How Long After Applying for a Driver's License Can You Take the Subject 1 Test?
2 Answers
After successfully enrolling in a driving school, the application form and physical condition proof need to be submitted to the vehicle management office for review. Once the review is completed, you can schedule the Subject 1 test (some places do not require study hours, so you can schedule the test immediately after the review is done). You can usually schedule the Subject 1 test about 10 days later. Before scheduling, you should review the Subject 1 study materials and practice test questions. Enrollment in a driving school is only a preliminary registration. After enrollment, the driving school submits the documents to the vehicle management office. Once approved, the vehicle management office will issue a serial number, which confirms successful registration. After successful registration, you can schedule the Subject 1 test. According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses," Subject 1 consists of 100 single-choice and true/false questions, with each question worth 1 point. If you answer 11 questions incorrectly during the test, the system will automatically submit the test and end the exam. Subject 1 test content includes: driver's license and motor vehicle management regulations; road traffic conditions and rules; road traffic safety violations and penalties; road traffic accident handling regulations; basic knowledge of motor vehicles; local regulations; knowledge of braking systems and safety devices for large and medium-sized passenger and freight vehicles; specialized knowledge for wheeled self-propelled machinery, trams, and trolleybuses. Subject 1 test precautions: During the test, students should pay attention to their attire—no slippers are allowed. Electronic devices and bags are not permitted in the exam room. Bring your ID card and queue up to enter the waiting hall. Observe the precautions and procedures on the large screen, and store personal belongings in a locker before entering the exam room. Inside the exam room, the identity verification desk will assign a seat. After finding your seat, begin the test. Ensure the camera is aimed at you and follow exam discipline. If you fail the first attempt, a retake is available on the same day. If you fail again, you must pay to reschedule. After the test, queue up to collect your score report and sign it. Failure to sign will render the test invalid. There is no limit to the number of times you can schedule the Subject 1 test. Each subject allows one test attempt, with one retake if you fail. If you do not take the retake or fail it, the exam process ends, and you must reschedule. For Subject 2 and Subject 3, there are only 5 test attempts. Subject 2 and Subject 3 tests can be scheduled 10 days later. If you fail the Subject 3 safe and civilized driving knowledge test, the previously passed road driving skills test results remain valid. The driver's license exam consists of 3 subjects: Subject 1, Subject 2, and Subject 3. Subject 1 refers to the test on road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge. Subject 2 refers to the field driving skills test. Subject 3 is divided into two parts: road driving skills and safe and civilized driving knowledge. The safe and civilized driving knowledge test is conducted after Subject 3, so it is commonly referred to as Subject 4. However, the official terminology (as per the Ministry of Public Security's Order No. 123) does not include the term "Subject 4."
When I first applied for my driver's license, I was curious about how long it would take to take the first test (Subject 1). The instructor said it usually takes about 5 to 10 days, depending on the local DMV's exam schedule and the driving school's efficiency. In Beijing, with more people and slower appointments, it might take up to two weeks; in smaller cities or towns, it's faster, possibly just a few days. I waited 7 days myself, which was perfect for downloading a driving test app, practicing questions daily, and memorizing rules—keeping me calm. The night before the test, I reviewed my wrong answers and passed easily. I recommend new applicants to check with their driving school early to follow up on progress, and don't forget to bring your ID and medical certificate. Use the waiting period to do more mock tests to increase your pass rate.
