Can you drive directly after passing the driving test but before receiving the license?
2 Answers
No, driving without the physical driver's license in hand is considered unlicensed driving. Article 99 of the "Safety Law" stipulates that driving a motor vehicle without obtaining a motor vehicle driver's license, or when the license has been revoked or temporarily suspended, will result in a fine and detention for up to 15 days. There are ten possible scenarios that constitute unlicensed driving or are treated as such: 1. Scenario one: No driver's license. 2. Scenario two: Obtaining a driver's license illegally without passing the test. 3. Scenario three: The driver's license has been canceled or revoked. 4. Scenario four: Obtaining a driver's license illegally without meeting the driving conditions. 5. Scenario five: The driver's license has expired. 6. Scenario six: The driver's license is temporarily suspended. 7. Scenario seven: Driving a civilian motor vehicle with a military or armed police force driver's license. 8. Scenario eight: Driving in China with a foreign motor vehicle driver's license. 9. Scenario nine: Driving a vehicle that exceeds the highest permitted vehicle class. 10. Scenario ten: Not carrying the driver's license.
Right after I got my driver's license, I was super eager to try out my new skills. But after checking the regulations, I learned that driving without the physical license in hand is absolutely illegal and considered unlicensed driving, which is extremely dangerous. If pulled over by the police, fines could range from hundreds to thousands, with possible points deducted or even detention. In case of an accident, insurance companies would outright deny claims, leaving you fully liable—that would be a huge loss. I resisted the urge and waited a few days, using the time to review traffic rules or borrow a friend's car to practice in parking lots to solidify my skills until the license arrived. Safety first—don't let impatience ruin the qualification you worked so hard to earn.
