How to Handle an Expired Driver's License for Over One Year?
2 Answers
Driving a motor vehicle with a driver's license that has been expired for over one year is prohibited, and the traffic management department will revoke the driver's license. Below is relevant information about driver's licenses: 1. Legal provisions: According to Article 68 of the 'Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses,' if a motor vehicle driver accumulates 12 penalty points within a scoring cycle, the traffic management department of the public security authority shall confiscate the driver's license. 2. Required materials for renewal: If a driver's license has been expired for more than one year but less than three years and is in a revocable but recoverable state, the license holder can bring their ID card, original driver's license, and other required materials to the vehicle management office to retake the subject one exam. Upon passing the exam, the license can be renewed.
When my driver's license expired for a year, I was in a real panic and went straight to the DMV. The staff told me that exceeding one year meant I had to retake the theoretical test (Subject 1), and only after passing could I renew my license. They emphasized not to drive anymore, as it would count as unlicensed driving. If caught by the police, I could be fined 2,000 yuan, and in case of an accident, insurance wouldn't cover a single penny. I quickly signed up for the test online, downloaded a driving school app to review traffic rules—there was so much content it was easy to forget. On exam day, I brought my ID, queued up, and was super nervous but passed on the first try. Later, I learned that exceeding 1-3 years only requires retaking the theory test, but beyond 3 years means retaking all subjects. I recommend setting a phone reminder to renew your license before it expires—safety first and hassle-free. I also regularly check my insurance policy to ensure it's valid and avoid risks, which is crucial but often overlooked.
