Can I Take the Theory Test (Subject 1) If I Lost My ID Card?
2 Answers
If you lost your ID card before the Subject 1 test, you can apply for a temporary ID card. A temporary ID card holds the same validity as a regular ID card. The admission ticket and other required documents will be provided by the driving school, which will distribute them during the exam. Electronic IDs cannot be used for the test. According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses," the Subject 1 test can be taken twice. 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 schedule a new test after ten days. The test is computer-based and lasts 45 minutes. Subject 1 test content: Regulations on driving licenses and motor vehicle management; Road traffic conditions and rules; 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 buses and trucks; Specialized knowledge for wheeled self-propelled machinery, trams, and trolleybuses. Subject 1 test precautions: 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 instructions and procedures on the large screen. Before entering the examination room, store personal belongings in a locker. Upon entering, the identity verification station will assign a seat. After finding your seat, begin the test. Ensure the camera is aligned with you and follow exam discipline. If you fail the first attempt, a retake is available on the same day. If you fail again, you must pay to reschedule. After completion, queue to collect your score report and sign it. Unsigned reports are invalid. There is no limit to the number of times you can schedule the Subject 1 test. Each subject can be taken once, with one retake 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 safe driving knowledge test, your passing score for the road driving skills test remains valid. The driving test consists of three subjects: Subject 1, Subject 2, and Subject 3. Subject 1 covers road traffic laws, regulations, and related knowledge. Subject 2 is 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, the official term (as per the Ministry of Public Security Order No. 123) does not include "Subject 4." The test duration is 45 minutes.
I've seen this issue many times. For the driving license theory test (Subject 1), identity proof is mandatory, and you can't use it directly if you've lost your ID card. I recommend going to the local police station immediately to apply for a temporary identity certificate, which requires your household registration book or other supporting documents and can be obtained on the spot. Test centers generally accept temporary certificates, but it's best to call ahead to confirm the requirements to avoid wasting a trip on exam day. If time is tight, prioritize replacing your documents. Preparing for Subject 1 can be stressful, and losing important items adds to the chaos, so remember to keep your documents safe and check them three times before the exam. While studying for Subject 1, practice with mock tests to improve your pass rate. In short, handling your documents properly is key—don't let small setbacks affect your bigger goal.
