
After completing the interview, you need to wait for the review by the vehicle management office, which usually takes about 7 working days. If there are many applicants in the local area, the review may be delayed up to half a month. After the review is completed, you can start making an appointment. From completing the interview to scheduling the test, it generally takes about 5-10 days to take the Subject 1 test. Additional information is as follows: Driver's Test: The driver's test (motor vehicle driver's test) is a qualification examination organized by the vehicle management office of the public security bureau. Only by passing the driver's test can you obtain a driver's license and legally drive a motor vehicle. Subject 1: Subject 1, also known as the Subject 1 theory test or driver's theory test, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license examination. According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses," the test content includes driving theory basics, road safety laws and regulations, local regulations, and other related knowledge. The test format is computer-based, consisting of 100 questions, and a score of 90 or above is required to pass.

When I first got my driver's license, I waited over a week after the in-person verification to schedule the Theory Test (Subject 1). The driving school explained they needed to review my ID documents and medical report first, upload them to the transportation department's system, and ensure everything complied before booking. That period happened to coincide with the summer vacation peak, with many applicants, so the wait was longer—about 8-9 days. Normally, it takes within a week if there are no issues. While waiting for the notice, I crammed the test bank on my phone. I suggest you do the same—download an app and practice question volume and time management during downtime to avoid panic after missing a booking. Patience is key; the driving school will notify you proactively, so don’t stress too much about scheduling.

The duration really varies, depending on your driving school's efficiency and the test center's situation. When I took the test ten years ago, I had to wait ten days after the in-person registration to take the theory test (Subject 1) because there were few test centers in the city and long queues. Nowadays, it's much better—some places are faster, and you can schedule the test in just three to four days, especially if you choose a modern driving school that uses online booking. The key is that the driving school needs time to review documents and allocate slots, so more applicants naturally mean longer waits. After completing the in-person registration, it's best to ask your instructor for an estimated timeline rather than just waiting. Use the time to practice more questions and prepare for the written test. For safety, don’t rush the process—staying steady and avoiding mistakes is what matters most.

After the interview, it usually takes about a week to take the first subject test, depending on the driving school's processing speed and available test slots. In my case, I waited six days before the driving school notified me to make an online appointment, which happened to coincide with a weekend class. It's advisable not to rush; instead, use this free time to focus on practicing with the test-prep app, familiarizing yourself with traffic rules and sign questions. If the driving school has complete documentation and acts quickly, the process can be shortened to a few days. However, if there are delays with the medical report or system issues, it might extend up to ten days. Just keep your phone on to receive notifications.


