Do I Need to Retake the Driving Test If My Driver's License Expires?
2 Answers
Whether you need to retake the driving test after your driver's license expires depends on how long it has been expired. If your driver's license has been expired for less than one year, you can go to the vehicle management office with your expired license, ID card, and a health certificate to apply for a renewal. If it has been expired for more than one year but less than three years, you will need to pass the subject one test before you can renew your license. If it has been expired for more than three years, the license will be automatically canceled, and you will need to go through the process of learning and testing at a driving school again to obtain a new license. Here are some important notes about using a driver's license: Validity period: A driver's license is only valid for a certain period, and driving with an expired license is illegal. Avoid accumulating 12 penalty points within 12 months: A driver's license has 12 points that can be deducted within a 12-month period. If you accumulate 12 points, you will need to attend a training session at the local vehicle management office and pass a test. If you fail the test, you will need to retake it until you pass before you can get your license back.
I remember last year when I checked my driver's license, I realized it had been expired for over three months. I hurried to the DMV and found out that within one year of expiration, I didn't need to retake the test—just a direct renewal. I brought my ID card and old license, and the process was quite fast. However, if it's been over one year but less than three years, you'll need to pass the theoretical test (Subject 1) before getting a renewal. If it's been over three years, everything is void, and you'll have to start from scratch, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. I advise everyone not to be as careless as I was. Regularly check the validity period using the Traffic Management 12123 App and apply for renewal 90 days in advance. Otherwise, if caught driving with an expired license, not only will you face fines, but insurance won't cover any accidents—truly not worth the risk. Develop good habits for safety and peace of mind; don't wait until something goes wrong to regret it.
