
Subject 4 and Subject 1 are not the same. Subject 1: The content of the motor vehicle driver's examination is divided into the examination of road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge. Subject 4: The examination of safe and civilized driving knowledge. Subject 4 mainly assesses the requirements for safe and civilized driving, knowledge of safe driving under complex conditions, etc. It has many similarities with Subject 1 but places more emphasis on assessing the driver's practical operational skills. Below are the introductions to Subject 1 and Subject 4: 1. Subject 1: Also known as the Subject 1 theory test or driver theory test, it is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment. The examination content includes the theoretical basis of driving, road safety laws and regulations, local regulations, and other related knowledge. The examination format is computer-based, consisting of 100 questions, with a passing score of 90 or above. 2. Subject 4: Also known as the Subject 4 theory test or driver theory test, it is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment. The examination paper consists of 50 questions, with questions mainly in the form of cases, pictures, animations, etc. The full score is 100, and a score of 90 is required to pass.

Subject 1 and Subject 4 are really different. I just got my driver's license a few months ago, so I remember clearly. Subject 1 mainly tests basic traffic rules, like stopping at red lights and going at green lights, road signs, etc. It's all multiple-choice and true/false questions, with a huge question bank that requires rote memorization to pass. Subject 4, on the other hand, is more advanced. It focuses on safe and civilized driving, such as how to avoid accidents and emergency handling scenario questions, and even includes multiple-choice questions. It feels more practical since you can apply it directly on the road. Subject 4 is slightly more difficult, but doing more mock tests during revision helps—just practice with apps online. When I was learning to drive, it took me almost half a year from Subject 1 to Subject 4. I recommend that beginners distinguish between them early and review separately for better efficiency.

As a seasoned driver who got licensed over a decade ago, I remember the theory test (Subject 1) being quite similar to today's version, but Subject 4 has changed significantly. Back then, there was no Subject 4 – it was introduced later when the government emphasized road safety. Subject 1 serves as the entry-level test, focusing purely on theoretical knowledge and traffic regulations, straightforward and simple. Subject 4, however, places greater emphasis on practical safety applications, covering topics like drunk driving hazards and driving in adverse weather conditions, with an additional section on real-world judgment. Looking back, Subject 4 was more challenging but more reasonable – it genuinely helps when encountering emergencies on the road. My advice to test-takers: don't just memorize question banks; combine your studies with real-life scenarios, such as watching traffic case videos.

The difference between Subject 4 and Subject 1 is quite significant—one tests basic theory while the other focuses on safety knowledge. Subject 1 covers topics like traffic laws and sign recognition with a fixed and simpler question bank. Subject 4 adds hazard identification and ethics questions, making the test more varied. Both require computer-based testing, but Subject 4 might need more preparation time. Passing means getting your driver's license, so don't stress too much.


