How long after the expiration of a driver's license do you need to retake the exam?

If your driver's license has expired within one year, you can go to the traffic management authority to handle the annual review and get a new one. If it has expired for more than one year but less than three years, you can take the theoretical exam and, if you pass, you can reapply for a driver's license. However, if it has expired for more than three years, you will need to register for training and pass all exams to get a new one.

You cannot drive a motor vehicle during the period when your driver's license is expired, or you will be treated as a driver without a license and may be subject to a fine and up to 15 days of imprisonment.

According to the 机动车驾驶证申领和使用规定 (Criminal Law of the People's Republic of China on the Administration of the Issuance and Use of Motor Vehicles, Order No. 139), if a driver has not accumulated more than 12 points during each score period within the six-year validity period of their driver's license, they will be issued a 10-year valid driver's license. If a driver has not accumulated more than 12 points during each score period within the 10-year validity period of their driver's license, they will be issued a long-term valid driver's license.