Is driving without the physical driver's license considered unlicensed driving?

[DelColton]

If you have completed the driver's license test and passed, but have not yet received the physical driver's license, driving on the road is considered unlicensed driving. Here is relevant information: Penalty 1: If a motor vehicle driver allows someone without a driver's license or whose license has been revoked or temporarily suspended to drive, the driver's license will be confiscated, and the license may also be revoked. Penalty 2: Driving a motor vehicle without a driver's license, or during the period when the license is revoked or temporarily suspended, or allowing someone without a license or whose license has been revoked or temporarily suspended to drive, will result in a fine imposed by the traffic management department of the public security authority, and may also include detention for up to 15 days.

[LeIsabela]

When I first got my driver's license, I also kept checking the logistics information every day, worried it might count as unlicensed driving. I specifically asked a traffic police friend, and he said as long as you pass the subject four test, your driving qualification is already active in the vehicle management system. The paper license is just a physical proof, and the electronic driver's license generated by the 12123 Traffic Management APP now has the same legal effect as the paper version. However, two reminders: first, the electronic driver's license is only valid in cities where the service is available, so it's best to carry the test pass certificate when traveling across provinces; second, if you've just passed the test and the electronic license hasn't been generated yet, showing the test pass record and mailing receipt during a traffic check will usually get you through, but it's still safer to wait for the official document before hitting the road.

[MaliaFitz]

As a DMV staff member who has handled hundreds of traffic inquiries, this situation is all too common. The validity of your driver's license starts from the moment you pass all tests and complete the oath-taking ceremony to receive the license, which has nothing to do with the mailing time of the physical card. Once entered into our system, police can check your legal driving information by scanning your ID with handheld devices. Just last month, a young man was pulled over on his third day after passing the test - he instantly pulled up his digital license on the 12123 app and passed inspection, which was even more convenient than carrying the physical card. Of course, in extreme cases where the license gets stuck at delivery for half a month, I recommend bringing your ID to the DMV to print a temporary one - never insist on driving without proper documentation.

[VanElliana]

You young folks always overthink these things. Last year, my daughter passed her driving test and drove our old Passat to buy groceries before her physical license arrived. I nervously checked the laws too - the Road Traffic Safety Law clearly states: driving qualifications take effect upon official issuance after passing the exam. The key is 'official issuance', meaning the moment when the DMV approves the license production, not when the card reaches your hands. With nationwide digital systems now, just providing your ID number suffices if checked. But for new drivers, I still recommend waiting for the physical card - fresh skills need caution, and solo driving feels safer with the actual license in hand.

[Chase]

Driving school instructor reveals insider info: Over 2,000 students we teach annually go through this same process. On the afternoon you pass Subject 4, the DMV locks your driving qualification into the national database. The delay in receiving your physical license is due to production - the anti-counterfeiting laminate takes 48 hours to emboss, plus 2-3 days for mailing. Driving during this period isn't considered unlicensed driving, but rather 'failing to carry license while driving', which carries a maximum penalty of 1 point and ¥20 fine. Here's a pro tip: Before heading out, screenshot your electronic license page from the 12123 traffic app and save it to your album - you can show it even without internet. Last week, student Wang smoothly passed a highway checkpoint using this method, three seconds faster than fumbling for a physical card.