How to Take the Subject 1 Test with a Temporary ID Card Without a Magnetic Strip?
2 Answers
For the Subject 1 test, as long as the ID card has a photo and relevant identity information, a temporary ID card can be used after obtaining a certificate from the local police station when replacing it. Electronic IDs are not accepted for the test. If you don't have an ID card, you can apply for a temporary one, which holds the same validity as a formal ID card. According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses," the Subject 1 test can be taken twice on the same day. If you fail the first attempt, you can retake it for free. If you fail the second attempt, the test is terminated, and you can only reschedule after ten days. The Subject 1 test consists of 100 questions, including single-choice and true/false questions, each worth 1 point, totaling 100 points. If you answer 11 questions incorrectly, the system will automatically submit the test and end it. The Subject 1 test is computer-based and lasts 45 minutes. Subject 1 Test Content: Regulations on driving licenses and motor vehicle management; Road traffic conditions and regulations; Road traffic safety violations and penalties; Road traffic accident handling regulations; Basic knowledge of motor vehicles; Local regulations; Knowledge of braking systems and safety devices for large and medium-sized passenger and freight vehicles; Specialized knowledge for wheeled self-propelled machinery, trams, and trolleybuses. Subject 1 Test Notes: During the test, candidates should dress appropriately—no slippers are allowed. Electronic devices and bags are prohibited in the test room. Bring your ID card and queue to enter the waiting hall. Observe the instructions and procedures on the large screen and store personal belongings in lockers before entering the test room. At the test room, the identity verification desk will assign a seat. Once seated, begin the test. Ensure the camera is aligned with you and follow test discipline. If you fail the first attempt, you can retake it the same day. If you fail again, you must pay to reschedule. After the test, queue to collect your score sheet and sign it. Without a signature, the result is invalid. There is no limit to the number of times you can reschedule the Subject 1 test. Each subject can be taken once, with one retake if you fail. If you do not take the retake or fail it, the test is terminated, and you must reschedule. For Subject 2 and Subject 3, there are only five attempts. Subject 2 and Subject 3 tests can be rescheduled after ten days. If you fail the Subject 3 safe driving knowledge test, the previously passed road driving skills test results remain valid. There are three subjects in the driving test: Subject 1, Subject 2, and Subject 3. Subject 1 refers to the test on road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge. Subject 2 refers to the field driving skills test. Subject 3 is divided into two parts: road driving skills and safe driving knowledge. The safe driving knowledge test is conducted after Subject 3, so it is commonly referred to as Subject 4. However, the official term (as per the Ministry of Public Security Order No. 123) does not include "Subject 4."
When I took the written driving test (Subject 1) last year, I used a temporary ID card without a magnetic strip and was worried about not being allowed into the exam hall. The staff told me that the magnetic strip is just for easier machine reading, but the temporary ID itself is a valid form of identification. You can bring supplementary documents like your household registration booklet or passport, as there’s a manual identity verification area at the test center. I remember taking a photo during the registration queue and was able to take the test smoothly. I recommend calling the test center in advance to confirm specific requirements to avoid unnecessary trips. The Subject 1 test covers traffic safety knowledge, so don’t let minor issues like this delay your preparation—early readiness brings peace of mind. Check all your documents the day before the exam, and bring water and a photocopy of your ID for extra assurance.
