How to downgrade an A2 driver's license after a 12-point deduction at once?
3 Answers
According to previous regulations, a driver's license would be downgraded if it accumulated 12 penalty points. However, with the implementation of new regulations on April 1, 2022, holders of an A2 driver's license will no longer face downgrade if they accumulate 12 points in a single scoring cycle. Instead, the license holder must participate in the study and examination of Subject 1 to clear the violation points and retrieve their driver's license. The A2 driver's license permits the operation of tractor-trailers, which can tow heavy and medium-sized full trailers or semi-trailers. Here, it's necessary to explain what a trailer is. Trailers are divided into two types: full trailers and semi-trailers. A full trailer bears its total weight entirely by itself, while a semi-trailer shares part of its total weight with the towing vehicle. Only drivers holding an A2 license can operate such tractor-trailers; even those with an A1 license are not permitted to drive them. To downgrade an A2 driver's license, one must visit the local vehicle management office. Before processing, bring your ID card and driver's license: 1. An A2 license downgrade will result in a B1 or B2 license (i.e., B1 or B2 driver's license). The A2 license corresponds to tractor-trailers, the B1 license to medium-sized buses, and the B2 license to large trucks. Other vehicle types that an A2 license holder can drive include: B1 (medium-sized buses), B2 (large trucks), C1 (small cars), C2 (small automatic transmission cars), C3 (low-speed cargo vehicles), C4 (three-wheeled vehicles), and M (wheeled self-propelled machinery). Article 68 of the new traffic regulations stipulates: If a driver holding a large passenger vehicle, tractor-trailer, city bus, medium-sized bus, or large truck driver's license falls under any of the following circumstances, the vehicle management office shall revoke their highest permitted driving qualification and notify the driver to complete the downgrade and license replacement within 30 days: Being involved in a traffic accident resulting in death and 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. The full name of a driver's license is a motor vehicle driver's license, also known as a "driver's license," which is a certificate required by law for individuals to operate motor vehicles. Driving a motor vehicle requires certain driving skills. Without these skills, operating a vehicle recklessly may lead to traffic accidents. Generally, individuals cannot drive on the road without a license. However, for those who have mastered safe driving techniques, the document allowing them to drive on the road is the "driver's license." This indicates that a driver's license is a "permit." The permission to drive a vehicle is granted through the issuance of a driver's license. This shows that obtaining a driver's license is a formal process that must be conducted by a specialized authority. Internationally, a driver's license is defined as: "A document issued by the competent authority permitting the holder to drive a motor vehicle." In China, a driver's license is defined as: A motor vehicle driver's license is a legal document issued by the management authority to individuals who have learned and mastered traffic regulations and driving skills, permitting them to operate specific types of motor vehicles after passing the required examinations.
Last time, my cousin encountered this situation with his A2 driver's license. After getting 12 penalty points at once, he had to go to the DMV to handle the violation and attend a 7-day traffic safety course. After completing the course, he had to retake the written test (Subject 1). Passing the test automatically triggered the downgrade process, usually to a B1 or B2 license level. This process is basically unavoidable, as the DMV system directly locks the operation. I reminded him that he had to report within 15 days; if he delayed, his license would directly become invalid, putting him in an unlicensed driving status. After the downgrade, he couldn’t drive semi-trailers for five years—he’d have to retake the upgrade exam. So now, when hauling goods, he always brings a dash cam, afraid of getting another ticket.
As a decade-long truck driver, here's my advice: After deducting all 12 points, promptly pay the fines and schedule a remedial course, focusing particularly on new questions from Subject 1. Once you pass the exam, the DMV will automatically downgrade your license to Class B – accept this downgrade when it happens. Retaining your Class A2 license is impossible, but timely action can prevent license revocation. Remember to bring your medical examination form and ID photos for the downgrade procedure, after which your driving restrictions will be lifted. For daily highway driving, I recommend using navigation alert functions to get advance warnings of speed limit zones, and keeping a regulations manual in the vehicle for quick reference. If you want to upgrade again, you'll need to wait several years – this interim period could be a good opportunity to obtain a hazardous materials certification.
