Will a C1 driver's license automatically upgrade to B2?
4 Answers
C1 driver's license will not automatically upgrade to B2. The following is relevant extended information: 1. Requirements for upgrading from C1 to B2: To apply for a B2 license upgrade with an existing C1 driver's license, you must have held the C1 license for at least one year, and have no record of accumulating 12 penalty points in the current scoring cycle or the previous scoring cycle before application. If these conditions are met, you can apply for the upgrade at a driving school in the license issuing location with your ID card and driver's license. 2. Required materials for license upgrade: 'Motor Vehicle Driver's License Application Form', applicant's identity proof, medical condition certificate issued by a county-level or above medical institution or a military medical institution at or above the regimental level, applicant's motor vehicle driver's license. For those applying to add large bus or tractor driving categories as part of full-time driving vocational education, school enrollment proof must also be submitted.
A C1 driver's license does not automatically upgrade to a B2. I also thought back then that driving for a long time would allow an upgrade, but later learned that I had to re-enroll in a driving school. Taking the B2 test is completely different from C1—B2 allows you to drive large trucks and heavy special-purpose vehicles, and the test includes more complex operations like reverse parking and warehouse maneuvering. I specifically asked the DMV before, and they said you must first pass a theory test, followed by three stages: yard driving and road tests. Now, I’ve heard they’ve even added a night driving test, making it stricter. Friends planning to upgrade should remember to bring a medical report, and note that the probation period for B2 is longer—if you accumulate over 6 penalty points during probation, the period will be extended.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I've seen too many people misunderstand that driver's licenses can be automatically upgraded. C1 to B2? Impossible. The permitted vehicle types for these two license classes are vastly different, like comparing a regular sedan to a 10-ton truck. You have to personally return to driving school to relearn and retake all tests, from Subject One to Subject Four. My neighbor wanted to upgrade last year but discovered his left eye vision didn't meet the standard and couldn't even pass the physical exam. If you really want to drive trucks for income, it's better to first consult the local transportation authority about the latest policies. Currently, freight transport qualifications and driver's licenses are managed separately - after obtaining a B2 license, you still need to apply for an operating permit before you can haul cargo.
A driver's license isn't something that automatically levels up like in video games, especially when upgrading from C1 to B2 which involves crossing license categories. My driving instructor repeatedly emphasized during my training: each license type requires independent certification. If you want to drive medium-sized trucks, you'll need to enroll in full-time training - typically an intensive two-month course with tuition starting around 7,000-8,000 yuan nowadays. The testing standards are much stricter too; maneuvering those large trucks for parallel parking is far more challenging than handling a Santana in driving school. After passing, don't rush to take jobs immediately - practice more with empty trucks borrowed from friends first. Oh, and B2 licenses have stricter demerit point rules, so be extra careful about overloading and speeding.
