Do I still need to pay if I miss the driving test for Subject 3?
3 Answers
If you successfully scheduled the Subject 3 test but did not attend, it is considered a missed test. The driver must first pay a re-examination fee and then wait at least ten days before rescheduling the test. Relevant details are as follows: Subject 3: Also known as the road test, it is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment and refers to the road driving skills and safe civilized driving knowledge test in the motor vehicle driver's examination. Test content for Subject 3: Includes preparation before starting, starting off, driving in a straight line, shifting gears, changing lanes, pulling over, driving straight through intersections, turning left at intersections, turning right at intersections, crossing pedestrian crosswalks, passing school zones, passing bus stops, meeting oncoming vehicles, overtaking, making U-turns, and night driving.
I skipped the driving test (Subject 3) last year because I had to work overtime unexpectedly that day. After contacting the driving school, I learned that the registration fee already included the exam fee, and skipping the test was considered a default forfeiture with no refund. I had to pay an additional 500 yuan to retake the test next time. The instructor explained that test slots are limited, and skipping wastes resources, which is why I ended up spending extra. My advice: confirm your schedule flexibility before booking the test. If there’s a force majeure situation, notify the driving school in writing as early as possible—you might secure a partial refund or a free reschedule. Also, practice handling various road conditions regularly, and only sign up when you feel fully confident. This saves both money and hassle.
As a veteran driver with 30 years of experience, I've seen many cases of candidates withdrawing from driving tests. If you give up midway through Subject 3, you'll usually still have to pay because the registration fee has already been paid, and withdrawal means breach of contract losses. Different driving schools have slightly different rules—some may refund part of the fee, but most will require you to pay again. My advice to young people is to avoid changing your mind after making an appointment; if you're sick or have an emergency, call for consultation promptly—you might be able to recover some costs. Simulate the test process more often and improve your mental resilience to avoid such awkward situations.
