Is Retaking Subject 1 Enough After Driver's License Revocation?
4 Answers
License revocation requires more than just retaking Subject 1. After a driver's license is revoked, you need to retake all tests. Below is an introduction about motor vehicle driver's license revocation: Tests: Generally, when the revocation period ends, you must retake all tests. A new motor vehicle driver's license will be reissued only after passing Subject 1, Subject 2, Subject 3, Subject 4, etc. After license revocation: If a motor vehicle driver's license is revoked or driving permission is revoked according to law, the vehicle management office will cancel the license. If your license is revoked and you need a driver's license, you must reapply for the driver's license test. However, the conditions for reapplying vary depending on the reason for revocation.
I've personally witnessed license revocation procedures, and it's not as simple as it seems. If your license is revoked due to drunk driving, DUI, or drug-impaired driving, you don't just retake the written test—you have to start from scratch, retaking all four driving tests, essentially relearning how to drive. Even for a standard violation-related revocation, you'll typically have to wait six months to two years before you can reapply, depending on the revocation period. The specifics vary based on the reason: for example, speeding over 50% above the limit requires retaking all tests, while accumulating 12 penalty points only requires retaking the written test. Traffic regulations have become stricter regarding revocation periods now, so I recommend calling the 12123 hotline to check your specific situation—it's more reliable than making a wasted trip to the DMV.
Last time, my neighbor’s brother encountered this issue. After his license was revoked, he foolishly only reviewed for the theory test (Subject 1), only to find out at the DMV that he had to retake all the exams. There are three scenarios to handle this: If the revocation was due to hit-and-run in a traffic accident or long-term failure to pay fines, it might result in a lifetime driving ban; for ordinary traffic violations like overloading leading to revocation, you’ll have to wait 1-5 years before reapplying; if it was just a 12-point deduction leading to cancellation (note: not revocation), then you indeed only need to retake Subject 1. It’s advisable to first check which category you fall under. You can log in to the Traffic Management 12123 app to view the penalty decision notice for confirmation.
From a legal perspective, this depends on the situation. Those convicted of drug-impaired or drunk driving may face a lifetime ban from obtaining a driver's license; causing death by hit-and-run can also result in a lifetime ban. Ordinary drivers cannot retake the test within two years, and must retake all subjects thereafter. For example, in a recent case we handled, the individual had their license revoked for drug-impaired driving and was still required to retest their on-site driving skills when reapplying three years later. The key point is that the reason for revocation determines the scope of the retest. It is recommended to bring the penalty notice directly to the local DMV for consultation, as their system will automatically display the required test subjects.
