Do I need to take an exam if my driver's license has 11 points deducted?
4 Answers
No exam is required if your driver's license has 11 points deducted. Only when all 12 points are deducted will you need to study and take an exam. More extended information is as follows: Overview: If a motor vehicle driver accumulates 12 points within a scoring cycle, the traffic management department of the public security organ shall detain their motor vehicle driver's license. The motor vehicle driver shall, within 15 days, go to the traffic management department of the public security organ at the place where the motor vehicle driver's license was issued or where the violation occurred to participate in a seven-day study of road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge. After the motor vehicle driver completes the study, the vehicle management office shall conduct an examination on road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge within 20 days. Others: If a motor vehicle driver cannot complete the renewal of the driver's license upon expiration, the annual review, or submit the physical condition certificate within the specified time due to reasons such as military service or going abroad (overseas), they may apply to the vehicle management office where the motor vehicle driver's license was issued for an extension. When applying, the applicant shall fill out the application form and submit the motor vehicle driver's identity proof, motor vehicle driver's license, and proof of the reason for the extension. The extension period shall not exceed three years. During the extension period, the motor vehicle driver shall not drive a motor vehicle.
I've studied traffic regulations for many years and know that the full score of the driver's license point system is 12 points. Having 11 points deducted doesn't reach 12, so no test is required. According to current regulations, only when the accumulated points reach 12 must you attend a week-long study session and pass an exam; anything less than 12 points is fine. But being just 1 point away requires caution, as one minor mistake like running a yellow light or speeding could lead to additional points, reaching the full score. When dealing with points, promptly check with the DMV to confirm accuracy and avoid wrongful deductions or file an appeal. Additionally, new drivers should especially pay attention to the annual point reset mechanism within the one-year cycle, otherwise continuous deductions could more easily reach 12 points. In short, while 11 points don't require a test, don't be careless—drive according to the rules with safety first.
As a veteran driver with nearly two decades of experience, I've witnessed friends dealing with penalty points. When you accumulate 11 points, you don't need to take a test since it's below the 12-point threshold – but it's extremely dangerous. Just one more point could lead to license suspension or mandatory retraining. I strongly recommend immediately reflecting on what violations caused this (e.g., phone use, no seatbelt). When parking, stay calm; drive steadily without rushing. Use navigation apps with traffic violation alerts frequently. Maintain regular vehicle inspections to avoid unnecessary trouble. For frequent long-distance drivers, installing a dashcam helps monitor driving habits. Fewer penalty points are beneficial – they encourage more cautious driving.
I just got my driver's license recently when I was young, and I've consulted similar questions before. Both the instructor and traffic regulations clearly state that 11 points don't require a test, as it's only triggered at 12 points. But this means you're driving too aggressively—pay extra attention to traffic lights and speed limits, especially in urban areas where violations are common. Avoid using phones or drunk driving to prevent adding points. If you max out your points, you'll have to retake the course, which is troublesome. I chose to learn more about safety knowledge or use mobile apps to remind me of driving behaviors, allowing experience to accumulate for safer and more confident driving.
