Is the validity period of a driver's license 6, 10, or 20 years?
3 Answers
Incorrect. The validity period of a motor vehicle driver's license is divided into 6 years, 10 years, and long-term. Here is more detailed information: 1. Within the initial 6-year validity period after application, if the motor vehicle driver has never accumulated 12 points in any scoring cycle, they can renew their license to one with a 10-year validity period. 2. If, within the 10-year validity period, the driver still does not accumulate 12 points in any scoring cycle, they can renew their license to a long-term valid motor vehicle driver's license. 3. A motor vehicle driver's license that has exceeded its validity period can no longer be used. Individuals holding an expired driver's license are not allowed to drive motor vehicles and must retake the driver's license examination before they can drive on the road again.
When I first got my driver's license, I was also confused about the validity period rules. Simply put, the initial license is valid for 6 years, but the key factor is your penalty point record. If you don't accumulate 12 penalty points in any scoring cycle during these 6 years, you can upgrade to a 10-year validity period when renewing. Then, if you maintain a clean record with less than 12 points per scoring cycle during the 10-year period, you'll qualify for a permanent license upon renewal. A permanent license doesn't mean a fixed 20-year term, but rather you won't need to renew until age 70. My friend obtained his permanent license two years ago, and he said the most crucial thing is to obey traffic rules and minimize violations. If you ever accumulate 12 points during any period, your license will revert to a 6-year validity upon renewal, requiring you to start the accumulation process again.
Having driven for over a decade, my driver's license has evolved from the initial 6-year term to a 10-year one, and now I hold a permanent license. The key requirement is strict compliance with regulations: during the 6-year validity period, maintaining a record of less than 12 penalty points in each cycle is necessary to upgrade to a 10-year license, and the same applies for upgrading to a permanent one. Many assume the permanent license lasts 20 years, but in reality, it's valid for life until age 70 when a medical check-up and renewal are required. However, the point system is stringent—I once nervously accumulated 6 points for speeding. The biggest benefit post-upgrade is convenience, eliminating frequent trips to the DMV. Still, I recommend regularly checking your point balance to avoid regrets upon receiving a notification.
