How Long Does It Take to Get a Driver's License After Passing Subject Four?

[Barros]

After completing Subject Four, the license is issued on the spot, usually within about 2 hours. Subject Four, also known as the Subject Four theory test or driver's theory test, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment. The main content includes: safe and civilized driving operation requirements, safe driving knowledge under adverse weather and complex road conditions, emergency handling methods for situations like tire blowouts, and knowledge on handling traffic accidents. The Subject Four test consists of 50 questions, primarily in the form of case studies, images, and animations, with a full score of 100 and a passing score of 90. After the implementation of the Ministry of Public Security's Order No. 123, the Subject Three test was divided into two parts: in addition to the road test, a safety and civilization knowledge test was added, commonly referred to as 'Subject Four,' which assesses 'driving ethics.' Because this test is conducted after Subject Three, it is commonly referred to as the Subject Four test. Officially, there is no Subject Four. Before the test, students can study traffic regulations through driver's mock test software on mobile or computer devices.

[VanJustin]

Back when I passed my subject 4 exam, I was counting the days until my driver's license arrived! Normally, once you pass on the spot, the DMV starts the certificate production process. For local test-takers like me, I was told I could pick it up at the counter the next day. But if you took the exam in another city or opted for mail delivery, you'd have to wait a few more days. It really depends on your local DMV's efficiency—some big cities can issue it the same day, while remote areas might take 3-5 days. Add another 2-3 days for postal delivery. I remember finishing my test on a Tuesday, and the courier rang my doorbell by Friday morning. If you're in a hurry to drive, don't forget the traffic management 12123 app can generate an electronic license immediately—the physical copy will eventually land in your mailbox.

[BenjaminFitz]

I've thought about the time it takes to get the driver's license after passing Subject 4 several times. In most areas, the processing is actually quite fast: if you collect it directly at the test center, with good luck, you can go home with a fresh license that very afternoon; for mail delivery, it depends on logistics, usually taking three to five working days. Last month, I accompanied a friend to take the test in Hangzhou—he finished the test on Friday morning and received it via EMS by the following Tuesday. Here's a little tip: when signing after the test, proactively ask the staff about the progress of license production. Some DMVs will inform you of the specific collection time slot. Additionally, delays may occur during holidays or system upgrades, but it's usually all sorted within ten days. If you really can't wait, check the logistics status on the 12123 app—it's much better than just worrying.

[LaAllie]

Just helped my cousin with this. Normally, you can get your license within three working days after passing Subject 4. It mainly depends on two things: whether the test center supports on-site pickup and if you chose mail delivery. For example, at his urban test site, they issued the license on the spot two hours after the exam. But a friend in the neighboring county chose mail delivery and waited four days. Nowadays, license production is fully automated, unlike the old days when manual data entry caused delays. My advice: clarify the pickup method before the test—always choose on-site pickup over mail delivery to avoid the time lag of courier transfer. Here’s a lesser-known fact: the moment you sign to confirm your scores, you legally have driving privileges, and the e-license takes effect immediately.