How long can a C1 driver's license go without annual review before being revoked?
3 Answers
A C1 driver's license will not be directly revoked for not undergoing an annual review. However, for A or B class licenses, if they are not reviewed for three consecutive scoring cycles, the license will be revoked. Additionally, if a driver's license is not renewed within one year after its expiration, it will also be revoked. As long as you comply with traffic regulations and do not accumulate 12 penalty points in any scoring cycle (typically a 12-month period from the date you first obtained your license), you do not need to visit the vehicle management office. Your driver's license can be used without any concerns. Annual review procedure: First, after submitting the review application, the vehicle must undergo an inspection. The vehicle is driven into an automatic inspection area where emissions, speed, lights, side slip, and chassis are checked to ensure they meet standards. Only when all items pass can the inspection proceed. Next is the appearance inspection, which verifies the vehicle's license plate, type, body color, engine number, VIN code, and frame number for accuracy. Then, the body appearance is examined, including details such as the bumper, engine compartment, rearview mirrors, lower mirrors, window glass, paint, engine operation status, and the interior of passenger vehicles and wheels. Finally, the owner can obtain the inspection report and application form from the inspector. If all items pass, the owner can proceed to pay the inspection fee and collect the vehicle registration and compliance label. If any items fail, the owner must repair the vehicle and undergo a re-inspection until all items pass before proceeding with the visa application process.
I didn’t pay much attention to this before, but later I looked it up specifically and found out that a C1 driver’s license doesn’t require an annual review at all. However, you must not miss the renewal deadline. The license clearly states its validity period, and the first issuance usually has a 6-year term. If you forget to renew it, exceeding one year isn’t a big deal—just go to the DMV to get it reissued. But if you accidentally delay it for more than one year but less than three years, it becomes troublesome—you’ll have to retake the written test (Subject 1) to restore your eligibility. If it’s left unrenewed for over three years, the license will be automatically revoked, and you’ll have to start the entire driving course from scratch. I recommend setting a phone reminder—you can go through the renewal process up to 90 days before the expiration date.
A friend of mine learned this the hard way. He didn't renew his driver's license for a full two years after it expired. When he went to the DMV, he was told his license had been revoked and he'd have to pass the written test (Subject 1) to reinstate it. He deeply regretted it - working days and studying test questions at night for over a month. So drivers should note: while C1 licenses don't have annual reviews, every license has a clear validity period - 6 years for the first issuance, 10 years after renewal, then permanent after that. The key is to renew before expiration. Otherwise, penalties start after one year overdue, and the license becomes completely void after three years. The best approach is to regularly check your license's expiration date.
