How often should a newly obtained driver's license be renewed?
2 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.
