Is Retaking Only Subject 1 Required for Reissuing a Driver's License After Losing All Points?
4 Answers
Only Class C driver's licenses require retaking Subject 1 after losing all 12 points. Handling methods for losing all 12 points on a driver's license: 1. Class A and B driver's licenses: For Class A and B license holders, losing all 12 points in a scoring cycle results in an immediate downgrade. The vehicle management office will cancel their highest permitted driving model qualification and process a downgrade and license replacement within 30 days. 2. Class C driver's licenses: For Class C license holders, losing all 12 points requires retaking Subject 1. If a driver's license is suspended due to losing 12 points (including 12 points or more but less than 24 points), the license will be temporarily suspended, and the holder must retake Subject 1. Driving is only permitted after passing the exam; driving during this period is considered unlicensed driving. Losing all 12 points during the probationary period: 1. Class A and B driver's licenses: For Class A and B license holders, losing all 12 points during the probationary period results in cancellation and downgrade. If a driver accumulates 12 points during the probationary period, their probationary driving model qualification will be canceled. If the canceled qualification is not the highest permitted driving model, the highest permitted driving model qualification will also be canceled. Additionally, for Class A and B license holders, if 6 or more points (but less than 12) are lost during the probationary period, the probationary period will be extended by one year. 2. Class C driver's licenses: For Class C license holders, losing all 12 points during the probationary period results in license cancellation. If a Class C license holder loses all 12 points during the probationary period, their probationary driving model qualification will be canceled.
Oh, I know this issue well. My cousin recently got caught in this trap - having 12 points deducted during the probation period directly leads to license revocation, with no chance for re-examination. You have to start from scratch by registering for the driving test again. For regular drivers, losing all points only requires retaking the written test (Subject 1), but you must first attend a 7-day traffic rules training course. The exam difficulty is exactly the same as during the novice period. I've checked the traffic regulations, and it's stricter in special cases: for example, drunk driving with 12 points deducted may require an additional road test (Subject 3) in some cities; those who accumulate 12 points for two consecutive years must undergo medical check-ups and road tests again. My advice is to always pay attention to your points while driving - losing them all not only wastes time but also costs several hundred yuan in exam fees.
Last time I was waiting in line at the DMV, I met a guy who was a living example of having to retake the test after losing all his points. He said the process is actually quite clear: first, register for a training course at the DMV, pay the fee, attend classes for 7 days, and then schedule the Theory Test (Subject 1). The key is to book the test quickly, as the scheduling system is often overloaded, and delays of a month are common. After passing, you can reset your points and get your license back the same day, but there are additional things to note: the handling of Class C and motorcycle licenses differs, and bus drivers face stricter rules. Also, there are limits on the number of retakes, so don’t assume you can retake the test indefinitely.
Simply put, under normal circumstances, only the subject one test is required. I've handled many such inquiries, and the process is divided into three steps: suspension of driving after accumulating 12 points → completion of legal study (7 days) → retaking subject one. However, there are many exceptions. For example, commercial vehicle drivers who accumulate 12 points may face downgrading; points deducted in a different location must be handled at the violation site; accumulating over 24 points requires an additional subject three test. In practice, documentation issues often arise: study certificates need to be stamped, and physical examination forms must be updated. It's advisable to contact the DMV in advance to confirm the required documents to avoid unnecessary trips.
