Can a Temporary ID Card Be Used for the Subject 1 Test?
4 Answers
A temporary ID card can be used for the test. The admission ticket and other documents are handled by the driving school, which will distribute them during the test. Electronic ID cards cannot be used for the test. If you do not have an ID card, you can apply for a temporary one, which holds the same validity as a formal ID card. According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses," the Subject 1 test can be taken twice on the same day. If you fail the first attempt, you can retake it for free. If you fail the second attempt, the Subject 1 test will be terminated, and you can only reschedule the test after ten days. The Subject 1 test consists of 100 questions, including single-choice and true/false questions, with each question worth 1 point and a total score of 100. If you answer 11 questions incorrectly during the test, the system will automatically submit the paper and end the test. The Subject 1 test is computer-based and lasts 45 minutes. Subject 1 Test Content: Regulations on driving licenses and motor vehicle management; road traffic conditions and regulations; traffic safety violations and penalties; regulations on road 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 Notes: During the test, students should pay attention to their attire—no slippers are allowed. Electronic devices and bags are prohibited in the examination room. Bring your ID card and queue to enter the waiting hall. Observe the instructions and procedures on the large screen, and store personal belongings in lockers before entering the examination room. Upon entering, the identity verification station will assign a seat. Once seated, begin the test, ensuring the camera is aligned with you and adhering to test discipline. If you fail the first attempt, you can retake it on the same day. If you fail again, you must pay to reschedule. After the test, queue to collect your score report and sign it. Failure to sign will render the result invalid. There is no limit to the number of times you can reschedule the Subject 1 test. Each subject can be taken once, with one retake allowed if you fail. If you do not take the retake or fail it, the test will be terminated, and you must reschedule. For Subject 2 and Subject 3, there are only five test attempts. Subject 2 and Subject 3 tests can be rescheduled after ten days. If you fail the Subject 3 safe driving knowledge test, the previously passed road driving skills test results remain valid. There are three subjects in the driving test: Subject 1, Subject 2, and Subject 3. Subject 1 refers to the test on road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge. Subject 2 refers to the field driving skills test. Subject 3 consists of two parts: road driving skills and safe driving knowledge. The safe driving knowledge test is conducted after Subject 3, so it is commonly referred to as Subject 4. However, the official term (as per the Ministry of Public Security Order No. 123) does not include Subject 4.
I'm a driving instructor and often accompany students to take the Theory Test (Subject One). A temporary ID card is definitely acceptable, but the key is that it must be a valid document issued by the public security authority. I advise students to bring the original temporary ID card on the exam day and remember to check in advance that its validity period hasn’t expired—usually, it’s only valid for three months, and an expired one won’t work. The staff at the test center will carefully verify details like the name and photo to ensure they match the registration information, so make sure it’s not dirty or damaged. Just to be safe, I always tell them to bring a household register or a copy of their driver’s license as a backup, in case the examiner needs additional proof to avoid delays. The Theory Test itself isn’t difficult, but the identity verification step is crucial—proper preparation ensures no issues.
I just passed the subject one test using a temporary ID card, and it went quite smoothly. Before the exam, I made sure the temporary ID was a valid document issued by the public security bureau with all the correct information. The examiner just glanced at it and let me in. I suggest you do the same—bring your documents and arrive early at the test center. When it's crowded, the queues move faster. It's also good to have a digital copy or a photo of your ID or driver's license on your phone as a backup. Temporary IDs aren't as durable as permanent ones and can tear easily, so take care not to lose it. In short, don't worry—focus on memorizing the material and taking the test. The theory part is easy.
As a parent, I specifically checked before my child took the Theory Test (Subject 1), and a temporary ID card is completely acceptable. I always remind her to bring the necessary documents, ensure they are valid originals, and make a copy to carry as backup. The examiner will strictly verify the information during the check, so don’t mix up the order. I also reminded her that temporary documents have a short validity period, so don’t delay the test date, and organize all registration materials before the exam. Extra preparation brings more peace of mind.
