be eligible for a B1 license upgrade. During the C license examination, questions about the types of vehicles permitted for each license level may appear in either the first or fourth subject, emphasizing the importance of understanding the specific vehicle categories each license allows. It is crucial to note that during the probationary period for both B1 and B2 licenses, accumulating 12 penalty points will result in license revocation. Moreover, if 6 or more but fewer than 12 penalty points are accumulated during the probationary period, the probationary period will be extended by one year, and the holder must undergo additional training and testing after the probationary period ends.
When it comes to driving, I have plenty of experience. A B1 driver's license is mainly for driving medium-sized buses, such as small buses or company shuttle buses, typically with 10 to 19 seats. A B2 license is more versatile, allowing you to drive large trucks, like cargo trucks, as well as various small cars. From my own experience, when driving these vehicles, it's important not to overload them with passengers or cargo, as it can easily lead to accidents. Additionally, a B2 license also allows you to drive smaller vehicles like SUVs or vans, which is quite convenient. However, regardless of the type, don’t mistakenly think you can drive large buses or vehicles transporting hazardous materials—those require other licenses. The key is to check the permitted vehicle types listed on the back of your driver’s license, and regular vehicle inspections are also crucial, since safety always comes first.
