How early should I arrive for the Subject 3 driving test?
3 Answers
Arrive at the test center 5 days before the Subject 3 test. Here are the details: 1. Introduction: Generally, the system will automatically review applications at least 5 days before the test date. Candidates who pass the review will receive a confirmation SMS, notifying them of the test date, location, and session. 2. Notes: The Subject 3 test allows one free retake if the initial attempt is failed. If the retake is also unsuccessful, the test session will be terminated. There are a total of 5 attempts for Subject 3. If all 5 attempts are failed, the candidate must reapply for the driver's license and start from Subject 1. If no confirmation SMS is received, the appointment can be canceled via the Traffic Management 12123 app or the Traffic Safety Management Platform. For those who have already received the SMS reminder, the appointment must be canceled at the Vehicle Management Office.
I personally experienced this when taking the Category 3 driving test last year. I remember planning to arrive 30 minutes early on the exam day, but heavy traffic on the way almost made me late. So I recommend allowing extra time—depart 40 to 60 minutes earlier—for three reasons: First, you need to sign in and queue up, so arriving early gives peace of mind. Second, traffic jams or parking difficulties are common in big cities, and unexpected delays happen often. Third, it helps you adjust your mindset and calm your nerves, giving you time to practice starting and turning maneuvers. If you're even a few minutes late, the examiner will cancel your test outright, forcing you to reschedule, pay a retake fee, and wait months for another slot. So it's better to arrive early and wait than to cut it close. After taking the test once, you'll understand that safety comes first.
From multiple observations of driving test experiences, arriving half an hour early at the test center is standard practice. You need sufficient time for check-in, grouping, and waiting for your turn, which takes even longer during peak hours when there are more people. Arriving early also allows you to verify you have all required documents, avoiding last-minute panic like those who forget their ID and scramble for copies. Unpredictable road conditions such as rain or accidents make it wise to allocate an extra 15-minute buffer to prevent lateness. For the Category 3 test, mindset is crucial—taking extra time to relax and breathe deeply is far better than rushing through it. Don’t forget the exam has formal procedures; missing a step could mean failure, so arriving early ensures peace of mind and saves trouble.
