What to Do After Accumulating 12 Demerit Points on Your Driver's License?

[SiennaFitz]

Different types of driver's licenses have different handling methods after accumulating 12 demerit points: 1. Class A and B Driver's Licenses: Driver's licenses for permitted vehicle types are divided into several categories, with one demerit cycle lasting 12 months, meaning 12 points are allocated from the date of license issuance. If a Class A or B license accumulates 12 demerit points within one demerit cycle, the vehicle management office will revoke the highest permitted vehicle type driving qualification, directly downgrading the license. The driver must then apply for a license replacement. 2. Class C Driver's License: If a Class C license accumulates 12 demerit points within one demerit cycle, the license will be temporarily suspended. The driver must attend a 7-day road safety law, regulation, and related safety knowledge course at the vehicle management office and retake the subject one exam. Only after passing the exam can the driver resume driving. Driving during the suspension period is considered unlicensed driving. If a driver accumulates 12 points during the probationary period, their probationary permitted vehicle type driving qualification will be revoked, requiring retaking all subjects.

[DiAva]

I remember two years ago when I was delivering an urgent document for the company, I drove too aggressively and ended up getting a full 12 points deducted. I was terrified and immediately called 122 to ask the traffic police. They said I had to report to the vehicle management office within 15 days, attend a 7-day traffic rules training course, and then take the written test (Subject One). That week was tough—memorizing all those traffic signs and penalty regulations felt more stressful than college exams. Luckily, I passed on the first try; otherwise, I would have had to keep studying. A friend of mine had it worse—he got a full 12 points deducted twice within two years, so besides the theory test, he also had to retake the road test. A word of advice: if you ever lose all your points, just take the bus for a while. Driving secretly counts as unlicensed driving, and if you get caught or worse, have an accident, insurance won’t cover it.

[Lindsay]

Last time I was caught speeding on the highway, and my points were completely deducted. I only found out about the full-score education requirement when checking the process on my phone, and I could schedule the study time online. I went to the DMV to pick up some study materials, spent seven consecutive days watching videos and answering questions—they explained everything in detail, and I corrected my bad habits like speeding and reckless lane changes. During the exam, you could miss up to 3 out of 50 questions to pass, and I was lucky enough to only get two wrong. When I got my license back, the staff mentioned that if I accumulated full points again within six months, it would be even more troublesome, requiring an additional road test. Now, I’m extra careful about speed limits when driving. This process really makes you learn your lesson—it’s much more effective than just paying a fine.

[LailaLee]

The full-point driver's license processing procedure actually involves three steps: First, go to the traffic management department to receive the penalty decision notice, and the formalities must be completed within 15 days. Then, attend a 7-day training program, which now offers both offline classroom and online course options, with a minimum of 3 hours of study per day. Finally, take the subject one exam, which is usually held at the local vehicle management office, and the question bank is exactly the same as that for the driver's license test. The license will be returned immediately upon passing, but if failed, additional study and retesting are required. It's particularly important to note that if you've already had two 12-point deductions within the current scoring cycle, in addition to the theoretical test, you'll also need to take a practical driving test. The entire process is free of charge, but it consumes time and energy, so it's best not to try it.

[Barry]

Last winter, I got all my points deducted for illegal parking and running a red light. During the retraining class, I noticed people of all ages and backgrounds, including a taxi driver who lost her points for repeated overloading. The instructor was very responsible, combining accident videos with traffic laws in the lectures, which is how I learned that failing to yield to pedestrians at turns costs 3 points. While practicing on the driving test app before the exam, I noticed new questions about yielding at zebra crossings, and I eventually scored 93. Now I always slow down at yellow lights, preferring to wait an extra two minutes. I recommend those with full point deductions to schedule retraining early—delaying too long could lead to license suspension, which is even more troublesome.

[GeorgeLynn]

As someone who frequently drives long distances, the biggest fear is having all the points deducted. I heard the process has been optimized now, and in many places, you can schedule study sessions on the Traffic Management 12123 APP, avoiding frequent trips to the DMV. Specifically, you need to prepare your ID card, point deduction notice, and driver's license, complete a 7-day education course first, and then take a theoretical exam. Don't believe anyone who suggests hiring someone to take the test for you—after last year's crackdown, facial recognition at test centers has become extremely strict. Passing the exam allows you to immediately regain your driving privileges, but the violation data from the dashcam will be permanently stored. If your job depends on driving, it's best to borrow points from friends or family before reaching the limit as a last resort, though this is far from ideal.