Can a temporary ID card be used for the Subject 4 test?
3 Answers
Temporary ID cards can be used for the Subject 4 test, as they hold the same legal validity as regular ID cards. Applicants can visit any public security bureau (even non-local ones) to submit their household registration booklet, a recent one-inch black-and-white photo with no hat (same size standard as ID photos), and pay the certificate processing fee. Students can obtain the temporary ID card on the same day of application. In some regions, providing the ID number or presenting a household registration booklet or residence permit may also suffice for the test. The Subject 4 test schedule is as follows: morning session entry time: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM; afternoon session entry time: 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM. Each test lasts 45 minutes, and students must arrive before the final entry time.
When I took the Subject 4 test, I lost my ID card and had to get a temporary one at the police station. The staff said the temporary ID is fully valid for the exam, with the same legal status as the original. At the DMV, I showed the temporary ID and entered the test center smoothly—no issues at all. I recommend applying for a temporary ID a few days in advance. Just bring your household registration booklet to the local police station; it usually takes just a few minutes. Before the test, it’s best to call and confirm if the DMV has any special requirements, just in case. Remember, temporary IDs have a short validity period, so take the test quickly to avoid expiration. For the exam, identity verification is the first step—once that’s done, you can focus on answering the questions.
From a regulatory perspective, a temporary ID card is an officially recognized document in China and is fully legal for use in driving license tests, including Subject 4. Public security authorities explicitly state that it holds equal validity to a permanent ID card for identity verification purposes. Many local vehicle management offices accept temporary IDs without requiring additional procedures. In practice, test-takers only need to bring the original temporary ID to the exam. However, there might be minor variations in certain cities, so it's advisable to contact the local vehicle management office hotline a few days before the test. Rest assured, the law provides clear protection in this regard. Staying informed about such common knowledge can help avoid unnecessary stress.
