What is the process for downgrading a driver's license?
2 Answers
Processing steps: The motor vehicle driver or agent must bring the required materials to the window of the vehicle management office branch or the driver's license management window of the traffic police detachment (brigade) in each district (county) to handle the procedure. If applying for a voluntary downgrade of the permitted driving model and license replacement at a vehicle management office other than the issuing location of the motor vehicle driver's license, the transfer procedures must be completed as required. II. Required materials: "Motor Vehicle Driver's License Application Form". Identity proof and a copy of the motor vehicle driver. Motor vehicle driver's license. Motor vehicle driver's license photo. If also applying for a license replacement upon expiration, submit the "Motor Vehicle Driver's Physical Condition Certificate". Three 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 model and license replacement at a vehicle management office other than the issuing location of the motor vehicle driver's license, the transfer procedures must be completed as required, and the original "Motor Vehicle Driver's Physical Condition Declaration Form" must be submitted. If delegated, the power of attorney and the agent's identity proof and copy must also be submitted. Drivers holding licenses for large buses, tractors, city buses, medium buses, or large trucks must have their highest permitted driving model qualification revoked by the vehicle management office under the following circumstances, and the motor vehicle driver must be notified to complete the downgrade and license replacement within 30 days: Being involved in a traffic accident resulting in death and bearing equal or greater responsibility without constituting a crime. Having a record of 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 within the specified time, the vehicle management office shall announce the revocation of the permitted driving model qualification. After completing the downgrade and license replacement, if the motor vehicle driver applies to reinstate the revoked permitted driving model, they must have no record of 12 penalty points in the current and the most recent scoring cycle before application, and no involvement in a traffic accident resulting in death with equal or greater responsibility. Procedure for revoking the highest permitted driving model 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, present 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 confiscated to retrieve the driver's license.
I remember applying for a driver's license downgrade last year because I rarely drove large vehicles anymore due to my busy work schedule. The first step was to undergo a physical examination at a designated hospital and obtain a qualification certificate, which took about half an hour. Then, I prepared the required documents: a copy of my ID card, the original and duplicate of my old driver's license, and two recent one-inch photos. Upon arriving at the vehicle management office, I first took a queue ticket from the number dispenser. While waiting for my number to be called, I filled out the downgrade application form, clearly stating the reason, such as a job change or age. When it was my turn at the counter, the staff checked if all the materials were complete. After approval, my Class C driver's license was issued on the spot. The entire process took less than an hour and was quite efficient. The cost was only 50 yuan, and I recommend booking online services in advance to avoid long queues during peak hours. After the downgrade, driving a smaller car is more convenient, and the annual inspection process is simplified, making it ideal for office workers.
