Can I take the Subject 4 exam without an ID card?
4 Answers
You cannot take the Subject 4 exam for a driver's license without an ID card. The exam requires verification of personal identity information for entry into systems such as the driver's license public security database, so an ID card is mandatory. If you don't have an ID card, you can first apply for a temporary ID card, which can be used to take the exam. The Subject 4 exam consists of 50 questions, presented in the form of case studies, images, animations, etc., with a full score of 100 and a passing score of 90. Subject 4, also known as the Subject 4 theory test or driver's theory test, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment. After the implementation of the Ministry of Public Security's Order No. 123, the Subject 3 exam was divided into two parts: the road test and an additional safety and civility knowledge test, commonly referred to as "Subject 4," which evaluates "driving ethics." Since this test is conducted after Subject 3, it is commonly called the Subject 4 exam, although officially, there is no such term as Subject 4. If you fail the Subject 4 exam, you do not need to retake the previously passed exams (Subjects 1, 2, and 3). You can schedule a retake on your own, and no retake fee is required. There are no scheduling restrictions, but the validity period of the driving skills test permit is three years. If the applicant does not complete the exam within this period, the results of any previously passed subjects will become invalid.
When I took the Subject 4 exam, I personally experienced the hassle of forgetting my ID card. That day, there was a long queue at the exam center entrance, and when it was my turn, I realized I had left my ID in the car. The staff immediately stopped me from entering. They explained that the ID card is mandatory to verify that the examinee matches the registration information, a strict rule to prevent impersonation and cheating. From Subject 1 onwards, every driving test requires the original ID for verification. Without it, you can't take the exam and have to reschedule, which is both costly and time-consuming. I recommend preparing your exam materials the day before and placing your ID in a conspicuous spot. If it's lost, rush to the local police station for a temporary ID, but not all test centers accept temporary IDs, so it's best to bring the original to avoid surprises. Exam centers have zero tolerance for rule-breaking—safety first. Don’t be careless like me and lose your chance.
Having worked in a driving school for many years, I know that taking the Subject 4 exam requires the original ID card. The driving test system verifies identity by scanning the ID card to ensure candidate consistency and exam fairness. Forgot your ID? Sorry, you'll have to cancel and reschedule the exam. Other documents like a driver's license or passport won't work because the system matches the ID number with registration information. Security checks are strict before entry—no ID means no entry. The solution is simple: prepare your materials in advance, and set a phone alarm to remind you to bring your ID. If lost, get a temporary ID promptly, but this isn't ideal—it's too risky. Missing the exam not only wastes the registration fee but also delays getting your license. The ID card is a strict requirement—strict compliance is essential for a smooth exam process.
One of my buddies forgot to bring his ID card on the day of his Subject Four exam and got turned away at the test center. He was so anxious he kept pacing around, but the staff wouldn’t let him in, saying the system couldn’t verify his identity without the ID card. Even the theoretical Subject Four exam requires identity verification—anti-cheating measures are strict. Left with no choice, he had to go home and reschedule, losing not only the registration fee but also wasting the trip. The lesson is: always bring your original ID card at any stage of the driver’s license test—small oversights can lead to big headaches. It’s best to set a reminder on your phone before the exam; don’t rely on memory alone. My friend learned his lesson and now keeps his documents in his bag ahead of time. Test center rules are non-negotiable—no ID, no entry.
