
The annual review and scoring cycle of the driver's license is calculated from the "initial license date" on the driver's license, with a 12-month cycle. Materials required for personal vehicle inspection: Original vehicle license, copy of compulsory traffic insurance, ID card copy, vehicle. Materials required for company vehicle inspection: Original vehicle license, copy of compulsory traffic insurance, Organization Code Certificate of the People's Republic of China (with fresh seal), power of attorney (with fresh seal), agent's ID card copy, vehicle. Vehicle annual inspection regulations: Small and micro non-operating passenger vehicles: inspection once every 2 years within 6 years; once every year after 6 years; twice every year after 15 years. Operating passenger vehicles: once every year within 5 years; once every 6 months after 5 years. Trucks: once every year within 10 years; once every 6 months after 10 years. Motorcycles: once every 2 years within 4 years; once every year after 4 years.

After driving for so many years and upgrading my license several times, including to a B2, the most frustrating part has always been the issue of license review dates. It wasn't until later that I understood that the review isn't based on when you upgraded your license, but on the day you first obtained your driver's license. For example, I first got my C1 license in 2015 and upgraded to B2 in 2023, but the review is still calculated from 2015. Why? Because that's how the traffic rules are set—all license reviews are uniformly based on the initial issuance date. I suggest you check your driver's license; it clearly states the 'Date of First Issue,' which is your benchmark. Don’t forget to go for regular reviews and don’t delay. Overdue reviews not only mean fines and points but could also affect your driving eligibility. I always handle it a month in advance—it saves hassle and avoids unexpected issues.

When I first got my B2 license upgrade, I was also confused about how to determine the inspection date. After asking around, I learned that the date has nothing to do with the upgrade time but is purely based on the day you initially obtained your driver's license. For example, my original license was issued in 2019, and I upgraded to B2 in 2024, but the inspection is still based on 2019. My coach reminded me to check the date on my license in advance to avoid missing the deadline. The DMV staff said the system automatically calculates the cycle, and the upgrade doesn’t change the original point. I suggest you note that date early, set a calendar reminder, and don’t worry—the inspection is quite simple; just bring some documents.

As someone who pays great attention to details when driving, the first thing I did after upgrading to a B2 license was to clarify the license review rules. I discovered that the date is based on your initial license issuance date, not the upgrade time. This unified rule helps avoid confusion. I recommend checking the records on your driver's license and completing the procedures in advance—don't delay—to ensure safe driving.


