Can I retake my ID photo after passing Subject 4?
4 Answers
You cannot retake your ID photo after passing Subject 4. The relevant requirements for the driver's license test are as follows: Test sequence: The vehicle management office shall accept applications that meet the conditions for a motor vehicle driver's license and arrange tests according to the scheduled date. The test sequence proceeds in the order of Subject 1, Subject 2, and Subject 3. Only after passing the previous subject can you proceed to the next one. After passing the Subject 3 road driving skills test, you are eligible to take the safety and civilized driving knowledge test. Test registration: The vehicle management office shall provide self-service test registration methods such as the internet and telephone for applicants, and publicly disclose test registration plans, the number of registrations, and the number of test takers on the vehicle management office's website and the internet.
I remember being super happy after passing the Subject 4 test, but when I recalled how awful my ID photo taken during registration looked, I immediately went to ask my driving instructor if I could retake it. The instructor shook his head and explained that all information is locked in the system during the exam period, so the photo couldn’t be changed. He said I’d have to wait until officially receiving my driver’s license, then bring my ID card and a new photo to the local DMV to apply for a replacement—just pay a small processing fee. The whole process requires booking an appointment and waiting in line, which takes time, so he advised confirming your photo is satisfactory before taking Subject 4 to avoid hassle later. Learning to drive was grueling enough, and though the photo seems minor, I regret it every time I pull out my license. That’s why new learners should prepare early now.
As someone with driving license experience, I understand your desire to change the photo after the test. However, in reality, photo modifications cannot be made directly after completing Subject 4. This is because the photo is fixed in the system upon registration during Subject 1, and any changes must wait until you receive your license. The process is simple: after obtaining your license, visit the vehicle management office with your old and new IDs, fill out an application form, and pay a small fee to update the photo. The entire process takes a few days, so don’t rush to handle this during Subject 4; instead, take the opportunity to check the completeness of other materials. Such minor matters in life aren’t difficult, but timely handling can prevent hassles.
From a policy perspective, the driver's license exam photo is taken and filed during the subject one test, and the system automatically locks all information after subject four is completed, preventing on-site retakes. If truly dissatisfied, one must wait until the driver's license is issued and then apply for a replacement at the DMV. The process includes making an appointment, paying a fee for a new photo, and waiting for the new card to be produced, taking approximately one week. It is advisable to familiarize oneself with local DMV rules in advance to save time and avoid hassle.
