Can I drive with an electronic driver's license if I haven't received the physical one yet?
2 Answers
If you haven't received your physical driver's license but already have an electronic one on the 12123 traffic management app, you cannot drive in regions where electronic driver's licenses are not yet implemented. According to Article 19 of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China, driving a motor vehicle requires obtaining a motor vehicle driver's license in accordance with the law. To apply for a motor vehicle driver's license, one must meet the driving license conditions stipulated by the public security department under the State Council. After passing the examination, the traffic management department of the public security organ will issue a motor vehicle driver's license of the corresponding category. Notes for online driver's license test registration: Be sure to know in advance the test registration time for your driving school group, on-site payment, etc. Additionally, after registering for the driver's license test online, you can take the test within the specified time. Passing the test allows you to drive. Consequences of canceling after successful registration: If a user who successfully registered for the test cancels the registration due to personal reasons, the test slot will no longer be reserved. When registering again, the cancellation time of the previous registration will be used as the sorting time.
As a veteran driver with twenty years of experience, I've encountered situations involving electronic driver's licenses several times. When driving, I always make it a habit to carry my physical driver's license, just in case I get pulled over by traffic police to avoid any complications. Nowadays, electronic driver's licenses are permitted in some areas, especially in major cities where digital credentials are being promoted—you can display the electronic version via a mobile app, which is theoretically valid. However, in smaller towns or remote areas, poor signal or police insisting on the original document can create awkward situations. My advice is that if you're a new driver, it's safest to wait until you have the physical license in hand. Driving instructors often say that driving isn’t just about convenience but also about prioritizing safety and legal details. While electronic licenses save the hassle of carrying a card, not having the physical copy during an accident or emergency might delay the handling process. It’s best to check the local traffic bureau’s policies in advance and not take risks based on assumptions—otherwise, fines or penalty points could outweigh the convenience.
