How Long is the Driving Test Valid? Two or Three Years?
2 Answers
The validity period starts from the day you pass Subject 1. After passing the Subject 1 test, a Study Driving Certificate will be issued, which is valid for 3 years. You must complete the Subject 2 and 3 tests within this validity period. There are five attempts for Subject 2/3. If you fail the fifth attempt or exceed the validity period, all previously passed subjects will be invalidated, and you must re-register for the course. The relevant regulations and methods to check the validity period are as follows: Article 38 of the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses": Applicants learning to drive on training grounds and roads must obtain a Study Driving Certificate as required. The Study Driving Certificate is valid for three years, and applicants must complete Subject 2 and 3 tests within the validity period. If the tests are not completed within the validity period, the results of any passed subjects will be invalidated. Methods to check the validity period: Some people, due to work or other reasons, may not have time to proceed with further studies after passing the Subject 1 test. When they return to driving lessons, they may not remember how long the validity period has left. In such cases, they can visit the vehicle management office to print the Study Driving Certificate. The certificate will include the permitted vehicle type, as well as the start date and expiration date of the validity period. As long as the tests are passed before this expiration date, it is acceptable.
I remember being most concerned about the time limit when taking the driver's license test. Indeed, there is a three-year validity period for the driving test, which starts from the day the DMV accepts your application. Within these three years, you must complete all the required tests: the theoretical test (Subject 1), the field driving skills test (Subject 2), the road driving test (Subject 3), and the safety and civilized driving test (Subject 4). If you fail to complete all tests within the time limit, your previous scores will be voided, and you'll have to reapply and pay the fees again, which is both time-consuming and costly. I've seen friends who procrastinated, failing Subject 2 multiple times, only to panic as the three-year deadline approached, ultimately wasting their chance. My advice is to start practicing as soon as you sign up and not to delay—passing early saves trouble. After obtaining your driver's license, the validity period changes to six years, but don't confuse the two. Overall, there's plenty of time, but plan wisely to avoid regret over expiration.
