How Long After Passing the Road Test (Subject 3) Can You Take the Written Test (Subject 4)?
4 Answers
Policies vary by region, and the interval between Subject 3 and Subject 4 also differs. After passing Subject 3, the timing for Subject 4 falls into three scenarios: taking it directly the same afternoon; within 9 days without an appointment—you can take Subject 4 within 9 days after passing Subject 3 by presenting your ID at the test center. Third, scheduling after 10 days—whether the appointment is successful depends on the current number of test-takers, the priority of students, and temporary arrangements at the test center. Subject 4, also known as the theoretical test or driver's theory test, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license examination. It covers safe and civilized driving requirements, safe driving knowledge under adverse weather and complex road conditions, emergency handling methods for situations like tire blowouts, and post-accident handling knowledge. Subject 4 Exam Notes: Exam Duration: The test lasts 45 minutes, and making 12 mistakes (6 questions) will terminate the exam. Number of Questions: Depending on the type of license, 50 questions are drawn proportionally from the Subject 4 question bank—800 questions for car licenses and 1,023 for large vehicle licenses, with each question worth 2 points. Question Types: The test includes single-choice questions (including true/false questions) and multiple-choice questions. The first 45 are single-choice, and the last 5 are multiple-choice. Questions may include animations, images, scenario recognition, and text descriptions. Retake Notes: Failing Subject 4 only requires retaking Subject 4, scheduled by the driving school. There are no limits on retakes, and no fees are charged for retakes. Subject 4 Exam Tips: Strengthen weak areas by identifying error causes. For marked questions, don’t just memorize the correct answer. Review regulations, textbooks, or references to understand and digest the reasons for mistakes. Categorize and summarize questions. Refer to the question bank’s analysis to group similar questions, as many are easily confused and need comparative analysis. For example, traffic signs for walking, pedestrian crossings, and pedestrian attention are similar and easily mixed up. Group them during study to avoid errors. Use memorization techniques. Many questions involve numbers—summarize these for easier recall. The driving test consists of three subjects: Subject 1, Subject 2, and Subject 3, with Subject 3 divided into two parts. Subject 4 is the colloquial term for the Subject 3 Safe and Civilized Driving Knowledge Test, not a separate subject. Subject 1 covers traffic laws, regulations, and related knowledge. Subject 2 is the field driving skills test, while Subject 3 includes road driving skills and safe and civilized driving knowledge. The latter is taken after Subject 3.
You can book the Subject 4 test right after passing Subject 3! Back when I just passed Subject 3 at the driving school, my coach immediately told me to log into the 12123 APP and book the test for the next day. No need to wait at all—the system showed the earliest available slot was the following day, and I ended up taking Subject 4 on the third day. The key is to complete it within the three-year validity period, but I’d advise not to delay—strike while the iron is hot. Subject 4 is all multiple-choice questions, way easier than Subject 3. I spent two hours daily on the question bank APP and did two mock tests before bed, preparing for just four days before passing with ease. The day I got my license was beyond satisfying—just remember to wear comfortable shoes for the queue at the test center.
When I took my driver's license test, right after passing the third part, they immediately scheduled the fourth part—no waiting required. The fourth part is a safety theory test, and by regulation, it's considered part of the third section, so there's no mandatory waiting period. Just open the Traffic Management 12123 app to check local test center availability. My wife took the fourth part the same afternoon she passed the third, with both tests scheduled back-to-back at the same location. Of course, if slots are full, you might wait 3-5 days—check the app daily for new openings. The question bank has just 1,300 items; Driving Test Prep is the most reliable app for practice, especially for traffic police hand signals and accident procedures—key test topics.
You can sign up for Subject 4 right after passing Subject 3, at least that's how it works here. The exam systems are directly linked—once you sign the Subject 3 passing confirmation, the system automatically grants you permission to schedule Subject 4. Just last week, I accompanied a friend through this process. He used the training ground's mobile app to book the test for the next day, even before leaving the exam center. The key is that you decide the timing—whether to take it the next day or next month, as long as it's within the three-year limit. However, it's advisable not to delay more than a month, as the practical driving skills from Subject 3 are connected to Subject 4's theory. Taking it while the memory is fresh saves the most effort.
