Can I take the Subject 1 test with an expired ID card?
2 Answers
A temporary ID card has the same validity as a formal ID card. Electronic ID cards cannot be used for the test. 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," you can take the Subject 1 test 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 will be terminated, and you can only reschedule it 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, the system will automatically submit the test and end the exam. The Subject 1 test is computer-based and lasts 45 minutes. The content of the Subject 1 test includes: regulations on driving licenses and motor vehicle management; road traffic conditions and regulations; road traffic safety violations and penalties; regulations on road traffic accident handling; basic knowledge of motor vehicles; local regulations; knowledge of braking systems and safety devices for large and medium-sized passenger and freight vehicles; specialized knowledge for wheeled self-propelled machinery, trams, and trolleybuses. Notes for the Subject 1 test: Candidates should pay attention to their attire during the test. No slippers are allowed, and 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, and store personal belongings in lockers before entering the examination room. In the examination room, the identity verification desk will assign a seat. After finding your seat, start the test. Ensure the camera is aimed at you and follow exam discipline. If you fail the first attempt, you can retake it the same day. If you fail again, you will need to pay and reschedule. After the test, queue to collect your score sheet and sign it. Failure to sign will render the test invalid. There is no limit to the number of times you can reschedule the Subject 1 test. Each subject can be taken once, and if you fail, you can retake it once. If you do not take the retest or fail the retest, the test will be 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 safe driving knowledge test, the passed road driving skills test results remain valid. There are three subjects in the driving test: Subject 1, Subject 2, and Subject 3. Subject 1 refers to the test on road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge. Subject 2 refers to the field driving skills test. Subject 3 is divided into two parts: road driving skills and safe driving knowledge. The safe driving knowledge test is conducted after Subject 3, so it is commonly referred to as Subject 4. However, there is no official term "Subject 4" in the actual regulations (i.e., the Ministry of Public Security Order No. 123). The test duration is 45 minutes.
When I was taking my driver's license test, I personally experienced issues with my ID card. For the theory test (Subject 1), a valid ID is mandatory—expired ones are absolutely unacceptable because the test center needs to verify your identity, and an expired ID will be rejected. I recommend checking your ID's expiration date several months in advance. If it's nearing expiration or already expired, go to the local public security bureau immediately to apply for a replacement. Bring your old ID, photos, and the application form to the service hall—it usually takes about a week to get the new card. The same ID requirement applies to other driving test subjects, so don’t let such a small issue cause delays or cancellations. Regularly checking important documents is a good habit. Since that lesson, I’ve always set reminders for myself.
