Procedures for changing class e driver's license

1. What is an E driver's license?

An E driver's license is a type of license commonly used to drive passenger vehicles, including tourist buses with over 30 seats (including the driver) and heavy vehicles weighing over 3500kg. It also includes the vehicles specified for B1, B2, C, and D licenses. Individuals with B1, B2, C, D, and E licenses are allowed to tow a trailer with a maximum designed weight of 750kg. The E driver's license requires upgrading from a driver with 3-5 years of experience in driving C or D class vehicles, so focusing on the psychological aspects and mastering the rules can greatly increase the success rate for obtaining this license.

2. Information about the E driver's license. Which vehicles can be driven with an E license?

This is the most frequently asked question for those who are researching and interested in obtaining an E driver's license. Other common questions include: What is the minimum age for obtaining an E license, and how long is the validity period? Can an E license be upgraded to other license classes? The specific information is as follows:

2.1. Which vehicles can be driven with an E license?

An E license is issued to drivers to operate the following types of vehicles: Passenger cars with over 30 seats; Vehicles specified for B1, B2, C, and D licenses. Individuals with B1, B2, C, D, and E licenses are allowed to tow a trailer with a maximum designed weight of 750kg. Specifically, the E license is primarily used to drive passenger cars and tourist buses with over 30 seats. Of course, the E license can also be used to drive cars with 4-9 seats, 9-16-30 seats, and large trucks weighing over 3500kg. Additionally, when driving the above-mentioned vehicles, the driver is allowed to tow a trailer with a maximum designed weight of 750kg.

2.2 Ways to obtain an E driver's license:

Due to the legal nature of the E driver's license, which allows driving vehicles carrying 10 or more people, the requirements for an E driver's license are higher than those for B and C licenses. Those who apply for an E driver's license must have driving experience and a certain number of safe driving kilometers. Therefore, it is not possible to directly learn to drive with an E license, but rather to upgrade from a C or D license to an E license. The specific requirements are as follows:

For upgrading from C to E:

Minimum driving experience of 5 years or more
Must have completed 100,000km of safe driving
For upgrading from D to E:

Minimum driving experience of 3 years or more
Must have completed 50,000km of safe driving
Additionally, when upgrading to an E license, you need to provide a notarized copy of your junior high school graduation certificate (completion of 9th grade) and meet the health examination requirements for drivers.

2.3 Age and validity period of the E license:

So, at what age can one learn to drive with an E license?

In addition to meeting the general health and document requirements, learners must also meet the minimum age requirement for learning to drive with an E license, which is ≥ 27 years old on the day of the exam. Additionally, you need to have a junior high school graduation certificate or equivalent to be approved for the E license exam. According to the regulations stated in Circular 12/2017/TT-BGTVT, the specific validity period for the E driver's license is as follows:

The E driver's license has a validity period of 5 years from the date of issuance.
Therefore, the E license has the same validity period as other heavy vehicle licenses, which is 5 years. After the expiration, individuals with the license must renew it to continue using their license.

3. Which license classes can be upgraded from an E license?

Although an E license allows drivers to operate relatively large vehicles and drive vehicles of class B1, B2, and C, there are still limitations compared to E FE and E FC licenses. Therefore, for future prospects and job requirements, drivers may need to obtain a higher-class license to drive larger vehicles. The Ministry of Transport also grants permission for drivers to upgrade their E license, as specified in Clause 14, Article 7 of Circular 12/2017/TT-BGTVT, as follows:

Upgrade from E to F: 192 hours (theory: 48 hours, practical driving: 144 hours)
Upgrade from E to FC: 272 hours (theory: 48 hours, practical driving: 224 hours)
Accordingly, an E license can be upgraded to F or FC if the applicant meets the above conditions. Drivers should remember the information mentioned above to facilitate the process of upgrading their E license and meet their own needs.