What to Do If Your Driver's License is Downgraded?
3 Answers
After your driver's license is downgraded, you must go to the vehicle management office to replace it within 30 days. If the driver fails to complete the downgrade and replacement procedures within the specified time, the vehicle management office will announce the invalidation of the driving qualification for the downgraded vehicle type. Passive downgrade occurs when the driver violates relevant legal regulations, requiring the mandatory cancellation of the highest permissible vehicle type. There are four situations that may lead to passive downgrade: 1. Being involved in a traffic accident resulting in death and bearing equal or greater responsibility, without constituting a crime. 2. Accumulating 12 penalty points within one scoring cycle. 3. Failing to participate in the review for three consecutive scoring cycles. 4. Automatically downgraded to a Class C license when the driver reaches the age of 60.
I had a similar experience before. Just a few months after getting my license, I accumulated 12 penalty points for running red lights and speeding consecutively, resulting in a downgrade. It was quite a shock—I thought they were just minor tickets, but then I got notified that my license was directly downgraded to a C2. I immediately went to the traffic police station to inquire, and they told me I had to retake the theoretical exam (Subject 1) and couldn’t afford any delays. I downloaded the "Driver’s License Exam" app, spent half an hour every day practicing questions, and even signed up for weekend training classes. On the exam day, I passed smoothly. Now, I strictly drive automatic transmission cars and have to wait a year before applying for an upgrade. It was a hard lesson—I remind myself before every drive to go slower and steadier, not to risk trouble just to save a few minutes. Safety is no small matter, and during the downgrade period, I need to be extra careful not to violate any rules again, or the recovery process will be even more troublesome. I’ve reflected deeply, and the next upgrade exam will also be an opportunity to prove myself.
With over a decade of driving experience, I considered myself a seasoned driver. However, last year, I was penalized with demerit points and a license downgrade due to a fatigue-induced collision. Initially, I didn't take it seriously, but later realized it affected my livelihood as I couldn't drive heavy trucks anymore. I promptly consulted the traffic police to understand the process—specifically, retaking the theoretical exam to upgrade from C1 back to C2. I scheduled time for traffic safety education classes, sincerely reflected on my mistake, and learned that vigilance is non-negotiable while driving. After passing, I must wait two years before reapplying for an upgrade, so now I dutifully stick to regular vehicles. This incident taught me that safe driving is no trivial matter; minor violations accumulate and can trip you up. My advice: if faced with a license downgrade, clarify requirements promptly, treat it as a fresh start to cultivate better habits, and act swiftly to retrain and retest.
