How Long is the Driving Test Valid? Two or Three Years?

[SanJace]

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.

[StRichard]

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.

[DiElias]

The driving test expiration period is three years, not two as some might claim. The countdown starts from the official registration date at the DMV, and you must complete all four test sections (Subjects 1 through 4) within this timeframe, or your eligibility will expire, requiring you to start over. I always emphasize this to my trainees—some get stuck repeatedly on Subject 3, causing delays that risk missing the deadline. The key is to strike while the iron is hot: practice parking and road skills intensively right after registration. Proficiency comes with practice. After passing, your license is valid for six years, but don’t overlook the test deadline. My advice? Don’t procrastinate—test early to avoid costly regrets and deadline stress. Stay alert to your driving school’s reminders to ensure you master safe driving skills on time.

[LaKennedy]

I just got my driver's license and figured this out—it's only valid for three years. The countdown starts from the day you register at the DMV. If you don't complete all tests within three years, you'll have to re-register. Don't be like my classmate who waited a year or two before starting, almost letting it expire and wasting all the effort. Now, once you pass, the license is valid for six years, which is plenty. Practice more on Subject 2 and Subject 3 to boost your pass rate—don't waste time. The rules are simple; don't overcomplicate them.

[LeJake]

The driving test expiration rule is set at three years, as clearly stipulated. From the date of registration acceptance by the vehicle management office, all test components must be completed within three years. If not completed midway, the qualification terminates, requiring a restart which is mentally taxing. I emphasize this regulation to prevent students' skills from becoming rusty. Memorize the knowledge points for Subject 1, practice Subject 2 simulations multiple times, and undergo sufficient on-road training for Subject 3 to ensure smooth passage, avoiding test failure or expiration. After passing, the driver's license is valid for six years, but this is independent of the test process. Take timely action to enhance safety.