Can a Temporary ID be Used for the Written Driving Test?

[GemmaFitz]

A temporary ID can be used for the written driving test (Subject 1). A temporary ID is a citizen identity document used during the period of applying for, renewing, or replacing a resident ID card. It holds the same legal validity as a formal ID, but its validity period is only three months. Therefore, a temporary ID meets the identity verification requirements for the initial application of a driver's license. Materials required for applying for a temporary ID: Household registration booklet; Resident ID collection receipt; Bring the required materials to the household registration office of the local police station, fill out the application form, and submit it. However, note that electronic IDs cannot be used for the test. According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses," the Subject 1 test can be taken twice. If the first attempt is unsuccessful, a second free retest is allowed. If the second attempt also fails, the Subject 1 test is terminated, and the applicant must wait ten days before reapplying. The test is computer-based and lasts 45 minutes. Subject 1 test content: Regulations on driver's licenses and motor vehicle management; road traffic conditions and rules; traffic safety violations and penalties; regulations on traffic accident handling; basic knowledge of motor vehicles; local regulations; knowledge of braking systems and safety devices for large and medium-sized passenger and cargo vehicles; specialized knowledge for wheeled self-propelled machinery, trams, and trolleybuses. Subject 1 test precautions: Candidates should dress appropriately—no slippers allowed. Electronic devices and bags are prohibited in the test room. Bring your ID card and queue to enter the waiting hall. Observe the precautions and procedures on the large screen. Store personal belongings in lockers before entering the test room. At the identity verification station, a seat will be assigned. Once seated, begin the test. Ensure the camera is aligned with you and follow test discipline. If you fail the first attempt, a same-day retest is available. If you fail again, you must pay to reschedule. After the test, queue to collect your score report and sign it. Failure to sign renders the result invalid. There is no limit to the number of times you can schedule the Subject 1 test. Each subject can be taken once, with one retest allowed if unsuccessful. If you skip the retest or fail it, the test is terminated, and you must reschedule. Subjects 2 and 3, however, allow only five attempts each. Scheduling for Subjects 2 and 3 must be done ten days later. If you fail the Subject 3 safety and civilized driving knowledge test, your passing score for the road driving skills test remains valid. Steps to schedule the Subject 1 test online: Open the Traffic Safety Comprehensive Service Management Platform and select your province/city. Choose "Test Scheduling." Click "Register Now." Fill in user information: Enter your ID number and the phone number used during registration. Select user type: Choose "First-time applicant for a motor vehicle driver's license." Enter the SMS verification code. Read and agree to the terms, then click "Next." Confirm the information is correct and click "Next." Test scheduling: Select the test subject, test venue, and scheduling period. Enter the image verification code and click "Next." Choose the date and session: The system offers two scheduling modes—self-selecting test sessions or letting the system arrange them. If you choose the self-selection mode, you can pick one or multiple sessions. If you opt for system arrangement, the system will automatically match available sessions within your selected period. After selecting, click "Next" to confirm. Review and confirm the information, then click "Complete." Upon successful submission, the system generates a transaction number. The test schedule will be arranged and announced on the result announcement day. The driving test consists of three subjects: Subject 1, Subject 2, and Subject 3. Subject 1 covers traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge. Subject 2 is the field driving skills test. Subject 3 includes two parts: road driving skills and safety and civilized driving knowledge. The safety and civilized driving knowledge test is taken after Subject 3, often referred to as "Subject 4," though this term is unofficial (per the Ministry of Public Security's Order No. 123). The test duration is 45 minutes.

[MacCody]

I got my driver's license many years ago and know that temporary ID cards are usually acceptable. Last time, my cousin lost his ID right before the exam. He hurriedly got a temporary one and took it to the test center for the theory exam, and everything went smoothly. The key is to have a valid temporary ID issued by the public security authorities, which is generally recognized within a one-month validity period. However, different test centers may have slight variations—some places might require it to be paired with an exam admission ticket or driving school notification. It's best to call ahead and confirm the specific requirements to avoid issues on the day. Safety comes first during exams, so make sure all documents are in order to prevent trouble. Getting a temporary ID is quite fast, so don’t worry about delays.