Can a B1 License Downgraded to C1 Be Restored to B1?
2 Answers
To restore a B1 license after it has been downgraded to a C1 license, you must take and pass the corresponding upgrade examination as required by regulations. To upgrade from a C1 driver's license to a B1 license, the following requirements must be met: Hold a C1 driver's license for more than three years; No record of accumulating 12 penalty points in any of the last three consecutive scoring cycles; Age between 21 and 50 years old; Height of at least 150 centimeters; Unaided or corrected visual acuity of at least 5.0 on the logarithmic visual acuity chart for both eyes; Ability to discern the direction of sound sources with each ear at a distance of 50 centimeters from a tuning fork; Normal upper limbs with both thumbs intact and at least three fingers intact on each hand, with normal limb and finger movement functions; Normal lower limbs with both legs intact and normal movement functions, with a length difference of no more than 5 centimeters.
I'm a seasoned driver with over 20 years of experience. Back then, I downgraded from a B1 to a C1 license because I accumulated too many demerit points from a violation. Restoring a B1 license isn't simple—you have to retake the entire driving test from scratch. You'll need to undergo a physical examination at a county-level hospital to confirm you meet the health standards, then register for both the theory and road tests. The whole process is just as tedious as when you first learned to drive. I often share this experience in my community to remind everyone to drive carefully and avoid downgrading lightly, as the restoration process is time-consuming and costly. But safety always comes first. If you genuinely need to restore your license, act sooner rather than later and find a coach familiar with the policies to help you plan.
