Do I need to pay a retake fee after failing the Subject 1 test?
2 Answers
If it is a retake, you will need to pay a retake fee. The "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses" clearly stipulate that on the day of the Subject 1 test for drunk driving, you can take the test twice. If you fail the first time, you can retake the second time for free. If you still fail the second time, the Subject 1 test will be terminated, and you can only schedule the test again after ten days. Subject 1, also known as the theoretical test or driver's theory test, is part of the assessment for a motor vehicle driver's license. The test content includes driving theory basics, road safety laws and regulations, local regulations, and other related knowledge. The Subject 1 test consists of 100 questions, divided into single-choice questions and true/false questions, with each question worth 1 point and a total score of 100. If you answer 11 questions incorrectly during the test, the system will automatically submit the test and end the exam. The Subject 1 test is conducted on a computer. The test time is limited to 45 minutes. Subject 1 test content: Driver's license and motor vehicle management regulations; road traffic conditions and regulations; road 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 freight vehicles; specialized knowledge for wheeled self-propelled machinery, trams, and trolleybuses. Subject 1 test precautions: During the Subject 1 test, candidates should pay attention to their attire; no slippers are allowed, and electronic devices and bags are not permitted in the examination room. Bring your ID card and queue to enter the waiting hall. Observe the precautions and procedures on the large screen, and store personal belongings in the locker before entering the examination room. After entering the examination room, the identity verification area will assign a seat. Once seated, begin the test. Ensure the camera is aligned with you and follow exam discipline. If you fail the first time, there is a same-day retake opportunity. If you fail again, you will need to pay to reschedule. After the test, queue to collect your score report and sign it. Failure to sign will render the test invalid. There is no limit to the number of times you can schedule the Subject 1 test. Each subject test can be taken once, and if you fail, you can retake it once. If you do not attend the retake or fail the retake, the test will be terminated, and you must reschedule the test. For Subject 2 and Subject 3, there are only five test attempts, and Subject 2 and Subject 3 tests must be scheduled ten days later. If you fail the Subject 3 safe driving knowledge test, the passed road driving skills test results remain valid. There are three subjects in the driving test: Subject 1, Subject 2, and Subject 3. Subject 1 refers to the test on road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge; Subject 2 refers to the test on field driving skills; Subject 3 is divided into two parts, referring to the test on road driving skills and safe driving knowledge. The safe driving knowledge test is conducted after Subject 3, so it is commonly referred to as Subject 4. However, in official terms (i.e., the Ministry of Public Security's Order No. 123), there is no such thing as Subject 4.
Last year, I failed my driving theory test (Subject 1), which was really frustrating. Later, I found out I had to pay a retake fee, which was around 210 yuan in my area. I realized the main reason was not studying the questions seriously enough. After failing, I immediately downloaded the 'Driving Test Prep' app and practiced for two hours every day. The driving school explained that the fee covers exam venue expenses like invigilator salaries and equipment maintenance, which seemed reasonable, so I paid it. I scheduled the retake for the following weekend and passed smoothly. My advice is: if you fail, don’t panic—just pay the fee and double down on practice. The cost isn’t high, but repeated fees add up and become annoying. Passing early saves money and time. Regularly use mock test software to reduce mistakes. Passing on the first try is the most cost-effective, so stay relaxed.
