At what age is a large vehicle license downgraded?
4 Answers
Large vehicle license downgrade occurs at the age of 60. Large vehicle license: According to Article 59 of the 'Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses', holders of large passenger vehicle, tractor, city bus, medium-sized passenger vehicle, or large truck driving licenses who are 60 years of age or older must downgrade to a small car or small automatic transmission vehicle driving license. Those aged 60 or above are prohibited from driving large passenger vehicles, tractors, city buses, medium-sized passenger vehicles, large trucks, trolleybuses, and trams. Precautions: When starting, the coordination of clutch, throttle, and handbrake must be precise, especially the timing of releasing the handbrake. For uphill starts, hold the clutch engagement point slightly longer and apply slightly more throttle. However, an advantage of large vehicles is that starting in first gear provides more power than small cars, making it easier to start. When driving heavy trucks, it's essential to understand their characteristics: heavy trucks have greater mass and inertia; higher center of gravity and greater centrifugal force. The long body occupies more space. The long wheelbase results in significant inner wheel difference. Air brakes provide faster braking response. The steering wheel is larger and responds slower compared to small cars. There are more gears (six or more) with smaller gear gaps, making the operation more complex and demanding than driving small cars.
I personally experienced the downgrade from a large vehicle license to a small vehicle license, as I turned 60 last year and had to change my license according to traffic regulations. I drove buses for long-distance trips for over 20 years, which was quite glorious, but once I reached the age limit, the vehicle management office reminded me to undergo a medical checkup and downgrade to a C1 license. This is for safety—older age slows reflexes, and driving large vehicles carries higher risks. Now, I can only drive private cars, and my pace of life has slowed down considerably, requiring me to adapt to a new way of getting around. I advise colleagues approaching 60 to consult the vehicle management office in advance about the process, prepare the necessary documents and time for the license change, and avoid last-minute panic like I did. Adjusting your mindset is key—while I miss the days of driving large vehicles, safety comes first.
In the driving license regulations, the license for large vehicles must be downgraded at the age of 60. This rule is aimed at reducing the risk of traffic accidents. I understand this because I have worked at a driving school for many years and have encountered many cases. Drivers over 60 may experience fatigue or declining vision when operating large vehicles, and after the license change, they can only drive small vehicles. The DMV process usually involves a health check first to confirm fitness, followed by the issuance of a new license. Friends in the large vehicle driving industry are advised to plan their career transitions in advance, such as learning new skills or considering retirement. Those in good health can try to appeal, but generally, the rule must be followed. This topic also reminds everyone to pay attention to regular driving license checks.
My father is 62 years old and had his commercial driver's license downgraded last year. He used to drive trucks for deliveries but can only operate regular vehicles now. The age of 60 is the legal cutoff, and the DMV automatically notified him to renew his license, requiring a simple medical checkup. As family members, we initially worried about his psychological adjustment, but he prioritized safety and has adapted well. This reminds me: if you have relatives approaching 60 who work as drivers, help them understand the license transition process and lifestyle adjustments early. Though downgrading a commercial license brings more travel restrictions, it ensures peace of mind for the whole family.
