
The retake time for the exam is 45 minutes. According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses," the Subject 1 exam can be taken twice on the same day. If the first attempt is unsuccessful, a second retake is allowed free of charge. If the second attempt also fails, the Subject 1 exam is terminated, and the candidate must wait ten days before scheduling another exam. Subject 1, also known as the theoretical exam or driver's theory test, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment. The exam content includes driving theory basics, road safety laws and regulations, local regulations, and related knowledge. The exam is conducted via computer. The Subject 1 test consists of 100 questions, divided into single-choice and true/false questions, each worth 1 point, totaling 100 points. If a candidate answers 11 questions incorrectly, the system will automatically submit the exam and end the test. Subject 1 Exam Content: Regulations on driver's licenses and motor vehicle management; Road traffic conditions and rules; Road traffic safety violations and penalties; Road traffic accident handling regulations; 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. Subject 1 Exam Notes: Candidates should dress appropriately for the exam; no slippers are 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 exam room, the identity verification desk will assign a seat. Once seated, begin the exam. Ensure the camera is aligned with you and follow exam discipline. If you fail the first attempt, a same-day retake is allowed. If you fail again, you must pay to reschedule. After the exam, queue to collect your score report and sign it. Unsigned reports are considered invalid. There is no limit to the number of times you can schedule the Subject 1 exam. Each subject exam allows one retake if the first attempt fails. If you skip the retake or fail it, the exam is terminated, and you must reschedule. For Subject 2 and Subject 3, there are only five exam attempts. Subject 2 and Subject 3 exams can be rescheduled after ten days. If you fail the Subject 3 safe driving knowledge test, your passed road driving skills test results remain valid. There are three subjects in the driver's license exam: Subject 1, Subject 2, and Subject 3. Subject 1 refers to the road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge exam. Subject 2 refers to the field driving skills exam. Subject 3 is divided into 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. However, the official term (as per the Ministry of Public Security's Order No. 123) does not include "Subject 4."

If you fail the subject one test, the retake mainly involves a waiting period. Typically, according to the regulations of the DMV, you need to wait 7 to 10 days before you can reschedule the exam. This interval is designed to allow candidates to review and consolidate their knowledge. The actual retake process is quick—scheduling can be done via the Traffic Management 12123 app in just a few minutes, and the test itself takes about 45 minutes on the exam day. Including preparation time, the entire process from failure to completion may take 1 to 2 weeks, though study duration varies by individual: some may need only a few days of intensive review, while others with weaker foundations may require longer. It’s advisable to regularly practice with question bank apps during spare time to avoid delaying the overall driver’s license progress. Handling it early ensures smoother progress in subsequent subjects. Also, note that some regions may have special rules, such as no weekend exams, which could affect scheduling, so it’s best to check local DMV notices in advance.

The subject one retake involves several key timelines: First, you must meet the interval requirement—the standard mandates waiting at least 7 days after failing before applying for a retake. This cooling-off period is compulsory to ensure adequate preparation. Second, the booking process is completed on online platforms, with test slots usually available within 1 to 3 business days. The exam itself takes only 45 minutes. Overall, the retake process can be wrapped up in about a week, but don’t overlook the learning curve: rushing into a retake unprepared increases risks. From personal experience, I recommend dedicating 30 minutes daily to mock tests—accumulating 10 hours of study proves highly effective. Check your driving school notifications, as peak seasons may extend wait times in some regions, though delays are generally manageable. Proactive adjustments keep your license plan on track. Free study materials are available online—avoid paid crash courses; they waste both time and money.

The fastest way to retake Subject 1 is within a week: Once the 7-day waiting period is over, immediately book the exam. You can schedule the test on the same day of booking, and the exam itself only takes 45 minutes. However, the key lies in preparation: On average, you need to spend dozens of hours practicing on question bank apps—don’t count on last-minute cramming. Memorize safety basics and traffic rules to avoid failing again. The overall timeline is tight, so don’t delay and disrupt your driving progress. With proper planning, passing within two or three attempts isn’t difficult.