How long can you drive with an expired driver's license?
2 Answers
Driving is prohibited once the license expires, and renewal procedures must be promptly completed. Otherwise, if stopped by traffic police, it will be treated as unlicensed driving. Below are relevant details: 1. Driver's license expiration period: If the license has been expired for less than one year, normal renewal procedures can be followed; if expired for more than one year but less than three years, the license will be locked and revoked, requiring passing the subject one exam to reinstate it; if expired for over three years, the license will be invalidated, and the driver must re-enroll in a driving school and apply for a new license. 2. Unlicensed driving: Operating a motor vehicle on the road without a valid driver's license; obtaining a license illegally without taking the required exams; having a license that has been revoked or suspended; driving a vehicle type that does not match the license's permitted categories.
From my years of driving experience, letting your driver's license expire is absolutely unacceptable. Not even a single day overdue! Driving becomes illegal from the expiration date onward. I once almost forgot to renew mine, luckily I checked the date in advance. Legally, this is called unlicensed driving - if caught, you could face fines ranging from a few hundred to a thousand yuan, plus possible demerit points or even license suspension. What's worse, insurance companies may deny claims in case of accidents since you're non-compliant. I recommend all drivers set reminders months before expiration, preferably using mobile apps to avoid risks. Making it a habit to regularly check validity periods protects both yourself and road safety. Nowadays renewal is quite convenient - just bring your ID and medical report to the DMV. Don't wait until the last minute to rush.
