Will an A2 driver's license definitely be downgraded if 12 points are deducted?
3 Answers
An A2 license will not be downgraded if 12 points are deducted. With the implementation of the new regulations on April 1, 2022, holders of an A2 driver's license who accumulate 12 penalty points within a scoring cycle will no longer face downgrading. Instead, the license holder needs to participate in the study and examination of Subject 1 to clear the violation points and retrieve their driver's license. The A2 driver's license permits the operation of tractor-trailers, which can tow heavy and medium full trailers/semi-trailers. Trailers are divided into two types: full trailers and semi-trailers. A full trailer bears its total weight entirely, while a semi-trailer shares part of its total weight with the towing vehicle. Only drivers holding an A2 license can operate such tractor-trailers; even those with an A1 license are not permitted to drive them. To downgrade an A2 driver's license, one must visit the local vehicle management office with their ID card and driver's license. The A2 license can be downgraded to a B1 or B2 license (i.e., B1 or B2 driver's license). The A2 license corresponds to tractor-trailers, the B1 license to medium-sized buses, and the B2 license to large trucks. The other vehicle types that an A2 license holder can drive include: B1 (medium-sized buses), B2 (large trucks), C1 (small cars), C2 (small automatic transmission cars), C3 (low-speed trucks), C4 (three-wheeled cars), and M (wheeled self-propelled machinery). Article 68 of the new traffic regulations stipulates: For holders of large passenger vehicle, tractor-trailer, city bus, medium-sized bus, or large truck driver's licenses, the vehicle management office shall revoke their highest permissible driving qualification under the following circumstances and notify the driver to complete the downgrade and license exchange within 30 days: Being involved in a traffic accident resulting in death and bearing equal or greater responsibility, without constituting a crime. Accumulating 12 penalty points within a scoring cycle. Failing to undergo inspection for three consecutive scoring cycles. The full name of a driver's license is a motor vehicle driver's license, also known as a "driver's license," which is a permit required by law for individuals to drive motor vehicles. Driving a motor vehicle requires certain driving skills. Without these skills, driving a motor vehicle recklessly may lead to traffic accidents. Generally, individuals without a license cannot drive on the road. However, for those who have mastered safe driving techniques, the document that permits them to drive vehicles on the road is the "driver's license." The permission to drive vehicles is granted through the issuance of a driver's license. This indicates that obtaining a driver's license is a formal process that must be conducted by a specialized authority. Internationally, a driver's license is defined as: "A document issued by the competent authority permitting the holder to drive a motor vehicle." In China, a driver's license is defined as: A motor vehicle driver's license is a legal certificate issued by the management department to individuals who are legally allowed to learn to drive motor vehicles, have studied and mastered traffic regulations and driving skills, and have passed the required tests, permitting them to drive certain types of motor vehicles.
As someone who frequently follows traffic regulations, I know that having an A2 driver's license demerit points reach 12 doesn't necessarily mean immediate downgrading. According to traffic laws, after accumulating 12 points, you must attend a seven-day road traffic safety learning course at the vehicle management office, which includes both theoretical and practical knowledge training. Only after passing the exam can the points be cleared. However, if you fail the exam or have committed serious violations within the same demerit point cycle, such as drunk driving or hit-and-run, you may face the risk of downgrading—for example, from an A2 to a C1 license, which would affect your ability to drive large vehicles. I recommend drivers regularly check their demerit point status to avoid accumulating too many points, especially those with Class A or B licenses. Once you reach 12 points, promptly address the learning requirements to prevent major consequences from minor oversights.
I have a friend who does long-distance freight transport. His A2 driver's license accumulated 12 penalty points last year, and he was in a panic thinking he would be downgraded and lose his job. However, he attended a safety course, passed the exam on the first try, and avoided the downgrade. But he mentioned that the traffic department warned him that if he accumulates 12 points in two consecutive scoring cycles or has a record of major accidents, he would definitely face downgrade. This taught me that hitting 12 points is just the beginning—what you do next determines your fate: attending training properly can save your license, while carelessness is risky. As drivers, we must develop the habit of paying attention to traffic signals and speed limits, avoiding reckless speeding or fatigued driving.
