Can You Start Practicing Driving Only After Passing Subject One?
3 Answers
You need to pass Subject One and obtain a learning driving permit before you can start practicing driving. Here are the relevant details: 1. Requirements: Applicants learning to drive on the road must carry the learning driving permit with them, use a coach car or a self-study vehicle marked with a special learning driving identifier, and follow the guidance of an instructor or a designated guide under the supervision of the traffic management department of the public security organ, adhering to the specified routes and times. 2. Regulations: According to Article 38 of the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses," applicants learning to drive on training grounds and roads must obtain a learning driving permit as required. The learning driving permit is valid for three years, and applicants must complete Subject Two and Subject Three tests within this period. If the tests are not completed within the validity period, the passed subjects will be invalidated.
As a novice who just finished driving school, I remember thinking that I could only start practical training after passing Subject 1. When I enrolled in driving school last year, my instructor told me I had to pass the theoretical exam of Subject 1 before getting behind the wheel - no touching the steering wheel otherwise. You really need to memorize all those traffic rules and signs in Subject 1 to avoid being flustered during practice. It wasn't until after passing Subject 1 that I first got to touch the controls of the training car, starting with basic operations like moving off and parking. Honestly, this rule is for safety reasons - imagine the chaos if someone didn't even know basic rules like stopping at red lights before practicing on real roads. Now that I've been driving for over a year, looking back, studying theory first definitely made the whole process smoother. You store the knowledge in your brain first, which gives you much more confidence when operating the vehicle. While some people find studying theory first troublesome, for safety's sake I recommend preparing seriously for Subject 1 before enjoying the fun of practical training. There are plenty of mock test banks online to help you practice and get up to speed quickly.
Having taught driving at a driving school for over a decade, I've seen many students eager to practice driving, but I must emphasize that passing Subject 1 is the crucial first step. I often tell them that the driving test rules require passing the theoretical part of Subject 1 before proceeding to practical training, such as Subject 2 (reverse parking) or Subject 3 (road driving). The reason is simple: theoretical knowledge is the foundation—you need to understand traffic signals, speed limits, etc. Skipping straight to practical training can lead to overlooking safety details and significantly increase the risk of accidents. For example, some beginners jump into driving without understanding the rules and might hit obstacles. That's why I advise students to focus on reviewing the question bank first, pass Subject 1, and then start practicing—it's more efficient and saves time. You can also warm up during Subject 1 preparation, like practicing gear shifts at home or familiarizing yourself with vehicle controls, which will help you progress faster once you're behind the wheel. In short, following the process ensures safety for everyone. Nowadays, smart driving school apps even offer online mock exams, which are quite convenient.
