
No. Original ID cards are required for registration, subject exams, license collection, renewal, replacement, and annual review. If the original ID card is lost, a temporary ID card can be issued, but electronic ID cards cannot be used. The Subject 4 exam consists of 50 questions, presented in the form of case studies, images, animations, etc. The total score is 100, with a passing score of 90. Subject 4, also known as the theoretical exam or driver's theory test, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment. After the implementation of the Ministry of Public Security's Order No. 123, the Subject 3 exam was divided into two parts: the road test and an additional safety and civics knowledge test, commonly referred to as "Subject 4," which assesses "driving ethics." Since this exam is conducted after Subject 3, it is commonly called the Subject 4 exam. Officially, however, there is no such term as Subject 4. If you fail the Subject 4 exam, you do not need to retake the previously passed subjects (Subject 1, Subject 2, Subject 3). You can schedule a retake on your own without paying any additional fees. There are no scheduling restrictions, but the driving skills test permit is valid for three years. If the applicant does not complete the exams within this period, the results of the passed subjects will become invalid.

I remember my driving instructor repeatedly reminding me that for the fourth subject exam, you must bring the original physical ID card, and don't count on passing with an electronic ID. I've seen many students excitedly heading to the exam center with their electronic ID on their phones, only to be turned away by the staff. The explanation was that the DMV has strict regulations, and identity verification requires a physical card to prevent cheating. Although electronic versions can be used for daily shopping, exams involve security procedures, and the system might not recognize them or encounter signal issues. It's advised to confirm your documents a week before the exam: keep the original in your backpack, make a copy in advance, and check the local DMV's official website for notifications. Don't forget the basic preparations for the written test—practice with mock questions and arrive early. If you forget the original, rushing to the police station for a temporary certificate is a huge hassle and could delay getting your license. Safety first—don't cut corners with electronic versions to avoid wasted trips affecting your mindset and schedule.

From my experience, it's best not to rely on electronic ID for the Subject 4 exam, using a physical card is the safest bet. While electronic versions may be accepted at banks or transportation hubs, driving test centers are different due to identity verification and anti-cheating mechanisms. The DMV usually explicitly requires original documents; if scanning devices don't support it or there's a network failure, the test center might directly disqualify you. I'm familiar with such regulations because identity verification is a core process—examinee identity must be 100% confirmed. Additionally, electronic ID adoption varies by region; big cities might pilot it while smaller areas rarely use it. I recommend bringing extra driver's license application documents and a backup phone in case of unexpected needs. Always double-check your documents before the exam to ensure originals are intact. Plan your time well on exam day—document issues can easily cause anxiety, don't let them ruin your hard work.

Last year when I took the Subject 4 test, I was so excited that I brought my electronic ID card, only to be stopped at the exam center entrance. The staff said physical card verification was mandatory, so I had to sprint home to fetch the original. Luckily, I made it before the test started. Electronic IDs sound cool, but the exam system doesn't support them! My driving instructor always emphasized that identity verification can't be taken lightly. So now I always advise others: Check the DMV website for notices before the test, and bring both your physical ID card and a photocopy. Exam centers have strict protocols—digital versions might cause delays. The same goes for written test prep—don't just rely on app question banks. Arrive early to queue, keep your ID in an easily accessible pocket. Keep it simple, don't overcomplicate things.


