When does the driver's license examination period start counting?
4 Answers
The validity period of the driver's license examination starts from the date when the subject one test is passed. The subject one test is valid for three years. If the period exceeds three years, the passed subject scores will become invalid. According to Article 38 of the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses," applicants who learn to drive on training grounds and roads must obtain a learning driving certificate as required. The following is an introduction to the learning driving certificate: 1. According to Article 38 of the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses": Applicants who learn to drive on training grounds and roads must obtain a learning driving certificate as required. The learning driving certificate is valid for three years, and applicants must complete the subject two and subject three tests within the validity period. If the tests are not completed within the validity period, the passed subject scores will become invalid. 2. Learning driving certificate: It can be in paper or electronic form, and both paper and electronic learning driving certificates have the same effect. Applicants can print or download the learning driving certificate through the comprehensive internet traffic safety service management platform.
Back when I was getting my driver's license, I was also confused about this. The key moment is the day you pass the Theory Test (Subject 1) – that's when the DMV system starts your three-year countdown. Within these three years, you must complete both the Practical Driving Test (Subject 2) and Road Test (Subject 3). Don't be like my neighbor Old Wang who dragged his feet and ended up retaking the theory test after the deadline. Note that neither registration nor the medical exam marks the starting point – some people take half a year after their medical to attempt Subject 1, essentially wasting their validity period. A special reminder for working professionals: it's best to practice for Subjects 2 and 3 consecutively. I personally cleared them during a two-month intensive training between projects. If you fail any test, don't panic – each retry is included within the three-year validity period. The real solution is to focus on consistent practice.
I specifically asked my driving instructor about the time calculation for getting a driver's license. The three-year countdown officially starts once you pass Subject 1. This is the most confusing point—many people think it begins from the registration date. A friend of mine took half a year after the medical check to take Subject 1, essentially wasting those six months. There's no limit to the number of attempts for Subjects 2 and 3, but they must be completed within three years. My advice is to start practicing right after passing Subject 1—summer is the worst time to train, with the driving school's grounds feeling like a griddle. If you fail, don't stress too much; the retake scheduling time is included in the total period. The key is to keep practicing to avoid getting rusty.
The driver's license validity period is divided into two phases: All tests must be passed within three years after passing Subject 1. After obtaining the license, the first year is the probationary period, during which driving on highways requires supervision by an experienced driver. Pay special attention to the document retention period - post Subject 4 completion, materials are kept at the DMV for three years; failure to collect the license within this timeframe requires retaking the theoretical exam. I've seen cases where people assumed passing the tests was the end, only to find their license expired after returning from two years abroad. In big cities with many trainees, Subject 2 and 3 booking queues are long, so it's advisable to schedule driving practice immediately after passing Subject 1. The policy of not resetting the timer for retakes is very considerate.
