Can an Electronic ID Card Be Used for Subject 4 Exam?
2 Answers
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 processed, but electronic ID cards cannot be used. The Subject 4 exam consists of 50 questions, mainly in the form of case studies, images, and animations, with a full score of 100 and a passing score of 90. Subject 4, also known as the Subject 4 theory test or driver 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, Subject 3 was divided into two parts: the road test and an additional safety and civilization knowledge test, commonly referred to as "Subject 4," which assesses "driving ethics." Since this test is conducted after Subject 3, it is commonly called the Subject 4 exam, though officially, 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 additional fees. There are no scheduling restrictions, but the driving skill test permit is valid for three years. If the applicant fails to complete the exams within this period, the passed subject scores will be invalidated.
When I was taking my driver's license test, I also looked into whether electronic ID cards could be used. The subject four test covers safe driving knowledge, and many places still follow traditional requirements, mandating the physical ID card. Electronic versions are being piloted in some areas, such as Alipay's electronic documents, but test center staff might not be familiar with them or the system might not support them, leading to misunderstandings. From my personal experience: last time I accompanied my cousin to the test, he forgot his card and tried to use his phone to show his ID, but was stopped at the door, wasting time. I recommend everyone prioritize preparing a physical ID and call the local DMV before the test to confirm the policy—don't take chances. Technology is advancing quickly now, and perhaps in a few years everything will be fully electronic, but for now, it's better to be safe than sorry, especially since test opportunities are precious.
