Do I Need to Retake the Driving Test if My Driver's License Expires?
2 Answers
As long as the driver's license has not been expired for more than 3 years, you can apply for a renewal. According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses," an expired driver's license does not require retaking the test. If the license has been expired for less than one year, you can go through the normal renewal procedures at the vehicle management office. However, driving with an expired license is prohibited and will be treated as driving without a license. Circumstances requiring a test for an expired driver's license: If the driver's license has been expired for over one year, it will be deregistered. To lift the deregistration and renew the license, you must first pass the subject one test. If the license has been expired for over three years, it will be invalidated, and the driver must re-enroll in a driving school and pass all subject tests to regain driving eligibility. Procedure for handling an expired driver's license: Bring all required documents to the local vehicle management office to apply for renewal, obtain and fill out the "Motor Vehicle Driver's License Application Form," submit the completed form and documents to the staff for review, pay the processing fee upon approval, and wait 10-20 minutes to receive the new driver's license. Documents required for renewing an expired driver's license: The driver's original ID card and a copy, the motor vehicle driver's license, a one-inch color photo with a white background (front view, without a hat), and a "Physical Condition Certificate" issued by a qualified medical institution such as a secondary or higher-level hospital, township health center, community health service center, or health examination center.
My driver's license also expired last year, and I was a bit nervous about whether I'd have to retake the test from scratch. After checking the regulations, I found that it actually depends on how long it's been expired. If it's less than a year, you can just go to the DMV, fill out an application, get a physical exam, and renew your license without taking a test. However, if it's been expired for one to three years, you might need to retake the theoretical exam, such as a knowledge test on traffic rules. If it's been over three years, you'll basically have to retake the entire test. I remember reminding my friends to regularly check their license expiration dates before I renewed mine, to avoid any inconvenience. When you're used to driving every day, it's easy to overlook small details like this. If you drive with an expired license, you could be charged with driving without a license, which is a big risk. I recommend setting a reminder on your phone app—it's convenient and keeps you safe.
