To which level is the A2 driver's license downgraded at the age of 60?
2 Answers
According to regulations, the age for downgrading an A2 driver's license is 60 years old, applicable to both men and women. Drivers should promptly visit the vehicle management office to exchange for a C1 or C2 license, which permits driving small cars and small automatic transmission vehicles. Drivers are prohibited from operating large or medium-sized buses, trucks, tractors, or tram/trolleybus vehicles. After reaching the age of 60, individuals generally enter the elderly stage, and their physical condition cannot compare to that of younger people. Although a small number of people may still maintain good physical fitness at 60, traffic laws are designed to address the majority's situation. After 60, most people experience a decline in physical functions, such as reduced vision or conditions like hypertension and heart disease. Driving commercial vehicles under these circumstances can be dangerous, so drivers should comply with laws and regulations and promptly downgrade their licenses. The A2 driver's license permits driving tractors, which can tow heavy or medium-sized full trailers or semi-trailers. Trailers are categorized into two types: full trailers and semi-trailers. A full trailer bears its total weight independently, while a semi-trailer shares part of its total weight with the tractor. Only drivers holding an A2 license can operate such tractors; even those with an A1 license are not permitted to drive them. To downgrade an A2 driver's license, visit the local vehicle management office with your ID card and driver's license. The downgrade options are as follows: 1. An A2 license can be downgraded to a B1 or B2 license (i.e., B1 or B2 driver's license). The A2 license corresponds to tractors, the B1 license to medium-sized passenger vehicles, and the B2 license to large trucks. Other vehicle types that an A2 license holder can drive include: B1 (medium-sized passenger vehicles), B2 (large trucks), C1 (small cars), C2 (small automatic transmission cars), C3 (low-speed trucks), C4 (three-wheeled cars), and M (wheeled self-propelled machinery). Article 68 of the new traffic regulations states: If a driver holding a license for large buses, tractors, city buses, medium-sized passenger vehicles, or large trucks falls under any of the following circumstances, the vehicle management office shall revoke their highest-level driving qualification and notify the driver to complete the downgrade and license exchange within 30 days: Being involved in a traffic accident resulting in death and bearing equal or greater responsibility without constituting a crime. Accumulating 12 penalty points in a single scoring cycle. Failing to undergo inspection for three consecutive scoring cycles. A driver's license, officially known as a motor vehicle driver's license or simply "driver's license," is a legal document required for operating motor vehicles. Driving a motor vehicle requires certain skills. Without these skills, operating a vehicle recklessly may lead to accidents. Generally, unlicensed individuals are not allowed to drive. However, for those who have acquired safe driving skills, the document permitting them to drive on roads is the "driver's license." This indicates that a driver's license is a form of "permit." The authorization to drive is granted through the issuance of a driver's license, which follows a specific format and must be issued by an authorized agency. Internationally, a driver's license is defined as "a document issued by competent authorities permitting the holder to drive a motor vehicle." In China, a driver's license is defined as a legal credential issued by administrative authorities to individuals who have studied and mastered traffic laws and driving skills, passed examinations, and are permitted to drive certain types of motor vehicles. According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law," Article 19: Driving a motor vehicle requires obtaining a driver's license. Applicants must meet the driving permit conditions set by the public security department under the State Council. After passing the exam, the traffic management department of the public security authority issues the corresponding driver's license. Drivers must operate vehicles within the permitted categories listed on their license and carry the license while driving. It is clear that both driving without a license and driving a vehicle beyond the permitted category are illegal. As stated in the first provision of the reply from the Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council regarding the interpretation and application of the "Road Traffic Safety Law" and its implementation regulations: Driving a vehicle beyond the permitted category of the license is equivalent to driving without a license. In terms of penalties, based on the principle of proportionality, it can be treated as driving without a license but with a lighter penalty. Therefore, both driving without a license and driving beyond the permitted category are subject to Article 99, Paragraph 1 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law": Driving without a license, with a revoked license, or during the suspension period may result in fines by the public traffic management department and up to 15 days of detention.
Last year when I turned 60, my A2 driver's license was automatically downgraded to C1, so now I can only drive regular cars and no longer operate those heavy tractor-trailers. Although I do miss the old days after driving all my life, I understand these policies are for safety reasons – after all, my physical reflexes aren't what they used to be. The license downgrade process at the DMV went smoothly; just needed my ID and a quick vision/hearing test, got it done in a few days. Now driving our family car for commuting and grocery runs is more fuel-efficient and relaxed, plus my son installed a backup camera which gives me extra confidence. While I can't take long-haul trips anymore, this adjustment actually reminds me to take better care of myself, and my wife says she worries less – it's been surprisingly easy to adapt.
