How early should I arrive for the Subject 1 exam?
2 Answers
You should arrive 30 minutes early for the Subject 1 exam. The Subject 1 exam covers basic knowledge of motor vehicles; laws, regulations, and road traffic signals; safe driving and civilized driving fundamentals; and basic knowledge related to motor vehicle operation. The Subject 1 exam process is as follows: First, follow the staff's instructions to collect your driving school file in order in the waiting area; bring and present your ID card for inspection by the supervising officer. Note that you must turn off your mobile phone when entering the exam area, no loud talking is allowed, and law textbooks are not permitted in the exam area (or should be placed in your bag). After the exam, keep your ID card safe and submit your file to the "Document Submission Window" at the front of the exam room; students who pass the exam will sign under the guidance of the staff at the exit before leaving; students who fail the exam can leave immediately and wait for their driving school to notify them of the retake time.
When I took the written driving test (Subject 1) last year, I deliberately arrived 45 minutes early. However, there was an incredibly long queue for check-in, and I had to wait nearly 20 minutes just to get in. The examiner emphasized that being 15 minutes late would disqualify entry, so I strongly recommend arriving at least 30 minutes in advance to account for potential traffic delays. Don't forget to bring your ID card and exam notice—it's best to keep them in your bag to avoid leaving them behind. If you arrive early, find a seat in the waiting area, have some water, and review test questions on your phone to stay calm. The test center atmosphere can be nerve-wracking, so arriving early helps avoid last-minute panic. Remember, Subject 1 is crucial, and time management is part of your exam preparation.