Can I apply for a long-term driver's license if I haven't received any demerit points in 6 years?
4 Answers
If you haven't been deducted 12 points in any cycle during the six years, you can replace your driver's license with a 10-year validity one after six years. Here are the specific details about driver's licenses: 1. License renewal regulations: If a motor vehicle driver hasn't accumulated 12 penalty points in any scoring cycle during the six-year validity period of the driver's license, they can replace it with a 10-year validity license; if they haven't accumulated 12 penalty points in any scoring cycle during the 10-year validity period, they can replace it with a long-term valid driver's license. 2. Content: A motor vehicle driver's license records the holder's ID number, name, gender, date of birth, long-term address, nationality, permitted driving (learning) vehicle type code, initial license issuance date, validity period and management records, with the issuing authority's seal, file number and the holder's photo. The style of motor vehicle driver's license is stipulated by the Ministry of Public Security.
I've been driving for almost ten years and know the ins and outs of driver's licenses. Going six years without penalty points does qualify you for a long-term license, but there are two steps: first, exchange for a 10-year validity license, then drive another ten years while maintaining a clean record (no 12-point deductions) to qualify for a permanent one. That's exactly how I did it – one red light violation or speeding ticket during that time would've reset the clock. Now with the long-term license, it's much more convenient as I don't need frequent DMV visits. Reminder: get a medical check before renewal, clear all traffic violations, and bring your original ID to the service window. If you've ever accumulated penalty points during the process, you'll only qualify for the standard 6-year license. Drive carefully – the long-term license is absolutely worth it.
As a long-distance driver, I find the long-term driver's license particularly practical for us. If you haven't received a single penalty point for six consecutive years, congratulations—you can apply for a ten-year validity license. But this is just a transitional phase. To obtain a lifetime license, you must maintain a record of no more than 12 penalty points in each scoring cycle over the next ten years. A few veteran drivers I know have achieved this, and the key is their strict adherence to traffic rules. Here's a small detail to note: even if you haven't received any penalty points in six years, you still need to submit a physical condition certificate when renewing your license. Additionally, if you're over seventy, even with a long-term license, you must undergo an annual medical check-up. Safe driving really saves a lot of hassle.
Just accompanied a friend to renew the driver's license and inquired about this. Indeed, if no points were deducted within six years, a 10-year validity driver's license can be issued. However, the ultimate goal is the long-term license, which requires maintaining a clean record throughout the second 10-year cycle. My friend specifically checked that the scoring cycle is calculated based on the full year from the license issuance date, not the calendar year. Before renewal, it's essential to verify if the violation records have been cleared, and the medical report must be valid within three months. Actually, the biggest advantage of a long-term license is avoiding the hassle of frequent renewals, especially for those who travel frequently on business. With driving tests being so challenging nowadays, maintaining zero points deduction truly tests one's driving skills.
