Can a downgraded driver's license be restored?
3 Answers
It is possible to restore a downgraded motor vehicle driver's license. If the driver's license was downgraded due to traffic violations or illegal activities, and the driver wishes to restore the original permitted vehicle types, they need to enroll in a driving school and pass additional tests to regain the original permitted vehicle types. Process for upgrading a driver's license: Enroll in a driving school with A-class training qualifications, provide ID card, household registration, five white-background color photos, and the original driver's license; pay the fee after enrollment approval; undergo legal training; after passing the legal test, take the field driving test (e.g., pole test); after passing the field test, take the road test, and wait for the upgrade to complete after passing the road test. Downgrading does not apply to small cars or motorcycles. It is important to note that if eligible for downgrading, only the highest-level permitted vehicle type can be downgraded at a time. For example, if holding a B1 and B2 level driver's license, only B1 will be downgraded first. Drivers holding licenses for large buses, tractors, city buses, medium buses, or large trucks will have their highest permitted vehicle type revoked by the vehicle management office under the following circumstances, and they will be notified to complete the downgrade and license replacement within 30 days: Being involved in a traffic accident resulting in death and bearing equal or greater responsibility, without constituting a crime. Having a full 12-point penalty in one scoring cycle. Failing to undergo inspection for three consecutive scoring cycles. If the driver fails to complete the downgrade and license replacement within the specified time, the vehicle management office will announce the revocation of the permitted vehicle type. After completing the downgrade and license replacement, if the driver applies to restore the revoked permitted vehicle type, they must not have a full 12-point penalty in the current and the most recent scoring cycle before application, nor have been involved in a traffic accident resulting in death with equal or greater responsibility. Process for downgrading the highest permitted vehicle type: After passing the relevant tests, receive the "Motor Vehicle Driver Illegal Full-Point Test Information Feedback Notice" (for A and B class licenses, the downgrade information will be noted on the notice). After the suspension period ends, bring the ID card and the notice to the traffic police department where the license was suspended to retrieve the driver's license. Submit the following documents to the issuing vehicle management office to complete the downgrade and license replacement (must have no pending traffic violations, processed within one working day): Original "Motor Vehicle Driver's License Application Form". Original and copy of the driver's ID. Original motor vehicle driver's license. Three recent half-length, front-facing, white-background color photos (submit a digital photo collection receipt if required locally).
I've been driving for over twenty years and experienced the process of having my driver's license downgraded and then restored. That time, I was penalized with a downgrade from Class A to Class B due to speeding, and I felt like my world had collapsed. Later, I learned that I could register for a safety training course at the vehicle management office, where I studied new traffic regulations and safe driving knowledge. Passing the exam allowed me to restore my original license class. I signed up, spent a month reviewing the theory and road test content, and passed the exam on my first try, successfully restoring my license. The entire process took about two to three months, with low costs but requiring patience. I advise my friends to focus on prevention—drive within speed limits, avoid running red lights or drunk driving, and remember that safety comes first above all else. After the restoration, I became more cautious while driving, keeping in mind that following the rules protects both myself and others.
As a young driver who just got my license less than two years ago, I pay close attention to the relevant rules. It is indeed possible to restore a downgraded driver's license, and I know it's achieved through re-learning and re-testing. Specifically, you need to apply for training at the DMV, take a theoretical exam covering traffic signs and safety knowledge, and upon passing, your original license level can be restored. My friend, who had his license downgraded for running a red light, successfully restored it. He said the process was simple but time-consuming. It's best not to violate traffic rules, as a downgrade can affect daily commuting, and there's a chance you might fail the restoration exam. Driving in compliance with traffic signals and speed limits can spare you all this trouble—how much better that would be!
