Is the driver's license invalid if it is not obtained within three years?
3 Answers
If the driver's license is not obtained within three years, it will be invalid. Here is some relevant information about the driver's license test: Definition of simulation fee: The simulation fee and venue fee refer to the costs required for taking a simulated test at the exam venue. During the driver's license application process, apart from the registration fee, simulation fee, and venue fee, there are no other charges. However, the decision to take the simulated test or not is up to the individual—you can choose to simulate or not. Driver's license test: Applicants for a motor vehicle driver's license must pass the following four subjects: Subject 1—Road Traffic Safety Laws, Regulations, and Related Knowledge Test; Subject 2—Venue Driving Skills Test; Subject 3—Road Driving Skills Test; and Subject 4—Safe and Civilized Driving Knowledge Test. The test sequence follows Subject 1, Subject 2, Subject 3, and Subject 4 in order. Only after passing the previous subject can one proceed to the next subject's test.
As a driving school instructor, I often encounter students asking about this. In fact, there is a time limit for the driver's license exam. It starts from the day you pass Subject 1, and you must complete all remaining subjects within three years. If you don't obtain your license by the three-year deadline, the results of previously passed subjects will be invalidated. However, the Subject 1 results are still retained, so you don't need to retake the theory test when reapplying. I had a student who was stuck on Subject 3 in the third year and later changed cities for work. In such cases, you can apply for an out-of-town exam, but be aware that the time for transferring records also counts toward the three-year period. Recently, a student exceeded the deadline by just three days and had to re-register and start from Subject 1. So, it's best to plan tightly to avoid wasting your previous efforts.
Last time I accompanied my friend to the DMV to inquire about this. The staff told me that after passing the written test (Subject 1), you'll receive a Learner's Permit, which is valid for three years. My friend failed the road test (Subject 2) four times and was a bit panicked, but the staff said as long as it's within the three-year period, there's no limit to the number of retakes. However, if it exceeds three years, all previous test results will be invalidated, and you'll have to pay and register again. The new regulations now allow changing test locations within the validity period, so you can continue testing even across provinces. I recommend checking the Traffic Management 12123 APP, which displays a countdown of your test validity period.
