Can I retake the Subject 1 test the next day if I fail?
2 Answers
You need to wait 10 days to schedule a retake. According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses," you can take the Subject 1 retest twice on the same day. If you fail the first attempt, you can take a free second retest. If you fail the second attempt, the Subject 1 test will be terminated. Subject 1, also known as the theoretical test or driver's theory test, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license examination. The test content includes driving theory basics, road safety laws and regulations, local regulations, and related knowledge. The test is computer-based and has a time limit of 45 minutes. To pass the Subject 1 test, you need a score of 90 or above. The test consists of 100 questions, including single-choice and true/false questions, with each question worth 1 point (total score: 100). If you answer 11 questions incorrectly, the system will automatically submit the test and end the session. Subject 1 test content includes: driver's license and motor vehicle management regulations; road traffic conditions and rules; traffic safety violations and penalties; road traffic accident handling regulations; basic knowledge of motor vehicles; local regulations; knowledge of braking systems and safety devices for large and medium-sized passenger and cargo vehicles; specialized knowledge for wheeled self-propelled machinery, trams, and trolleybuses. Subject 1 test precautions: Candidates must dress appropriately (no slippers), and electronic devices and bags are not allowed in the examination room. Bring your ID card and queue to enter the waiting hall. Observe the instructions and procedures on the screen, and store personal belongings in lockers before entering the examination room. Upon entering, verify your identity and proceed to your assigned seat. Follow exam discipline, ensuring the camera is aligned with you. If you fail the first attempt, you can retake the test the same day. If you fail again, you must pay to reschedule. After the test, queue to collect and sign your score report—unsigned reports are invalid. There is no limit to the number of times you can schedule the Subject 1 test. Each subject can be taken once, with one retake allowed if you fail. If you skip the retake or fail again, the test is terminated, and you must reschedule. For Subject 2 and Subject 3, only five attempts are allowed, and retakes must be scheduled at least 10 days later. If you fail the Subject 3 safe driving knowledge test, your passing score for the road driving skills test remains valid. The driver's license test consists of three subjects: Subject 1 (traffic laws and regulations), Subject 2 (field driving skills), and Subject 3 (road driving skills and safe driving knowledge). The safe driving knowledge test is conducted after Subject 3, often unofficially called "Subject 4," though this term is not used in official regulations (e.g., the Ministry of Public Security's Order No. 123).
After failing my first attempt at the written driving test (Subject 1), I eagerly went back the next day hoping for a retake, only to be told it wasn't allowed. The rule requires waiting several days, typically 7 days before you can schedule a retest. Why? To give candidates time to calmly review and avoid emotional interference with performance. Testing center resources are also limited, preventing queue-jumping. I remember feeling quite disappointed at the time, but after diligently practicing questions, I passed with high marks a week later. Don't lose heart—use this period to thoroughly study traffic signs and theoretical questions; it absolutely helps. Driving test centers are crowded with strictly regulated procedures; rushing won't help. Remember to bring your ID card for the next appointment.
