How long after driver's license registration can you take the Subject 1 test?
3 Answers
Generally, it takes about 10 days from the time of driver's license registration to taking the Subject 1 test. Registration at the driving school is only a preliminary registration. After registering at the driving school, the school submits the materials to the vehicle management office. Upon successful submission, the vehicle management office will issue a serial number, which indicates successful registration. Once registered successfully, 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: Regulations on driver's licenses and motor vehicle management; Road traffic conditions and regulations; Road traffic safety violations and penalties; Regulations on road traffic accident handling; Basic knowledge of motor vehicles; Local regulations; Knowledge of braking systems and safety devices for large and medium-sized passenger and cargo vehicles; Special knowledge for wheeled self-propelled machinery, trams, and trolleybuses. Subject 1 test precautions: During the Subject 1 test, students should pay attention to their attire—no slippers are allowed, and electronic devices and bags are prohibited in the examination room. Bring your ID card and queue to enter the waiting hall. Observe the precautions and procedures on the large screen, and place personal belongings in a locker before entering the examination room. Upon entering, verify your identity at the assigned seat and begin the test. Ensure the camera is aligned with you and adhere to exam discipline. If you fail the first attempt, there is a same-day retake. If you fail again, you must pay to reschedule. After the test, queue to collect your score sheet and sign it—failure to sign renders the test invalid. There is no limit to the number of times you can schedule the Subject 1 test. Each subject can be taken once, with one retake if you fail. If you do not take the retake or fail the retake, the exam is terminated, and you must reschedule. In contrast, Subject 2 and Subject 3 allow only five attempts each. Subject 2 and Subject 3 tests can be scheduled ten days later. If you fail the Subject 3 safe and civilized driving knowledge test, the previously passed road driving skills test scores remain valid. There are three subjects in the driver's license test: 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 term (as per the Ministry of Public Security's Order No. 123) does not include "Subject 4."
I remember when I went to sign up for my driver's license last time, the whole process was both exciting and nerve-wracking. After registration, you can't take the first subject test immediately. You need to pass a medical examination first, submit the forms to the DMV for review, and then complete the online traffic rules video course. Only after finishing the required study hours are you considered ready. Personally, I waited about a week before I could schedule the exam. It didn’t feel like a long time, but it was crucial because I spent several hours every day practicing questions during that period to ensure my theoretical knowledge was solid, avoiding potential accidents on the road later. If you’ve just signed up, don’t rush—make good use of this waiting period to improve your knowledge. After all, the core of safe driving lies here. Mastering the basics will prevent you from stumbling during practical driving.
As a parent who has accompanied my child through the driver's license test several times, I want to tell you that patience is truly needed from registration to the theory test (Subject 1). Typically after registration, you'll need to schedule a medical checkup and document review. The first time my child registered, we had to wait two extra days due to incomplete materials. Even when everything went smoothly later, it still took five days to schedule the exam. The entire process is designed to ensure everyone has sufficient time to learn traffic regulations and safety awareness, preventing new drivers from taking risks on the road. I often remind my child not to keep asking if the test can be faster – this waiting period is crucial for developing responsibility. Procedures vary by location, but an average of one to two weeks is normal. Maintain a positive attitude, and you'll find it easier to pass on the first attempt when you're well-prepared for the test.
