How Long is the Interval Between Subject 1 and Subject 2?
2 Answers
You can schedule the Subject 2 test online 10 days after passing Subject 1 of the driver's license exam. According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses," the registration requirement for Subject 2 is completing 26 training hours, including 2 hours of theoretical knowledge, 3 hours of simulated driving, and 21 hours of practical training. For a C1 license, you can schedule the Subject 2 test online 10 days after passing Subject 1. Each Subject 2 test appointment provides two exam attempts. If you fail the first attempt, you can retake it once for free. If you do not take the retest or fail the retest, the exam session ends, and you can reschedule the Subject 2 test after 10 days. Within the validity period of the driver's license learning phase, you can schedule the Subject 2 test no more than 5 times. If you fail the fifth attempt, all previously passed subjects will be invalidated. To continue learning for the driver's license, you must restart the process from Subject 1. Subject 2 test content: Operating a motor vehicle within a designated area to complete test items; demonstrating proficiency in vehicle control skills; and assessing spatial judgment of the vehicle's position. Subject 2, also known as the "small road test," includes five mandatory items: reverse parking, parallel parking, hill start, right-angle turns, and S-curve driving. Subject 2 test precautions: After entering the vehicle, always adjust the seat and mirrors to a suitable position and state, and fasten the seatbelt. For parallel parking, ensure the correct angle is identified, turn the steering wheel quickly, react promptly, and coordinate with the vehicle's speed. During hill starts, remember to engage the handbrake, activate the left turn signal when starting, release the handbrake, stabilize the clutch, and gently press the accelerator while releasing the clutch to avoid stalling or rolling back. For right-angle turns, identify the turning point quickly and steer in sync with the vehicle's speed to prevent misalignment. For S-curve driving, reduce speed and proceed slowly. Those with good driving instincts may pass smoothly in one go. For reverse parking, control the speed carefully, identify reference points accurately, and make minor adjustments by observing the mirrors if deviations occur. The driver's license exam consists of three subjects: Subject 1, Subject 2, and Subject 3. Subject 1 covers traffic laws, regulations, and related knowledge. Subject 2 assesses field driving skills. Subject 3 includes two parts: road driving skills and safe driving knowledge. The safe driving knowledge test is conducted after Subject 3, commonly referred to as "Subject 4," though this term is not officially recognized in regulations (e.g., Ministry of Public Security Order No. 123).
When I first started learning to drive, after passing the theory test (Subject 1), I was eager to take the practical test (Subject 2). I found that the waiting time varies—typically 10 days to a month at my local driving school, depending on your learning progress and the instructor's schedule. I waited about two weeks before starting practice because Subject 2 tests practical skills like reverse parking and parallel parking, which require time to get familiar with steering and braking. Practicing two hours each morning and evening was necessary. I remember rushing my first attempt after just eight days and failing, but passing smoothly after an extra week of practice. Ideally, a 15-day gap is best—not too short or too long—allowing your brain to absorb the theory and your hands and feet to gain flexibility. It’s wise to discuss timing with your instructor, as policies differ by city. Beijing might be faster, while Shanghai tends to be more cautious.
