Is it necessary to affiliate with a driving school for taking the third subject test in another location?
3 Answers
No. According to the regulations of the Ministry of Transport, driving schools are not allowed to open branch schools or conduct training in other locations. Check the qualification certificate: A legitimate driving school must have a qualification certificate issued by the municipal automobile maintenance management department, specifying the exact address of the enrollment office and the person in charge. The qualification certificate must be displayed at the enrollment office, which is only responsible for enrollment and not for training. Contract or agreement: A legitimate driving school will sign a "Driver Training Agreement" and provide a formal invoice, while an affiliated driving school only provides a receipt. Do not listen to intermediaries or instructors' promotions: Always enroll in a driving school through official channels and do not rely on recommendations from acquaintances or introductions by intermediaries.
Over the years of driving, I've seen many people take the科目三 (Road Test) in a different location. For example, my cousin initially enrolled in a driving school in his hometown but later went to work elsewhere and wanted to take the科目三 there. The local DMV suggested he affiliate with a local driving school, as handling it himself would be too troublesome. He paid a small fee, and the driving school helped arrange the test and familiarize him with the local routes—he passed on his first try. Without affiliation, he might have had to travel back and forth, prepare a bunch of documents like proof of identity, and risk delays if anything got stuck. Personally, I think affiliating with a driving school saves time and effort, avoiding potential test failures. Especially in an unfamiliar location, having a professional guide provides peace of mind. Although this method costs a bit extra, it boosts efficiency, making it ideal for busy workers or inexperienced beginners.
My friend went to another city to take the driving test (Subject 3) last time. As a student with limited time, he didn’t think too much about it. After checking some guides, he found that enrolling in a local driving school was a common practice. He chose a school, paid the enrollment fee, and they handled the appointment and paperwork for him, even helping him practice the test route. The test went smoothly without any issues. What if he didn’t enroll? I heard you’d have to visit the vehicle management office to submit materials, which is prone to errors and rejection, potentially delaying internship plans. For inexperienced people like us, enrolling in a driving school is like hiring a navigator to ensure a smooth test process. The key is to choose a reliable institution—don’t go for cheap options and regret it later. Overall, enrolling in a driving school for an out-of-town Subject 3 test can save you detours and improve your pass rate.
