Can a Temporary ID Card Be Used for Subject 2 Driving Test?
4 Answers
A temporary ID card can be used for the Subject 2 driving test. However, if you do not have a regular ID card and need to use a temporary one, you must inform the driving test instructor in advance and follow the arrangements made by the driving school. According to Article 19, Paragraph 1 of the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses," "first-time applicants for a motor vehicle driver's license must fill out an application form and submit their identity proof." Therefore, a temporary ID card can be used to take the Subject 2 test. It is important to note that a temporary resident ID card is valid for three months. You can take the Subject 2 test within this validity period, but if it expires, you will not be allowed to enter the test site. Therefore, make sure to take the test before the temporary ID expires. If the temporary ID expires due to special circumstances, you should apply for a new regular ID card or temporary ID as soon as possible. Subject 2, also known as the small road test, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment and refers to the field driving skills test. For small cars (C1/C2), the test includes five mandatory items: reversing into a parking space, parallel parking, stopping and starting on a slope, right-angle turns, and curve driving (commonly known as the S-turn). Some regions may have a sixth item: highway card collection. According to Article 25 of the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses" (Ministry of Public Security Order No. 123), starting from June 1, 2021, the slope stop and start test is no longer required for C2 and C5 license applicants. For large vehicles (AB licenses), Subject 2 includes 16 items as per the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses": reversing into a parking space, passing continuous obstacles, curve driving, highway simulation test, width-limited gate, bumpy road, single-plank bridge, narrow road U-turn, slope stop and start, parallel parking, highway emergency handling, mountain road simulation, right-angle turns, rain and fog weather simulation, highway tire blowout, and tunnel simulation driving.
After understanding the relevant regulations, I believe that a temporary ID card can fully be used for the driving test (Subject 2). Issued by public security authorities, a temporary ID card holds the same legal validity as a permanent ID card within its validity period and can be used for registration and exam entry. However, local test centers may have specific requirements, such as stipulating that the temporary ID must be issued within a certain period before the test or must be accompanied by additional proof. It is advisable to consult the driving school or vehicle management office at least one week in advance to confirm the details. When preparing, ensure the temporary ID number matches the registration form to avoid rejection due to mismatched information. Additionally, bring your exam admission ticket, photos, and a pen as backup materials on the test day. An expired ID could delay your exam, so checking that the validity period covers the test date is crucial. In short, don’t take document issues lightly—timely handling will ensure a smooth process.
My experience using a temporary ID for the Subject 2 test went smoothly. That time I lost my original ID, got a temporary one, and went straight to the exam. The staff did a quick verification before allowing me into the test area—everything proceeded normally. If you're in the same situation, don't worry, it's feasible. However, it's best to check with your driving school a few days before the exam to confirm local policies, as some places might require an extra photo or a signed affidavit just in case. The validity period of the document is crucial—make sure it's within the effective date, or you'll make a wasted trip. On exam day, arrive early to queue for identity verification, stay relaxed, and focus on your driving skills. This experience reminds everyone to keep their documents safe to avoid hassle—using a temporary ID for Subject 2 is absolutely fine.
Having handled many student cases, I can say that a temporary ID is generally acceptable for the Category 2 driving test as long as it's within the validity period, and most test centers will accept it. It's advisable to bring the original temporary ID and additional identification (such as a photo of your driver's license) to the test site to avoid any last-minute issues. Contact your driving school in advance to clarify the requirements, as some regions may require supporting documents or prior registration. Make sure the ID information matches what you provided during registration, and don't make any mistakes with the numbers. Before the test, ensure you're well-rested and have all your documents ready, so minor issues don't affect your performance. In short, document issues are minor obstacles that can be resolved with proper preparation to meet your driving test needs.
