Does Absence from the Written Test (Subject 1) Have Any Impact?

[CassidyDella]

No impact. Below are the specific details about Subject 1: 1. Exam Format: The total duration of the Subject 1 test is 45 minutes, consisting of 100 questions in the form of true/false and multiple-choice questions, with a full score of 100 and a passing mark of 90. The test papers are randomly selected and combined by the computer driver examination system according to the proportion specified in the "Motor Vehicle Driver's License Work Regulations". 2. Exam Arrangement: Subject 1 refers to the theoretical driver's test conducted at the vehicle management office, which is a mandatory licensing exam for all driver's license applicants. The schedule for the theoretical driver's test is arranged independently by local vehicle management offices. 3. Exam Content: Subject 1 tests traffic regulations and related knowledge, including driving theory basics, road safety laws and regulations, local regulations, and other relevant knowledge.

[McChristopher]

As a driving instructor with fifteen years of experience, I always emphasize to every new student not to miss the Theory Test (Subject 1). The consequences are significant! Although it won’t leave a negative record in your file, it directly counts as a failed attempt, requiring you to pay a small fee (dozens of yuan) for a retest and reschedule. What’s even more troublesome is that you’ll have to wait over ten days for the next available slot, during which you can’t even practice for Subject 2. Last week, a student missed their test due to overtime work, and their retest was scheduled for the end of the month—completely ruining their two-month plan to get the license. So, double-check your schedule before signing up. If you really can’t make it, cancel a day in advance, and there’ll be no issue. Nowadays, driving school apps allow easy rescheduling—just a few taps, much better than wasting money.

[StMalachi]

I learned my lesson the hard way when taking the driving test last year. I had scheduled the theory test (Subject 1) for Thursday afternoon, but my department suddenly required urgent overtime work that day, and I completely forgot about the exam. By the time I rushed to the test center, it was already closed, and I was marked as absent. The driving school counted it as a failed attempt, made me pay an 80-yuan re-examination fee on the spot, and I couldn’t retake it immediately—I had to wait 12 days to reschedule. The most frustrating part was that my peers had already started Subject 2 training while I was still stuck memorizing questions for the retake. My advice: set double alarms on your phone as reminders, and if something comes up, cancel the appointment in advance—it takes just two minutes on the 12123 traffic management app. Don’t be like me, foolishly wasting both time and money.

[VonSebastian]

Driving school staff remind: Skipping the Theory Test (Subject 1) mainly affects three aspects. Firstly, the system automatically records a fail, costing one exam attempt and requiring repayment of the retake fee. Secondly, traffic authorities stipulate a mandatory 10-working-day waiting period after absence before rebooking, effectively wasting two weeks. Lastly, it may disrupt subsequent exam schedules, especially during peak seasons when rescheduling involves queuing. Fortunately, it won't be recorded in integrity files, but candidates are advised to utilize the cancellation option before the booking deadline – mobile apps allow easy rescheduling. Ideally, avoid holiday test dates when last-minute emergencies are less likely.

[Everly]

Friends planning to learn driving, take note: I inquired with three driving schools about missing exams. Confirmed that missing the Theory Test (Subject 1) is equivalent to failing the exam, deducting one exam attempt and requiring a re-payment for a retake. Retake fees range from fifty to one hundred, but the greater loss is time—rescheduling requires waiting ten to fourteen days. During this period, subsequent subject training cannot proceed, slowing overall progress. It's advisable to confirm work and life arrangements for the next two weeks before enrolling; those with frequent business trips might consider learning during a career gap. After enrollment, check mobile SMS notifications daily—canceling before the exam doesn't count as a no-show.

[Barrett]

From traffic regulations perspective, skipping the Theory Test (Subject 1) means automatically forfeiting the current exam attempt. While it doesn't affect the total number of application attempts, it will be recorded as a fail and require re-payment. The key impact is the retake interval: according to Article 13 of the 'Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses', a makeup exam must be scheduled at least 10 days after the missed test. During this period, practical training for Subject 2 (Field Test) or Subject 3 (Road Test) cannot be conducted, effectively prolonging the licensing process. If the absence is due to non-applicant reasons like system failure, proof can be submitted to waive the retake fee, but personal reasons require self-payment. It's advisable to plan routes in advance after booking and depart early on exam day.