How Long Does the Driving License Theory Test (Subject 1) Take?
2 Answers
The test duration is limited to 45 minutes. According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses," candidates can take the Subject 1 test twice on the same day. If the first attempt is unsuccessful, a second free retake is allowed. If the second attempt also fails, the Subject 1 test is terminated, and the candidate must wait ten days before reapplying. Subject 1, also known as the theoretical driving test or driver theory test, is part of the motor vehicle driving license assessment. The test covers driving theory basics, road safety laws and regulations, local regulations, and related knowledge. The test format is computer-based. The Subject 1 test consists of 100 questions, divided into single-choice and true/false questions, with each question worth 1 point (total score: 100). If a candidate answers 11 questions incorrectly during the test, the system will automatically submit the test and end the session. Subject 1 Test Content: Driving license and motor vehicle management regulations; 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 Test Notes: Candidates should dress appropriately (no slippers), avoid bringing electronic devices or bags into the test center, carry their ID card, and queue to enter the waiting hall. Observe the instructions and procedures displayed on the screen, and store personal belongings in lockers before entering the test room. Upon entry, verify your identity at the assigned seat and begin the test. Ensure the camera is aligned properly and follow test rules. If the first attempt fails, a same-day retake is allowed. If the retake also fails, a fee is required to reschedule. After completion, queue to collect and sign the score report—unsigned reports are invalid. There is no limit to the number of Subject 1 test appointments. Each subject allows one retake if the initial attempt fails. If the retake is skipped or unsuccessful, the test is terminated, and the candidate must reapply. In contrast, Subject 2 and Subject 3 allow only five attempts each, with a mandatory 10-day waiting period between retakes. If the Subject 3 safe driving knowledge test fails, the previously passed road driving skills test results remain valid. The driving test consists of three subjects: Subject 1 (traffic laws and regulations), Subject 2 (field driving skills), and Subject 3 (road driving skills and safe driving knowledge). The safe driving knowledge test is conducted after Subject 3, often colloquially called "Subject 4," though this term is not officially recognized in regulations (e.g., Ministry of Public Security Order No. 123).
When I took the theory test (Subject 1), I had 45 minutes to answer 100 multiple-choice questions. I was a bit nervous at first, worrying I wouldn't finish in time, but actually the time was quite sufficient - less than half a minute per question on average. I remember arriving early at the test center where it was very quiet. After being seated by the staff, I started the exam immediately. The content mainly covered traffic regulations and road signs, with many questions about drunk driving that were quite confusing. I'd recommend practicing with mock tests on apps before the exam - once you're familiar with the material, you'll find the time is ample and the pressure decreases significantly. In the end, I passed with just two wrong answers. The key is not to spend too much time on difficult questions.
