How Long After Registration Can You Take the Test?
4 Answers
After successfully enrolling in a driving school, the application form and physical condition certificate must be submitted to the vehicle management office for review. Once the review is completed, you can schedule the Theory Test (some areas do not require study hours, so you can book the test immediately after the review is done). You can usually schedule the Theory Test about 10 days after enrollment. Before scheduling, you should review the Theory Test materials and practice with mock questions. Enrolling in a driving school is only a preliminary registration. After enrollment, the driving school will submit your documents to the vehicle management office. Once approved, the office will issue a serial number, indicating successful registration. After registration, you can schedule the Theory Test. According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses," the Theory Test consists of 100 multiple-choice and true/false questions, each worth 1 point. If you answer 11 questions incorrectly during the test, the system will automatically submit the test and end the exam. The content of the Theory Test includes: regulations on driving licenses and motor vehicle management; road traffic conditions and rules; penalties for traffic violations; regulations on traffic accident handling; basic knowledge of motor vehicles; local regulations; knowledge of braking systems and safety devices for large and medium-sized buses and trucks; specialized knowledge for wheeled self-propelled machinery, trams, and trolleybuses. Notes for the Theory Test: During the exam, students must dress appropriately—no slippers are allowed. Electronic devices and bags are prohibited in the examination room. Bring your ID card and queue to enter the waiting hall. Observe the instructions and procedures displayed on the screen, and store personal belongings in a locker before entering the exam room. At the identity verification station, you will be assigned a seat. Once seated, begin the exam. Ensure the camera is aligned with you and follow 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 exam, queue to collect your score report and sign it. Failure to sign will invalidate the results. There is no limit to the number of times you can schedule the Theory Test. Each subject can be taken once, with one retake allowed if you fail. If you do not take the retake or fail it again, the exam process ends, and you must reschedule. For the Practical Driving Test (Subject 2) and Road Test (Subject 3), there are only five attempts. Subject 2 and Subject 3 tests can be rescheduled after 10 days. If you fail the Safety and Civilization Driving Knowledge Test (part of Subject 3), the passing score for the road driving skills test remains valid. There are three main subjects in the driving test: Theory Test (Subject 1), Practical Driving Test (Subject 2), and Road Test (Subject 3). Subject 1 covers traffic laws, regulations, and related knowledge. Subject 2 evaluates driving skills in a controlled environment. Subject 3 consists of two parts: road driving skills and safety and civilization driving knowledge. The latter is often referred to as Subject 4, though this term is not officially recognized in the regulations (Ministry of Public Security Order No. 123).
As a new student eager to get my driver's license right after enrollment, I found there are many variables from signing up to taking the actual tests. The theory test for Subject 1 is usually the fastest—just a few days of online classes before scheduling the exam, and it can be completed in three to five days if everything goes smoothly, depending on how quickly the driving school arranges it. The Subject 2 practical test on the training ground is much tougher; I practiced over ten times before feeling confident enough to take it, and even then, I had to wait almost a month for my turn due to the queue. If the driving school is crowded or test slots are limited, it might stretch to two months. The key is not to procrastinate in your learning progress—complete the theory part early and spend more time at the training ground to familiarize yourself with the reference points, which can save a lot of time. However, never rush into the tests unprepared—safety comes first. Make sure you’re fully ready to avoid retakes, which waste even more time. The overall process also varies by region; in big cities with more candidates, it might take longer.
As someone who frequently interacts with trainees, the time it takes to take the first subject test after enrollment depends on individual preparation and the driving school's operations. The theoretical part of Subject 1 can generally be scheduled for examination once completed, with some passing within a week, provided that the trainee does not delay the theoretical study. The practical part, Subject 2, requires more practice—beginners need at least 15 sessions to feel confident. Factoring in exam scheduling and waiting times, it typically takes around 2 to 4 weeks. If the driving school has a tight schedule, it may be faster, but delays can occur if there are many students or retakes. It's advisable for trainees to clarify the process upon enrollment, urge the instructor to arrange a reasonable schedule, and make extra time for practice. Don’t just wait for notifications; proactively following up can shorten the wait. For safety, avoid rushing the process—being well-prepared before taking the test is more reliable.
My son also asked about this when he was learning to drive, and there was a big difference in the time between signing up and taking the tests. For Subject One, he studied the theory for just two days before scheduling the test and passed in three days. However, for Subject Two, he spent over ten practice sessions, and the driving school was slow in arranging the test, so he had to wait nearly three weeks before he could take it. The whole process depends on the student's learning ability—kids who study diligently progress faster, while those who procrastinate take longer. It's also advisable to sign a clear schedule with the driving school when enrolling to avoid misunderstandings and delays in learning. Safety is important, so don’t rush the tests; make sure you master each subject thoroughly.
