Can I Take the Written Test for Driver's License Without an ID Card?
2 Answers
You can take the written test (Subject 1) without an ID card. If you lose your ID card before the test, you can apply for a temporary ID card. A temporary ID card has 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 on the test day. Electronic IDs are not accepted for the test. According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses," the Subject 1 test allows two attempts. If you fail the first time, you can retake it for free. If you fail the second time, the test will be terminated, and you can only reschedule after ten days. The test is computer-based and lasts 45 minutes. The Subject 1 test covers: driver's license and motor vehicle management regulations; road traffic conditions and rules; traffic 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. Test precautions for Subject 1: Candidates must dress appropriately (no slippers), and electronic devices or bags are not allowed in the test room. Bring your ID card and queue to enter the waiting hall. Observe the instructions and procedures on the 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, ensuring the camera is aligned with you. Follow test discipline strictly. If you fail the first attempt, a retake is available the same day. If you fail again, you must pay to reschedule. After the test, queue to collect your score sheet and sign it—unsigned sheets are invalid. There is no limit to the number of times you can reschedule Subject 1. Each test allows one retake if failed. If you skip the retake or fail again, the test ends, and you must reschedule. In contrast, Subject 2 and Subject 3 allow only five attempts each, with rescheduling permitted after ten days. If you fail the Subject 3 safety and civilized driving knowledge test, your passed road driving skills test results remain valid. The driver's license test consists of three subjects: Subject 1, Subject 2, and Subject 3. Subject 1 covers traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge. Subject 2 is the field driving skills test. Subject 3 includes two parts: road driving skills and safety and civilized driving knowledge. The latter is often called "Subject 4," though this term is unofficial (not mentioned in the Ministry of Public Security's Order No. 123). The test duration is 45 minutes.
Not having an ID for the subject one test is quite common, but as a new driver who just got my license, I have to say you really can't take the test without it. I remember seeing people being stopped from entering the exam hall on my test day just because they forgot their ID. The driving school instructors repeatedly emphasized that you must bring the original ID for verification—copies or passports won't work as the system can't scan the information. If you lose your ID, don’t panic; go to the police station first to get a temporary certificate, but make sure to check with the DMV to confirm they accept it to avoid a wasted trip. The subject one test is the first step in the driving exam, and rushing can easily lead to problems. Check all your materials, including your ID, at least a week in advance, and it’s best to take a photo as a backup just in case. The exam site is strict on procedures, and missing documents can delay your opportunity and affect your mood. It’s advisable to ask experienced people for tips.
