Can an electronic ID be used for the Subject 1 test?
2 Answers
For the test, bringing a physical ID card is sufficient; electronic IDs cannot be used. If you do not have an ID card, you can apply for a temporary ID, which holds the same validity as a regular ID. According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's 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 must wait ten days before rescheduling. The Subject 1 test consists of 100 questions, including single-choice and true/false questions, each worth 1 point, totaling 100 points. If you answer 11 questions incorrectly, the system will automatically submit the test and end the session. The Subject 1 test is computer-based and lasts 45 minutes. The Subject 1 test covers the following topics: regulations on driver's licenses and motor vehicle management; road traffic conditions and rules; traffic 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 buses and trucks; specialized knowledge for wheeled self-propelled machinery, trams, and trolleybuses. Test-taking notes for Subject 1: Candidates should dress appropriately—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, your seat will be assigned at the identity verification counter. 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 the same day. If you fail again, you must pay to reschedule. After the test, queue to collect your score report and sign it—unsigned reports are 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 retake allowed if you fail. If you skip the retake or fail it, the test session ends, and you must reschedule. In contrast, Subjects 2 and 3 allow only five attempts each, with rescheduling permitted after ten days. If you fail the Subject 3 safe driving knowledge test, your previously passed road driving skills test results remain valid. The driver's license test consists of three subjects: Subject 1, Subject 2, and Subject 3. Subject 1 covers traffic laws, regulations, and related knowledge. Subject 2 tests field driving skills. Subject 3 includes two components: 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, though the official term (under Ministry of Public Security Order No. 123) does not include "Subject 4."
I've taken the driving test several times, and during the theory test (Subject 1), I've never seen anyone use an electronic ID to enter. The staff at the test center always check the physical ID card first, and it must be recognized by the card reader to count. Once, a friend only had the electronic version on their phone and was stopped at the entrance, wasting the whole morning and the registration fee. Now, before every test, I always make sure to put my physical ID card in my bag to avoid any surprises. While electronic IDs are legally valid, the systems at driving test centers haven't been upgraded yet, and most places don't support scanning. I recommend calling the test center before your exam to ask if they accept electronic IDs, or just bring the physical card to be safe. Don't take risks to save trouble—if it's not accepted, it could delay your progress. Safety first. Digitalization is the trend, but in the current conservative environment, it's better to listen to those with experience.