Can I still take the test if I'm late for the first session of Subject 1?
4 Answers
Strictly speaking, no. Upon successful registration for Subject 1, the session number will be displayed, but the exact start time is difficult to determine. Generally, the first session of Subject 1 is at 9:00 AM, the second at 10:00 AM, the third at 1:00 PM, the fourth at 2:00 PM, and the fifth at 3:00 PM. However, the schedule may vary by test center, so please refer to the specific regulations of your test center. Below is an introduction to other test subjects: 1. Subject 2: Also known as the small road test, it is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment and refers to the field driving skills test. For small vehicles (C1 and C2), the test includes five mandatory items: reversing into a parking space, parallel parking, stopping and starting on a slope, turning at a right angle, and driving through curves (commonly known as the S-curve). 2. Subject 3: This includes the road driving skills test and the safe and civilized driving knowledge test, which are part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment. The content of the road driving skills test varies depending on the type of vehicle being licensed. 3. Subject 4: Also known as the theoretical test or driver's theory test, it is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment. Subject 3 is divided into two parts: the road test and the addition of the safe and civilized driving knowledge test, commonly referred to as "Subject 4," which evaluates "driving ethics." The test consists of 50 questions, presented in the form of case studies, images, animations, etc., with a full score of 100 and a passing score of 90.
It's really unfortunate to be late for the Subject 1 test. I have a friend who works at a driving school, and he's told me about many similar cases. The exam rules are very strict—you can still enter within 15 minutes after the test starts, but beyond that, there's no chance at all. I remember once accompanying someone to the test and seeing a young man arrive at the exam hall sweating profusely, only to be 20 minutes late. The examiner simply waved him off and told him to come back next time. So, it's crucial to allow plenty of time—arriving half an hour early is the safest bet. Unexpected events like traffic jams or difficulty finding the test center happen often, so it's best to scout the location in advance and familiarize yourself with the route. If you do end up being late, don't be too upset—just go to the DMV that day to reschedule. Usually, you can retake the test after seven days. However, this disrupts your study plan and means spending extra time reviewing and practicing questions.
Speaking of being late for the written test, I witnessed a real-life example last summer when I was getting my driver's license. The lady ahead of me in line was delayed because she had to drop off her child at school. By the time she arrived, she was 18 minutes late, and the examiner wouldn't let her in. Later, my driving school instructor explained that the rule is standardized nationwide: you're allowed to enter if you're within 15 minutes of the scheduled time, but beyond that, you're completely out of luck. This policy is mainly to maintain order in the testing center and prevent disruptions caused by late arrivals. If you do miss your scheduled test, don't panic. I recommend immediately rescheduling through the 12123 traffic management app—you can usually get a new slot within about a week. However, be aware that some regions charge a small fee (usually a few dozen yuan) for retakes, so it's best to check in advance. Also, make sure to double-check the new test date to avoid making the same mistake again.
I took the subject one test last winter, and I was so nervous that I set three alarms. Actually, the DMV exam starts exactly on time—if it's scheduled for 9 AM, the doors close at 9 AM. Arriving more than 15 minutes late is an absolute no-go; it's a strict rule. I recommend using Amap to check the route and travel time, then add a half-hour buffer. If you're late, don’t panic—just head to the service window to fill out a rescheduling application, but you’ll have to wait at least a week. This extra time is perfect for going through the question bank a few more times, especially focusing on the tricky ones. A handy tip: find a spot to rest near the testing center beforehand, like a café or your car, to avoid any last-minute delays on the way.
