Want to become a truck driver but unsure what license you need to drive a truck? This article from Xe Tải Mỹ Đình will detail the different types of truck driving licenses, their operating permissions, and examination requirements.
Various types of driving licenses
Driving License B2: Driving Trucks Under 3.5 Tons
The B2 driving license is common, allowing you to drive cars with fewer than 9 seats, trucks, and tractor-trailers under 3,500 kg. Driving a light truck requires a B2 license. There are two types of B2 licenses:
B2 License (For Professional Drivers)
This is for people who drive for a living, wanting to drive specialized trucks under 3.5 tons or work as taxi or service vehicle drivers. The license is valid for 10 years.
B1 License (Non-Professional) – Rarely Issued Now
Previously, the B1 license was issued to those who did not drive professionally, only driving automatic cars with fewer than 9 seats and automatic trucks under 3.5 tons. Due to the short validity period (5 years) and powers nearly equal to B2, few training centers now offer B1 licenses.
Requirements for the B2 exam: Be 18 years old on the date of the exam.
Driving License C: Driving Trucks Over 3.5 Tons
What license do you need to drive a heavy truck? It’s the C license. The C driving license allows you to operate:
- Trucks, including specialized trucks, with a designed weight of 3,500 kg or more.
- Tractors pulling a trailer with a designed weight of 3,500 kg or more.
- Vehicles specified for driving licenses of classes B1 and B2.
Requirements for the C exam: Be 21 years old on the date of the exam. The license is valid for 5 years.
License C allows driving heavy trucks
Other Truck Driving License Classes (D, E, F, FC)
- License D: Driving vehicles carrying from 10 to 30 people and vehicles specified in class C.
- License E: Driving vehicles carrying over 30 people and vehicles specified in class D.
- License F: Driving vehicles towing trailers or passenger cars in combination (for people who already have a B2, D, or E license).
- License FC: Driving class C vehicles towing trailers, tractors pulling semi-trailers (for people who already have a C license).
Licenses D, E, F, and FC require drivers to have experience and a certain number of safe kilometers driven. Usually, you must upgrade from a B or C license. The license is valid for 3 years.
Conclusion
Clearly understanding what license you need to drive a truck will help you choose the right type of driving license for your job requirements. Contact Xe Tải Mỹ Đình for detailed advice on truck models and driving license procedures.
