Driver's License Validity Period?
3 Answers
The validity period of a motor vehicle driver's license is 6 years. Below are the relevant details: Timely Renewal: If the driver's license has been expired for more than one year but less than three years, the holder must apply at the vehicle management office to take the theoretical exam for Subject 1 in order to renew the license. During this period, the license is in a 'revocable but recoverable' status. If the license has been expired for three years or more, the original license will be revoked, and the holder must enroll in a driving school again to retake the driving test. Regulations: Article 26 of the 'Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China' clearly states: If a motor vehicle driver has not accumulated 12 penalty points in any scoring cycle during the 6-year validity period of the driver's license, the license can be renewed with a 10-year validity period. If the driver has not accumulated 12 penalty points in any scoring cycle during the 10-year validity period, the license can be renewed with a long-term validity.
Back when I got my driver's license, it was valid for 6 years. Later I learned that if you don't accumulate 12 penalty points within those 6 years, you can renew it for a 10-year validity period. Now I have a 10-year license, and if I go another 10 years without maxing out penalty points, I can get a permanent one. Remember to renew it 90 days in advance at the DMV with your medical report, photos, and ID. If it's expired for less than a year, you can still fix it, but after a year you'll have to retake the written test. Driving responsibly keeps you safe and saves renewal hassle - I've seen people get fined for driving without a valid license because they procrastinated, what a shame.
Just checked the latest traffic regulations: Driver's licenses have three validity periods. The initial license is valid for 6 years. If you have less than 12 penalty points annually during these 6 years, you can renew it for a 10-year license. Similarly, meeting the criteria within 10 years qualifies you for a permanent license. Key reminder: You can renew your license 90 days before expiration. If overdue by less than a year, you'll need to retake the written test (Subject 1). Exceeding three years results in direct cancellation. I regularly check my license's expiry date since traffic enforcement is strict now. The scoring cycle runs a full year from the issuance date – never cross the 12-point red line. Friends aged 70+, note: You must submit annual medical reports, or your license will be suspended immediately.
