Which validity period applies when upgrading from C1 to E license?
3 Answers
The validity period of the driver's license is calculated based on the initial issuance date of the first obtained license. For a C1E license, if the C1 license was obtained first, the validity period is calculated from the C1 issuance date; if the E license was obtained first, the validity period is calculated from the E license issuance date. If the driver has not accumulated 12 penalty points in any scoring cycle during the 6-year validity period of the driver's license, they will be issued a 10-year validity license. If the driver maintains a clean record (no 12-point cycles) during the 10-year validity period, they will be issued a long-term valid driver's license. C1 Driver's License: The C1 driver's license is one category of motor vehicle driving permits in China. It authorizes the holder to drive small and mini passenger vehicles, light and mini cargo trucks, as well as light, small, and mini special purpose vehicles. Small passenger vehicles refer to those with seating capacity ≤9 persons. 2. Age Requirements The minimum age for C1 license application is 18 years old, with no upper age limit. However, applicants aged 70+ must pass cognitive tests including memory, judgment, and reaction ability assessments.
I understand that a C1 license is for small vehicle driving, while an E license is for motorcycles. When you upgrade from C1 to E, the validity period of the entire license is calculated from the original issuance date, not the new upgrade date. For example, if you obtained your C1 license in 2020 with an expiration date of 2026, after upgrading to E, the validity period will still be 2026. This is because the driving license is a unified document, and all license levels share the same validity period. In practice, upgrading only adds permissions and does not refresh the date. I recommend regularly checking the validity period through the Traffic Management 12123 app or the DMV to avoid the safety risks of driving with an expired license. After all, negligence in managing the validity period may lead to fines or accidents. Safety first—remembering the original issuance date is crucial.
I had a similar experience last year when I added an E license to my C1. At the time, I thought the validity period would be extended after the addition, but it turned out to follow the original C1 expiration date—for example, if I got my C1 in 2021 and it expires in 2027, adding the E license still meant it would end in 2027. The whole process was quite simple; adding a license just means getting a new card with additional permissions, but the date remains the same. In terms of safe driving, I’ve made it a habit to check my license annually to ensure it’s always valid, especially since riding a motorcycle carries higher risks. I’d advise beginners to consult a driving school before adding a license to avoid handling validity issues based on assumptions, which could lead to trouble if checked on the road.
