Can I take the Subject 1 test if my ID card has expired?
2 Answers
A temporary ID card holds the same validity as a formal ID card. Electronic IDs cannot be used for the exam. If you don't have an ID card, you can apply for a temporary one. According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving 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 is terminated, and you can only reschedule after ten days. 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 during the test, the system will automatically submit the exam and end it. The Subject 1 test is computer-based and lasts 45 minutes. Subject 1 test content: Regulations on driving licenses and motor vehicle management; Road traffic conditions and regulations; Road traffic safety violations and penalties; Road traffic accident handling regulations; Basic knowledge of motor vehicles; Local regulations; Knowledge of braking systems and safety devices for large and medium-sized passenger and freight vehicles; Special knowledge for wheeled self-propelled machinery, trams, and trolleybuses. Subject 1 test precautions: During the test, 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 precautions and procedures on the large screen. Before entering the examination room, store personal belongings in a locker. Upon entering, verify your identity at the assigned seat and begin the test. Ensure the camera is aligned with you and follow exam discipline. If you fail the first attempt, you can retake it the same day. If you fail again, you must pay to reschedule. After completion, queue to collect your score report and sign it. Failure to sign renders the result invalid. There is no limit to the number of times you can reschedule 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 is terminated, and you must reschedule. For Subject 2 and Subject 3, there are only five attempts. Subject 2 and Subject 3 tests can be rescheduled after ten days. If you fail the Subject 3 safety and civilized driving knowledge test, the previously passed road driving skills test results remain valid. The driving test consists of three subjects: Subject 1, Subject 2, and Subject 3. Subject 1 covers road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge. Subject 2 is the field driving skills test. Subject 3 includes two parts: road driving skills and safety and civilized driving knowledge. The safety and civilized driving knowledge test is conducted after Subject 3, so it is commonly referred to as Subject 4. However, the official term (as per the Ministry of Public Security Order No. 123) does not include "Subject 4." The test duration is 45 minutes.
Last time, just before I was about to take the Theory Test (Subject 1), I realized my ID card had expired. I was in a total panic because the test center strictly requires valid identification for verification. An expired ID is completely unusable—otherwise, the system won’t be able to retrieve your real information, which could lead to an invalid test result or even being turned away on the spot. My advice: hurry to your local police station to apply for a new one—don’t wait until the deadline. I delayed renewing mine for a week and ended up missing my appointment, pushing back my entire driver’s training plan. I deeply regret not checking my ID’s expiration date earlier. The strictness of this first step in the licensing process shows how critical real identity verification is—never cut corners. Remember to regularly check your documents’ status to ensure you’re always ready for any sign-up.
