Can the Subject 4 Test Be Taken in a Different Location?
4 Answers
Applicants for C1, C2, or C5 driver's licenses can take the Subject 4 test in a different location. Since June 2019, the Ministry of Public Security has implemented a policy allowing the cross-regional testing of different subjects for small vehicle driver's licenses under the "National Unified Examination" framework. Procedure for Applying for a Different Test Location: Applicants who wish to take the Subject 4 test in a different location need to bring their ID card to the local vehicle management office at their current residence to apply for a change of test location. There is no need to return to the original test location, nor is it necessary to submit additional documents such as a residence permit or temporary residence permit. Additionally, the change of test location can only be done once. After the change, all remaining subject tests and the license collection must be completed in the new city. The results of already passed subjects remain valid, and applicants can schedule the remaining tests at their current residence. Once all subject tests are passed, the driver's license can be collected in the current city of residence. Affiliation with a Driving School May Be Required for Cross-Regional Testing: If Subject 2 or Subject 3 has not yet been taken, transferring to a different location generally requires affiliation with a driving school due to the current hourly training requirements. Without meeting the required training hours, scheduling the test may not be possible. If only Subject 4 remains, the vehicle management office will usually arrange for the test at a designated venue. However, some regions may still require affiliation with a driving school or charge additional fees for cross-regional testing, so it is advisable to consult the local vehicle management office for specific details.
During college, I passed the third driving test in my hometown. After graduation, when I moved to another city for work, I directly took the fourth test there. The current policy is very user-friendly—you just need to apply to change the test location through the "Traffic Management 12123" app or visit the local vehicle management office to transfer your records. Remember to bring your ID card and copies of your previous test score sheets, as they will verify the system records. The entire process takes up to three days to complete, with no need to return to your original location. Last week, I just passed the fourth test in Hangzhou and got my driver's license the same afternoon. This policy is especially convenient for those working away from home, saving travel expenses and time costs.
Last year, my company transferred me to Chengdu, right after I had completed Subject 3 of the driving test. I went directly to the Chengdu Vehicle Management Office counter to submit an application for taking the test in a different location. The staff had me fill out a form to change the test location, and they directly retrieved my test score data from the system. The key point was to confirm that all fees at the original test location had been settled, otherwise there could be trouble. The entire process took only half an hour to complete, and I could schedule the Subject 4 test the next day. Now, with the nationwide network, it’s extremely convenient. However, remember to check the local Vehicle Management Office’s business hours in advance to avoid a wasted trip.
My daughter works in Shenzhen. She initially took the first subject of the driving test in her hometown and then completed the remaining subjects directly in Shenzhen. Now, it is entirely feasible to take the fourth subject in a different location, but you need to first go through the procedure of changing the test location at the local vehicle management office in your current residence. Pay special attention to two points: first, the driving test validity period must be within three years; second, if the original driving school has any unfinished training hour requirements, it's best to clarify and coordinate in advance. When I accompanied my daughter to handle the procedure, we only brought her ID card, and the vehicle management office system automatically linked her historical scores without requiring any paper records.
