Do I Need to Take Tests After Obtaining a Driver's License?
3 Answers
Whether you need to take tests after obtaining a driver's license depends on the type of license. The specific requirements are as follows: Cases where no test is required: No further tests are required for licenses below Class C. For newly obtained licenses for large buses, tractors, city buses, medium-sized buses, and large trucks, you must take a test on road traffic safety laws and regulations, safe and civilized driving, emergency handling, and other knowledge within 30 days after the one-year probation period ends. Additionally, you must receive at least half an hour of traffic accident case warning education. Once you legally obtain your driver's license, no further tests are required. Cases where tests are required: There are several situations where you need to take tests even if you already have a driver's license: If you accumulate 12 points in one scoring cycle, you must attend safety education and take a related safety knowledge test; If you are involved in a major traffic accident, depending on local regulations, you may need to attend several hours of safety education or take a test; If your points are relatively high (e.g., reaching 9 points), you can voluntarily apply for safety course education to reduce points, and some may require a final exam.
When I first got my driver's license, I was super excited—finally, driving was legal! But later, I heard there are follow-up tests. When your license expires, you need to renew it. For example, after six years, you get a new one, and some places require retaking the traffic rules knowledge test (a simple written exam on basics). If you violate traffic laws and accumulate 12 penalty points, it becomes a big hassle—you must attend a full-score re-education exam and retake the entire subject one content, which is quite time-consuming. Additionally, if you want to upgrade your license type, say from a regular passenger car (C1) to a large truck (B), you’ll need to pass both theoretical and practical driving tests with more advanced skills. These exams are all for safety checks. It’s wise to regularly check your license’s expiry date, avoid penalty points, and review traffic rule books to reinforce knowledge. This way, you can minimize retesting hassles and ensure safer driving.
Having driven for over a decade, I encountered a minor episode during my last license renewal. The staff mentioned that some regions require a brief exam. When I went to the DMV to renew my license, I was assigned a traffic rules refresher test. It took me half a day to review the materials, and the questions covered traffic signals and right-of-way—not difficult but a good check to ensure I hadn’t forgotten the basics. This isn’t common everywhere; it depends on local policies during renewal. Also, it’s best to act early when your license is nearing expiration—some cities only require a medical report. I’ve also heard that if you’re replacing a lost license or after an accident, you usually don’t need to take a test, but renewal might include one. Safe driving is key, so I recommend keeping track of demerit points and handling violations promptly to reduce retesting risks. Ask around for friends’ experiences, as rules vary slightly by location.
