Is the validity period of a driver's license 6, 10, or 20 years?
4 Answers
The validity period of a driver's license is 6 years, 10 years, or long-term. There is no such thing as a 20-year validity period. You need to apply for a replacement within the first 3 months after your driver's license expires. If the driver's license is not replaced in time, it will expire, and you cannot drive a motor vehicle after it expires, otherwise it will be considered driving without a license. Below is more information about driver's licenses: 1. The replacement cycle for a driver's license is normally 6 years for the first license obtained. If there is no record of being deducted 12 points within 6 years, you can replace it with a 10-year validity driver's license upon expiration. If there is no record of being deducted 12 points each year within 10 years, you can replace it with a long-term driver's license. 2. The scoring cycle of a driver's license: The scoring cycle of a driver's license is 12 months from the date of initial issuance, which is one year. For example, if the initial issuance date of the driver's license is June 6, 2013, then the scoring cycle of this driver's license will end on June 6, 2014. If there are points deducted, they will be automatically restored after the fine is paid. If the fine is not paid and the illegal behavior is not dealt with, the points will be carried over to the next scoring cycle.
When I first got my driver's license, it was only valid for 6 years because I was a novice driver, and the authorities were concerned about unstable driving skills. If there are no traffic accidents or violations during the driving period, the validity can be extended to 10 years upon expiration. After turning 60, regular health check-ups are required, and the license must be renewed, with the validity period possibly shortened. It's not a direct 20-year license; this design ensures drivers meet physical and condition standards—safety first. Now, policies are more flexible, but specifics depend on local traffic management regulations. It's recommended to download a traffic management app for detailed information.
What I learned from my driving school instructor is that the validity period of a driver's license is definitely not set in stone. Under normal circumstances, the first license is valid for 6 years, and if you have a good record, it can be renewed for 10 years. After the age of 60, you may need to undergo a medical examination every two years to keep it valid. Comparing globally, in the United States, it varies by state—some states issue initial licenses valid for 5 years. In Europe, countries like Germany may grant a first license valid for over 10 years. The key lies in the medical examination process; elderly drivers should pay attention to vision, hearing, and reaction tests to avoid sudden issues that could affect safety.
Having driven for decades, I've seen many novices misunderstand the validity period of a driver's license. The reality: Chinese law stipulates that the initial license is valid for 6 years. If your record is good during this period, you can renew it for 10 years. Drivers aged 60 and above need annual inspections to maintain validity. It's not a straight 20-year term—this is to prevent potential risks. A reminder to all fellow drivers: regularly check your license's expiration date to avoid penalties and credit score impacts due to overdue renewal.
