What types of vehicles do A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2 represent?

[Kathleen]

According to Appendix 1 of China's "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses," which outlines the permitted vehicle types and their corresponding codes: An A1 driving license allows the holder to drive large passenger vehicles; an A2 license permits the operation of tractor trailers, heavy and medium-sized full trailers, and semi-trailer combinations; a B1 license is for heavy passenger vehicles; a B2 license covers heavy and medium-sized cargo vehicles, among others; a C1 license permits driving small and mini passenger vehicles, light and mini cargo vehicles, and light, small, and mini specialized operation vehicles; a C2 license allows the operation of small and mini automatic transmission passenger vehicles. As stipulated in the "Operational Standards for Motor Vehicle Driving License Services" issued by the public security department, motor vehicle driving licenses are classified into 15 levels: A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, E, F, M, N, and P. The remaining classifications are as follows: An A3 license permits driving city buses with a capacity of 10 or more passengers. A C3 license allows the operation of low-speed cargo vehicles (originally four-wheel agricultural transport vehicles). A C4 license permits driving three-wheeled vehicles (originally three-wheeled agricultural transport vehicles). A D license is for three-wheeled motorcycles with an engine displacement exceeding 50ml. An E license allows the operation of two-wheeled motorcycles with an engine displacement exceeding 50ml. An M license permits driving wheeled self-propelled machinery vehicles. An N license is for trolleybuses. A P license permits driving tramcars. According to Article 12 of the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses," applicants for a motor vehicle driving license must meet the following requirements: Applicants for small cars, small automatic transmission cars, small automatic transmission passenger vehicles for the disabled, or mopeds must be between 18 and 70 years old. Applicants for low-speed cargo vehicles, three-wheeled vehicles, ordinary three-wheeled motorcycles, ordinary two-wheeled motorcycles, or wheeled self-propelled machinery vehicles must be between 18 and 60 years old. Applicants for city buses, large trucks, trolleybuses, or tramcars must be between 20 and 50 years old. Additionally, according to relevant provisions of the "Road Traffic Safety Law": Article 19 states that driving a motor vehicle requires a valid motor vehicle driving license obtained in accordance with the law. Applicants must meet the driving permit conditions set by the public security department under the State Council. Upon passing the examination, the traffic management department of the public security authority will issue the corresponding category of motor vehicle driving license. Drivers must operate vehicles within the scope of their license and carry it while driving. Therefore, it is clear that both driving without a license and driving a vehicle that does not match the permitted vehicle type are illegal. According to the first provision of the reply from the Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council regarding the interpretation and application of the "Road Traffic Safety Law" and its implementing regulations: Driving a vehicle that does not match the permitted vehicle type on the license is, in nature, equivalent to driving without a license. In terms of penalties, based on the principle of proportionality, it may be treated as driving without a license but with a lighter penalty. Therefore, both driving without a license and driving a vehicle that does not match the permitted type are subject to Article 99, Paragraph 1 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law": Driving without a motor vehicle driving license, driving while the license is revoked, or driving during the suspension period will result in a fine imposed by the public security traffic management department and may also include detention for up to 15 days.

[VonAshley]

I'm quite familiar with these Audi model codes, which refer to specific series in the automotive world. The A1 is the current Audi A1, a compact city hatchback that has been on sale since 2010 and is a popular entry-level choice. The A2 refers to the Audi A2, a compact MPV from 1999 to 2005 that used an aluminum body to reduce weight, but has since been discontinued. The B1 is the first-generation Audi 80, launched in 1972 as a basic sedan that influenced later sporty models. The B2 is the second-generation Audi 80, born in 1978, with improved aerodynamics and enhanced driving feel. The C1 represents the first-generation Audi 100, introduced in 1968, which brought elements of luxury and comfort, similar to today's A6 predecessor. The C2 is the second-generation Audi 100, released in 1976, with improved safety and fuel efficiency. These codes document Audi's evolutionary steps, transitioning from practical cars to a premium brand, with each generation showcasing technological advancements, such as moving from the B1's manual controls to modern electronic assistance systems. Looking back at history, these older cars remain a focus for collectors, and attention should be paid to the availability of original parts during repairs.