How often should a newly obtained driver's license be renewed?
4 Answers
The first renewal for a newly obtained driver's license is required after 6 years, the second renewal after 10 years, and the third renewal results in a long-term driver's license. According to Article 26 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law", the following provisions apply: 1. 6-year validity period: If the motor vehicle driver has not reached 12 points in any scoring cycle during the 6-year validity period of the motor vehicle driver's license, the driver's license will be renewed with a 10-year validity period. 2. 10-year validity period: If the motor vehicle driver has not reached 12 points in any scoring cycle during the 10-year validity period of the motor vehicle driver's license, the driver's license will be renewed with a long-term validity.
Attention to friends who just got their driver's license: Your first license is valid for six years before renewal. I initially thought annual reviews were required, but later learned from my driving instructor that the first license lasts a full six years. However, here's an important reminder: Although renewal is every six years, during the first five years after the probationary period ends, you must not accumulate 12 penalty points in any single year. A colleague had his license revoked in the second year due to drunk driving and had to retake the theory test. You can start the renewal process three months before expiration—just bring your old license, medical exam form, and photos to the DMV, where the fee is 20 RMB. Nowadays, you can also schedule renewal via the 12123 App to avoid queues.
As a clerical staff member in the traffic police department who deals with violations every day, I'm very familiar with the driver's license renewal timeline. The initial C1 driver's license is valid for 6 years - don't believe the rumor about renewing every 2 years. Important note: if you haven't accumulated 12 penalty points in any scoring cycle during these 6 years, you can get a 10-year validity license. I've seen too many cases where people got fined for overdue renewals, so I recommend preparing materials 90 days before expiration. When renewing, remember to wear dark clothes for the white-background photo, and those with myopia must wear glasses for the vision test, otherwise you might fail the physical examination.
Driving school instructor tells you, for new drivers renewing their license, check the date at the very bottom of the original driver's license—that's the expiration date. Among the students I've taught, eight out of ten forget this. For example, Xiao Wang, who got his license last July, should renew it this July for a 10-year long-term license. Three reminders: First, a medical check-up is required for renewal, don’t wait until it expires; second, for licenses above C class, those aged 60 and above must submit a medical certificate annually; third, if you're in another city, you can now renew your license anywhere in the country. Oh, and don’t forget—you can’t drive alone on the highway until you’ve had your license for a full year!
