Can I Take the Subject 3 Driving Test Without an ID Card?
4 Answers
You cannot take the Subject 3 driving test without an ID card. Here is additional information: Relevant regulations: According to the Ministry of Public Security's Order No. 91 and related regulations, candidates must present a valid personal identification document—either a resident ID card or a temporary resident ID card—to participate in the driving test. Typically, before entering the examination site for Subject 3, candidates must verify their original ID card. For those taking the test in a different location, they must also present their original residence permit. Both documents are mandatory. If you lose your ID card before the Subject 3 test, you should promptly apply for a temporary ID card at the local police station. A temporary ID card has the same legal validity as a regular ID card within its effective period and can be used to take the Subject 3 test.
The ID card is mandatory for the Subject 3 driving test. Without it, you simply can't enter the examination venue—the test administrators will definitely not allow you to take the test. The identity verification process is strict; they scan your ID to confirm it's really you, preventing impersonation or cheating. Once, I accompanied a friend who forgot his ID, and he was immediately asked to leave. Rescheduling the test costs extra money and time. Make it a habit to place your ID in your bag or on a visible spot on your desk the night before the test. It's also advisable to keep a photocopy as a backup, though electronic copies might not be accepted at the test center. Don't underestimate this—delaying progress is one thing, but the frustration of wasted effort after days of practice is truly regrettable.
I've seen quite a few test-takers who forgot their ID cards at the exam center, and the scene was quite chaotic. Some rushed to the police station to get temporary proof, but by the time they returned, the exam was long over. Others argued with the staff for ages, presenting their social security cards or driver's licenses, only to find it was no use. The road test for Subject 3 is already stressful enough, and such oversights only add to the panic. My personal advice is to arrive at the exam center half an hour early, check your documents first, and then queue up. Some places are trialing digital IDs, but it depends on whether the exam center's system supports them—it's not very reliable, so it's better to bring a physical ID. If you really do forget, quickly consult the staff to see if you can submit supplementary materials and retake the exam the same day, but that chance is slim. Next time, remember to set a reminder alarm on your phone.
Taking the driving test (Subject 3) without an ID card is really not possible, as identity verification is the first step of the exam. The test center has strict regulations—the system must scan the ID to record information, and without it, the examinee's identity cannot be confirmed. Getting a temporary certificate is too much hassle, and seeking a police station stamp may waste time and risk missing the test. It's recommended to bind an electronic ID via an app as a backup, but most test centers only accept original documents for reliability. Before the test, your checklist should include your ID card and appointment confirmation, placed somewhere visible for easy access. Related discussions often pop up in driving school groups, where experienced drivers always advise against making such basic mistakes—passing in one go saves both time and money.
