Why does a new C1 driver's license only have 6 points?

[Matt]

C1 new driver's license does not only have six points, it has 12 points like a normal driver's license. For C1 driver's license, the restrictions during the probation period are less than those for Class A and B driver's licenses. As long as the 12 points are not completely deducted, there will basically be no major issues. Once all 12 points are deducted, the driving qualification for the permitted vehicle types will be revoked. The specific regulation states that if a C1 driver's license is deducted 6 points, there is no need to retake the theoretical exam. For Class C licenses, if the points deducted in one cycle do not reach 12 points, the points will be automatically cleared after paying the fines, and no further study is required. Article 59 of the new traffic regulations stipulates: If a motor vehicle driver's points in a scoring cycle do not reach 12 points and the imposed fines have been paid, the points will be cleared; if the points do not reach 12 points but there are unpaid fines, the points will be carried over to the next scoring cycle. For new driver's licenses of higher classes than C, it is not that they only have 6 points, but rather they cannot have 6 points deducted. The first year after obtaining the driver's license is the probation period. If 6 or more points are deducted during the probation period but do not reach 12 points, the probation period will be extended by one year; if another 6 or more points are deducted during the extended probation period but do not reach 12 points, the driving qualification for the probationary permitted vehicle types will be revoked by the vehicle management office.

[DelWillow]

When I first got my C1 driver's license, I thought it only had 6 points, which made me a bit nervous. Later, I asked my driving instructor and learned that new licenses actually have the full 12 points, just like experienced drivers. The '6 points' thing might have been a misunderstanding—some people thought probationary licenses had reduced points, but that's not the case. The probation period is indeed strict: if you accumulate 12 points within the first 12 months, your entire license gets revoked, and you have to retake all four driving tests from scratch, which is a huge hassle. That's why new drivers need to be extra careful—no speeding, no drunk driving, and always follow traffic rules. I think it's best for beginners to practice with an experienced driver to get familiar with road conditions and regulations, so they don't lose all their points by accident and undo all their hard work. Looking back, I feel a bit scared—I wish I'd known this earlier.

[MacFaith]

I've been driving for over a decade and have heard many novices complain that the new C1 license only gives 6 points, which is completely false. The license score is always a full 12 points from start to finish, regardless of whether you're a new or experienced driver. However, the rules are stricter for novices during their one-year probation period: if you accumulate 12 points, unlike experienced drivers who only lose points and undergo training, your license will be directly revoked, forcing you to retake the exam from scratch. Some people mistook 'higher risk' for 'fewer points,' leading to the rumor about 6 points. The most important thing in driving is to develop good habits to avoid point deductions. New drivers shouldn't panic; practice slow driving more, especially staying steady in city traffic jams. If an accident happens, deal with the penalty notice promptly—don't wait until you hit 12 points, or it'll be too late.

[KiaraMarie]

Hey buddy, I've been there too—when I first got my C1 license, I heard that new drivers only have 6 points and almost didn't believe it was true. But after checking the facts, a new license starts with a full 12 points, not 6. The so-called '6 points' might come from misleading warnings in chat groups about the probation period, meaning it's easier to fail the retest if you lose points as a beginner. The probation period lasts 12 months, and losing all 12 points will result in immediate license revocation, which is much worse than just losing points. I recommend installing a navigation app before driving to alert you about traffic violations; obey red lights and speed limits, and don’t imitate those reckless drivers. In short, don’t be misled by rumors—your points are just fine.

[MacSienna]

Last time I was chatting with my daughter about her newly obtained C1 driver's license, she mentioned why it only had 6 points, which made me laugh for a long time before clarifying it for her. Both new and old driver's licenses start with 12 points, and if you accumulate 12 penalty points during the 12-month probation period, the license will be directly revoked, requiring a retest. What seems like 6 points is actually a high-risk situation. My daughter now drives much more carefully. The demerit point system resets every 2 years, so beginners should avoid cutting in line and using mobile phones to prevent suffering from losing all points. During family chats, I always remind my kids to check their points regularly and appeal if they're wrongly penalized.

[AnthonyLee]

From a professional perspective, there's no such thing as a C1 new driver's license starting with only 6 points—it's always a full 12-point system. Don't be fooled by rumors. The strict probationary period rules are the root cause—new drivers who accumulate 12 penalty points will have their licenses revoked directly, which led to misinformation spreading. First-year drivers should keep a low profile and focus on urban road practice: yielding to pedestrians and ensuring timely vehicle inspections can minimize point deductions. Novices are advised to frequently check official traffic apps to monitor point changes in real-time and develop good driving habits based on road conditions. This way, license points remain stable while prioritizing safety.