Can I take the written test for driver's license with an expired ID card?
2 Answers
A temporary ID card holds the same validity as a formal ID card. Electronic IDs 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 Driver's Licenses," you can take the written test (Subject 1) twice on the same day. If you fail the first attempt, you can take a free second attempt. If you fail the second attempt, the test will be terminated, and you can only reschedule after ten days. The written 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 during the test, the system will automatically submit and end the test. The written test is computer-based and lasts 45 minutes. The content of the written test includes: regulations on driver's licenses and motor vehicle management; road traffic conditions and rules; 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 buses and trucks; specialized knowledge for wheeled self-propelled machinery, trams, and trolleybuses. Test precautions for the written test: Candidates should dress appropriately, no slippers are allowed, and electronic devices and bags are prohibited in the test 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 test room. At the identity verification station, you will be assigned a seat. Once seated, begin the test. Ensure the camera is aligned with you and follow test discipline. If you fail the first attempt, you can retake the test the same day. If you fail again, you must pay to reschedule. After the test, queue to collect your score report and sign it. Failure to sign will render the test invalid. There is no limit to the number of times you can reschedule the written test. Each subject can be taken once, with one retake if you fail. If you skip the retake or fail it, 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 safety and civilized driving knowledge test (part of Subject 3), your passing score for the road driving skills test remains valid. The driver's license test consists of three subjects: Subject 1, Subject 2, and Subject 3. Subject 1 refers to the traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge test; Subject 2 refers to the field driving skills test; Subject 3 includes two parts: road driving skills and safety and civilized driving knowledge. The safety and civilized 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's Order No. 123) does not include "Subject 4." The test duration is 45 minutes.
I remember last year when my ID card was about to expire, I eagerly went to take the first subject of the driving test, only to be stopped by the security guard at the entrance who flatly refused to let me in. It turns out the exam rules require a valid ID card; otherwise, identity verification can't be done, and there's a risk of someone impersonating another test-taker, which would compromise fairness and safety. I had no choice but to rush to the local police station to apply for a new ID, which took some time, but luckily I made it in time for the next month's test slot. Actually, such issues often arise, especially during the peak summer period when many people overlook the validity of their documents. A reminder to everyone: check all your documents when signing up for the driving test, so you don’t end up delaying your plans like I did. An expired ID card doesn’t just block you from taking the first subject—it halts the entire driving test process. Keep an eye on government apps, as you can apply online for ID renewal to speed up the process.
