What are the requirements for driving school physical examination photos?
3 Answers
Eight 1-inch color photos with white background, the photos must be front-facing without side profiles, and facial features must be clearly visible. Below is the list of items to bring for the physical examination: 1. ID card: Original ID card and several copies of the applicant. 2. ID photo: Prepare one recent 1-inch color photo with white background. 3. Temporary residence permit: For non-local students, it's best to prepare the temporary residence permit in advance. 4. Glasses: Students with myopia need to bring their own glasses, as the vision test requires naked eye vision of 4.9 or above. 5. Small change: Depending on local fee standards, it is recommended to bring extra for unexpected needs.
Last year, when I helped a friend with their driving school medical check-up, I learned that the photo must be a 1-inch or small 2-inch bareheaded photo with a pure white background to ensure clarity when scanned into the system. Face the camera directly, maintain eye contact with the lens, avoid exaggerated smiles, and keep a natural expression. Clothing colors shouldn’t be too bright or dark, as they may affect recognition. It’s best not to wear glasses unless there’s a special medical requirement with proof, otherwise, the photo might be rejected. Avoid hair covering the face, and ensure ears are visible for safety. The photo should be taken within the last six months, as older ones are often rejected. Lighting should be good—avoid photos that are too dark or blurry. The standard size is usually around 32mm × 26mm, and it will be pasted onto the form during the check-up. Some places also require a digital version to be uploaded. These rules are mainly for accurate identity verification during driver’s license issuance to prevent impersonation. Preparing a compliant photo saves a lot of hassle, avoiding back-and-forth delays and keeping the driving course on track.
I just got my driver's license, and the photo requirements were quite particular. Before going for the medical check-up, I prepared a casual photo I took in daily life, but the staff said it wouldn't work. It had to be a formal 1-inch white background frontal photo, without a hat. The hair had to be neatly combed, not covering the eyebrows or ears. Keep a serious expression, no funny smiles—a slight smile is acceptable. Make sure the lighting is sufficient to avoid shadows on the face. The photo must be clear, with distinct facial features and no blurry spots. Wearing glasses is not recommended—I tried wearing contacts and was still asked to remove them. A plain white background is the simplest; avoid patterns. Don’t get the size wrong—most require 35mm × 48mm (small 2-inch). The photo should be recent, preferably taken within the last six months. During the medical check-up, this photo is used for the application form and records. If the photo doesn’t meet the requirements, you’ll have to retake it, which can delay things by a few days. I recommend going to a professional photo studio in advance to get it done properly—it saves time and hassle.
