How long after enrolling in a driving school can I schedule the Theory Test (Subject 1) online?
3 Answers
After successfully enrolling in a driving school, you can schedule the Theory Test (Subject 1) in about 10 days. Before scheduling, you should review the study materials for Subject 1 and practice test questions. Enrolling in a driving school is only a preliminary registration. After enrollment, the driving school submits your documents to the Vehicle Management Office. Once approved, the office will issue a serial number, confirming successful enrollment. After enrollment is confirmed, you can proceed to schedule the Theory Test. According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses," the Theory Test consists of 100 questions, including 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 your exam and end the test. The content of the Theory Test includes: regulations on driver's licenses and motor vehicle management; road traffic conditions and rules; traffic violations and penalties; regulations on traffic accident handling; 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. Test-taking notes for Subject 1: During the test, students should dress appropriately—no slippers allowed. Electronic devices and bags are prohibited in the exam room. Bring your ID card and queue to enter the waiting hall. Observe the instructions and procedures on the large screen, and store personal belongings in lockers before entering the exam room. At the identity verification desk, you will be assigned a seat. Once seated, begin the test, ensuring the camera is focused on you and adhering to exam rules. 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 to collect your score report and sign it—unsigned reports are invalid. There is no limit to the number of times you can schedule the Theory Test. Each subject allows one exam attempt, with one retake if you fail. If you skip the retake or fail it, the exam process ends, and you must reschedule. In contrast, Subject 2 and Subject 3 allow only five exam attempts each, with scheduling permitted 10 days after a failed attempt. If you fail the Subject 3 Safe Driving Knowledge Test, your previously passed road driving skills test results remain valid. The driving test consists of three subjects: Subject 1, Subject 2, and Subject 3. Subject 1 covers traffic laws, regulations, and related knowledge. Subject 2 tests field driving skills. Subject 3 includes two parts: road driving skills and safe driving knowledge. The Safe Driving Knowledge Test is conducted after Subject 3, so it is commonly referred to as Subject 4, though this term is not officially recognized in regulations (e.g., the Ministry of Public Security's Order No. 123).
When I first enrolled in driving school, I was also eager to know how soon I could schedule the Subject 1 test. The instructor told me not to worry—usually, the system updates the information within one or two days after registration. Then, you'll receive a text message notification saying you can log in to the official platform, such as the Traffic Management 12123 App, to register an account. After logging in, you need to complete online theoretical study, which involves about 12 hours of video lessons or practice questions. I finished it in three days, and then I could directly book the nearest test center on the App. My advice is to start practicing the questions immediately after enrollment and not procrastinate. Otherwise, if the system shows insufficient study hours, you won’t be able to schedule the test and may have to wait another week or so. During peak periods, slots might be tight, so it’s best to complete the required hours as early as possible to avoid hassle.
I've been worrying about when my child can take the first driving test since he signed up for driving school. According to the instructor, the system processes the registration materials as quickly as the same day after enrollment, but it depends on the efficiency of the driving school. Some places take a day or two due to slower manual data entry. Once the child receives the activation notification on their phone, they can download the app, bind their ID card, and log in. However, the key is to complete the required course hours; otherwise, they won't be able to schedule the test. Usually, they can finish the video lessons within a few days and then select the test center and time online. Parents, please remind your kids not to just play with their phones and neglect the lessons, as it will delay their progress. If they're even slightly short on required hours, they'll have to postpone the test, which really isn't worth it.
