How Many Years After a Driver's License Downgrade Can You Apply for an Upgrade?
5 Answers
Depending on the vehicle type, there are three scenarios: To apply for an upgrade to a medium-sized bus driving qualification, you must have held a driving license for city buses, large trucks, small cars, small automatic transmission cars, low-speed trucks, or three-wheeled vehicles for at least three years, with no record of accumulating 12 penalty points in the three most recent consecutive scoring cycles before the application. To apply for an upgrade to a tractor driving qualification, you must have held a medium-sized bus or large truck driving qualification for at least three years, or a large bus driving qualification for at least one year, with no record of accumulating 12 penalty points in the three most recent consecutive scoring cycles before the application. To apply for an upgrade to a large bus driving qualification, you must have held a medium-sized bus or large truck driving qualification for at least five years, or a tractor driving qualification for at least two years, with no record of accumulating 12 penalty points in the five most recent consecutive scoring cycles before the application. For drivers holding licenses for large buses, tractors, city buses, medium-sized buses, or large trucks, the vehicle management office will revoke their highest driving qualification under the following circumstances and notify the driver to complete the downgrade and license replacement within 30 days: Being involved in a traffic accident resulting in death, bearing equal or greater responsibility, without constituting a crime. Accumulating 12 penalty points in a single scoring cycle. Failing to undergo inspection for three consecutive scoring cycles. If the driver fails to complete the downgrade and license replacement within the specified time, the vehicle management office will announce the revocation of the driving qualification. After completing the downgrade and license replacement, to apply for reinstatement of the revoked driving qualification, the driver must have no record of accumulating 12 penalty points in the current and the most recent scoring cycle before the application, and must not have been involved in a traffic accident resulting in death with equal or greater responsibility. Procedure for downgrading the highest driving qualification: After passing the relevant exams, receive the "Motor Vehicle Driver’s Illegal Full-Point Exam Information Feedback Notice" (for Class A and B licenses, the downgrade information will be noted on the notice). After the suspension period ends, bring your ID card and the "Motor Vehicle Driver’s Illegal Full-Point Exam Information Feedback Notice" to the traffic police department where the license was suspended to retrieve your driver's license. Submit the following materials to the issuing vehicle management office to complete the downgrade and license replacement (processed within one working day if there are no pending traffic violations): Original "Motor Vehicle Driver's License Application Form." Original and copy of the driver's identity proof. Original motor vehicle driver's license. Three recent front-facing, bareheaded, white-background color ID photos (submit the digital photo collection receipt if required locally).
I've been driving for nearly twenty years and have encountered similar situations. Generally, after a license downgrade, you have to wait for one year before applying for an upgrade to a higher license class. This is a basic requirement of traffic regulations. This period is mainly for drivers to reflect on their mistakes. For example, if your license was downgraded due to a violation, the DMV will check your driving record to ensure no further incidents occurred during this year; otherwise, the waiting period might be extended to two years. I personally helped a friend handle such a case—after his license was downgraded due to drunk driving, he had to wait two years before successfully upgrading. The key is to maintain good driving habits and avoid new mistakes during the waiting period. When applying for an upgrade, you’ll need to pass a simple exam and a medical check-up. Safety comes first—it’s a shared responsibility for all drivers. I recommend planning ahead to avoid delays.
Regarding driver's license management, the standard procedure allows for license upgrade applications one year after downgrading, which isn't particularly complicated. You'll need to demonstrate a clean driving record during that period, with no point deductions or violations. For example, my neighbor who downgraded to a Class C license last year successfully upgraded early this year within just a few days. However, if the downgrade resulted from serious offenses like drunk driving or accidents, the waiting period may extend to two years with additional documentation required. I recommend consulting your local DMV early for specifics to avoid disrupting travel plans. With years of driving experience, I see these waiting periods as responsible safety measures for all road users.
Last year, my Class C license was downgraded to C2, and I had to wait a full year to upgrade it back. The whole process went smoothly. The DMV reviewed my driving record, confirmed no further violations, and then I took the test at the driving school to upgrade. Don’t underestimate this year—it gives you a chance to reflect on your habits. Like me, I drove more on familiar routes during that time, reducing risks. After the upgrade, my driving range expanded, but the process itself was simple and stress-free.
In daily life, it's common for drivers to have their license downgraded, and generally, they can apply for an upgrade after waiting for one year. During this period, driving a small car is not affected, but if you want to switch to a larger vehicle for picking up kids or traveling, you need to plan your timeline carefully. My friend, who was downgraded due to a minor accident, maintained a zero violation record before upgrading, and the driving school processed it quickly. Remember to follow the rules to avoid extending the waiting period; safety is the foundation of family travel.
