Is it considered unlicensed driving if you have passed the subject 4 test but haven't received your license?
4 Answers
It is considered unlicensed driving. Below is relevant information about obtaining a driver's license: According to driving test regulations, after successfully passing subject 4, candidates must undergo at least 30 minutes of traffic safety education and accident case warnings, and participate in a license oath ceremony before they can receive their driver's license. Alternatively, you can provide your detailed address, and the vehicle management office will mail the license to your specified location via postal service within three working days. This method exempts you from attending the traffic safety education and license oath ceremony.
When I first got my driver's license, I also asked this question. In fact, you can't drive immediately after passing Subject 4 of the exam—you must wait until you officially receive your license. Driving before obtaining your driver's license is absolutely considered unlicensed driving. Passing the exam only means you've completed the qualification process; the driving school will then submit your documents to the DMV to produce the license, which usually takes a few days. During this period, you won't have any physical proof, and if stopped by traffic police, you won't be able to present any documentation, leading to immediate treatment as unlicensed. The consequences can be quite severe: a fine of 1,000 to 2,000 yuan at minimum, or even having your vehicle impounded in serious cases. I've seen people who couldn't wait and started practicing right after passing the exam, only to get caught and regret it. So even if you've passed all the tests, don't take the risk—play it safe and wait until you have the physical license in hand. This way, you stay compliant and safe. After all, a driver's license is the legal proof of your driving eligibility, and you can't rely solely on system records to get by. Remember, safety comes first—waiting a few extra days won't hurt.
As someone who frequently drives long distances, I think this matter should be taken seriously. Driving without obtaining your license after passing the fourth subject test is 100% considered unlicensed driving. Although passing the fourth subject confirms your qualification, the system may not have updated your license information yet. Traffic police only recognize physical documents, and you have no way to prove your eligibility without one. If caught, the penalty typically starts with a fine of 500 to 2000 yuan, plus temporary vehicle seizure. Once, I saw a young guy get caught at an intersection—he had just finished the test and drove his dad’s car for fun, but his pleading didn’t help. Actually, the DMV processes licenses quickly; you’ll get yours within a week at most after passing. If you can’t wait, ask your driving school about the progress. I also recommend car owners avoid lending their vehicles to people without a formal license, as they share responsibility if something happens. In short, play it safe—don’t risk big losses for small gains.
From a legal perspective, this constitutes unlicensed driving. Passing the subject four exam only marks the completion of the testing process, but the license's effective date begins when you physically receive it. If you're caught driving without presenting your license, traffic police will treat it as a violation on the spot. Consequences include fines and potential vehicle impoundment. Don't assume you can drive freely just after completing the exams - you must wait for official license issuance.
