Do I need to pay if I fail the first subject test?

[SanSpencer]

If you score above 80 points in the first test, you can immediately take a make-up test on the same day without paying a make-up fee. If you fail both tests on the same day, you will need to schedule another time for the test, and a make-up fee will be required for the next attempt. Content of the first subject test: Basic knowledge of motor vehicles; laws, regulations, and road traffic signals; fundamentals of safe driving and civilized driving; basic knowledge related to motor vehicle driving operations. Test duration: The first subject test lasts 45 minutes. Passing score for the first subject test: The total duration of the first subject test is 45 minutes. The test paper consists of 100 questions, including true/false and multiple-choice questions, with a full score of 100 points. A score of 90 or above is required to pass. The test paper is randomly selected and compiled by the computer driver examination system according to the proportion specified in the "Motor Vehicle Driver's License Work Standards."

[DiJoshua]

A few days ago, I was so nervous during the theory test (Subject 1) that my hands were shaking, and I ended up failing with an 89. The driving school asked me to pay a 150 yuan retake fee, which they said covers the venue and system usage fees charged by the vehicle management office. According to my instructor, this is now standard nationwide—failing any test from Subject 1 to Subject 4 incurs a fee, though the rates vary by region. Back in my hometown, the retake fee is only 120 yuan, while in big cities, it’s usually 150-200 yuan. The payment must be made either through the 12123 traffic management app or via the driving school before scheduling the next attempt. Though it’s frustrating to spend more money, I’ll treat it as a lesson—this time, I’ll thoroughly review the question bank before retaking the test.

[SanPhoebe]

The day after failing the driving theory test, I went straight to the DMV to inquire. The staff pulled out a document and informed me: According to the 'Regulations on the Application for Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses,' a fee is required for each retake. The retake fee here is 130 yuan, which includes the cost of maintaining the examination system. They also reminded me that payment can be made through the driving school or self-service terminals, and the next test can only be scheduled three days after payment. Now, I study the questions extra carefully, as the cost of three retakes is enough to buy a new textbook.

[StGia]

Last time I failed the driving theory test by 3 points, and the front desk at the driving school asked me to scan a code to pay a 140 yuan retake fee. The instructor privately told me that this fee is actually divided into three parts: 80 yuan is for the exam system usage fee, 30 yuan is for the test site maintenance fee, and the rest is considered a management fee. He suggested not to book the retake consecutively and to wait at least two weeks before retaking the test to avoid wasting money. The regulations are really strict now. I remember hearing a few years ago that retakes could be discounted, but now the full standard fee is charged without exception.