Can I Take the Subject 3 Driving Test with an Expired ID Card?
3 Answers
Generally, you cannot normally participate in the Subject 3 driving test with an expired ID card, as the test center will verify the validity of the examinee's ID card before the test. Therefore, it is necessary to renew your ID card in advance to avoid being unable to take the test. Below is a relevant introduction to the Subject 3 test: Meaning: Subject 3, also known as the Road Safety Driving Test, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment. It is the abbreviation for the road driving skills and safe and civilized driving knowledge test in the motor vehicle driver's examination. Content: The Subject 3 test includes preparation before getting on the car, simulated light test, starting, driving in a straight line, shifting gears, changing lanes, parking by the roadside, going straight through intersections, turning left at intersections, turning right at intersections, passing pedestrian crossings, passing school zones, passing bus stops, meeting oncoming vehicles, overtaking, making U-turns, and driving at night.
I just got my driver's license not long ago. I remember that one week before the subject 3 test, I found out my ID card had expired. On the exam day, I was denied entry and couldn't even get through the door—it was a wasted trip. I was extremely anxious at that time. My instructor told me that taking the driver's license test requires presenting a valid original ID card because the exam system needs to verify identity information. If the ID is expired, you can't prove who you are. Since then, I've learned to check my ID card's expiration date several months in advance. Now my advice is: hurry to the local police station to apply for a temporary ID card or expedite a new one, which usually takes just two or three days to obtain. If that's not possible, try bringing your household registration book or driver's license appointment confirmation, but it's best not to take risks to avoid delaying the exam and affecting your mood. Everyone must confirm their documents are valid before the subject 3 test—safety first, so you don't end up suffering like I did back then.
As someone working at a driving school, I often remind students: An expired ID card absolutely prevents you from taking the Subject 3 test. The exam center requires real-name authentication, and expired documents can't pass the scanning system—you'll be stopped by staff immediately upon entry. I've seen too many students rush in only to be forced to reschedule due to invalid documents, requiring them to book again. People often overlook this detail, so I recommend checking your ID's validity one month before the test. If you need to renew it, apply for a temporary ID at the public security office—it's a simple process. Don't believe online claims about using photocopies as substitutes; the original document is mandatory. In short, getting a driver's license follows strict rules—non-compliant documents waste your effort. Preparing in advance saves trouble.
