Is it necessary to wait a year to upgrade after downgrading a B2 license?
2 Answers
B2 license downgrade requires a one-year waiting period before upgrading. Below are the relevant details regarding B2 license downgrade: 1. After downgrading a B2 license, to re-obtain a B2 license, you must apply for an upgrade in the previous scoring cycle and ensure no record of accumulating 12 penalty points in the current scoring cycle, typically requiring over a year; 2. After processing the downgrade, the applicant must have no record of 12 penalty points in both the current and the most recent scoring cycle before applying for the canceled driving class, and no involvement in fatal accidents with equal or greater responsibility; 3. Existing license holders applying for additional driving classes must have no record of 12 penalty points in the current and most recent scoring cycles before applying.
I've encountered a similar situation before. After downgrading a B2 license, you do need to wait a year before upgrading it again. The traffic authorities implemented this rule mainly to give drivers sufficient time to reflect on their driving behavior, as operating large vehicles carries higher risks. This year isn't just a waiting period—it's an assessment period. You must ensure you don't accumulate 12 penalty points in any scoring cycle, and serious violations like drunk driving or speeding are absolutely prohibited. My advice is to use this time to review your driving habits. For example, you could ride along with an experienced driver to learn and stay updated on the latest exam rules. Actually, the license upgrade exam has become stricter now, with new items in the second test like simulated highways and slippery road conditions. Early preparation is always beneficial. Additionally, some regions allow scheduling the exam 30 days in advance, so keep an eye on notifications from your local vehicle management office.
