What is the process for downgrading a driver's license?
4 Answers
Process: The motor vehicle driver or their agent should bring the required materials to the service window of the vehicle management office branch or the driver's license management window of the traffic police detachment (brigade) in each district (county). If applying for a voluntary downgrade of the permitted driving category at a vehicle management office outside the jurisdiction where the driver's license was originally issued, the transfer procedures must be completed as required. Required materials: "Motor Vehicle Driver's License Application Form". Identity proof and photocopy of the motor vehicle driver. Motor vehicle driver's license. Driver's license photo. If simultaneously applying for renewal upon expiration, submit the "Motor Vehicle Driver's Physical Condition Certificate". Two recent front-facing, bareheaded, white-background color ID photos (submit the digital photo collection receipt if required by local regulations). If applying for a voluntary downgrade of the permitted driving category at a vehicle management office outside the jurisdiction where the driver's license was originally issued, the transfer procedures must be completed as required, and the original "Motor Vehicle Driver's Health Status Declaration Form" must be submitted. For proxy applications, a power of attorney and the agent's identity proof and photocopy must also be submitted. For drivers holding licenses for large buses, tractors, city buses, medium-sized buses, or large trucks, the vehicle management office shall revoke their highest permitted driving category qualification and notify the driver to complete the downgrade and license replacement procedures within 30 days under the following circumstances: Downgrading a driver's license refers to the vehicle management office revoking the highest permitted driving category qualification of drivers holding licenses for large buses, tractors, city buses, medium-sized buses, or large trucks if they are involved in a traffic accident causing death without constituting a crime, accumulate 12 penalty points in one scoring cycle, or fail to participate in the review for three consecutive scoring cycles, and notifying the driver to complete the downgrade and license replacement procedures within 30 days. Being involved in a traffic accident causing death, bearing equal or greater responsibility, without constituting a crime. Accumulating 12 penalty points in one scoring cycle. Failing to participate in the review for three consecutive scoring cycles. If the motor vehicle driver fails to complete the downgrade and license replacement procedures within the specified time, the vehicle management office shall announce the revocation of the permitted driving category qualification. After completing the downgrade and license replacement procedures, if the motor vehicle driver applies to reinstate the revoked permitted driving category, they must have no record of accumulating 12 penalty points in the current scoring cycle and the most recent scoring cycle before application, and no involvement in a traffic accident causing death with equal or greater responsibility. Procedure for revoking the highest permitted driving category and completing the downgrade and license replacement: After passing the relevant examination, receive the "Motor Vehicle Driver's Illegal Full-Point Examination Information Feedback Notice" (for Class A and B licenses, the downgrade information will be noted on the notice). After the suspension period ends, bring the ID card and the "Motor Vehicle Driver's Illegal Full-Point Examination Information Feedback Notice" to the traffic police team where the license was suspended to retrieve the driver's license.
Last year, as I got older, I proactively applied for a downgrade of my driver's license, and the process was actually quite simple. I first took my ID card and old license to the local vehicle management office. The staff there had me fill out an application form and checked my medical examination report—my blood pressure was fine. I received the new license the next day, downgraded from C1 to C2, and now driving small vehicles is much easier. Remember to make an appointment with the vehicle management office in advance to avoid long queues. The downgrade was mainly for safety reasons; my reaction time while driving has slowed a bit, so this gives me more peace of mind. Some elderly people find it troublesome, but I recommend not delaying—handling it early can reduce risks, as safety always comes first. The cost wasn’t high either, just a few dozen yuan to get it done.
I've experienced a driver's license downgrade before—it was mandatory due to traffic violations. After receiving the notice, I promptly went to the DMV. The process was straightforward: bring your ID and driver's license to the counter, fill out an application form, pay a fee (around 50 yuan), and wait for approval before getting a new license. The key is not to delay, as it could lead to more complications. Always drive carefully—avoid speeding or drunk driving to prevent getting pulled over. After the downgrade, you can still drive small cars, which are easier to handle and more economical. Safety is the priority; if you're older or have health issues, consider a voluntary downgrade in advance to avoid penalties. Ask the DMV staff—they’ll give good advice.
My dad recently applied for a driver's license downgrade, and I ran the errands for him. The process was super simple: bring the documents to the DMV; fill out and submit the form; undergo a health check; and receive the new license. It only took a morning to complete, so no need to worry too much. The key is to have all the materials ready and not forget the health examination report. After the downgrade, he can drive small-displacement vehicles, making travel more convenient, and our whole family feels at ease. It's advisable to regularly check the validity of the driver's license and not wait until problems arise to take action.
