How Long is the Interval Between Subject 1 and Subject 2 Driving Tests?
2 Answers
For a Class C license, you can take the Subject 2 test 10 days after passing Subject 1. For Class B and Class A licenses, the waiting period is 20 days after passing Subject 1. According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses," the interval between Subject 1 and Subject 2 varies depending on the type of license. Class C license holders must wait 10 days, while Class A and B license holders must wait 20 days before scheduling Subject 2. This provides ample time to prepare for the Subject 2 test. Each Subject 2 test appointment allows for two 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 test session ends, and you must wait 10 days before rescheduling Subject 2. Within the validity period of the driving learner's permit, you can schedule Subject 2 a maximum of five times. If you fail the fifth attempt, all previously passed subjects will be invalidated. To continue learning, you must restart the process from Subject 1. Subject 2 Test Content: The test evaluates your ability to operate a motor vehicle within a designated area, your mastery of driving skills, and your spatial judgment of the vehicle's position. Also known as the "small road test," Subject 2 includes five mandatory items: reverse parking, parallel parking, hill start, right-angle turn, and curve driving. Some regions may include a sixth item: highway toll card collection. Subject 2 Test Tips: After entering the vehicle, adjust the seat and mirrors to a comfortable position and ensure the seatbelt is fastened. For parallel parking, find the correct angle, turn the steering wheel quickly, and coordinate with the vehicle's speed. During hill starts, remember to engage the handbrake, signal left, release the handbrake, and balance the clutch and throttle to prevent stalling or rolling back. For right-angle turns, react swiftly once the reference point is identified, coordinating with the vehicle's speed to avoid deviation. For curve driving (S-turn), reduce speed and proceed cautiously. Skilled drivers may navigate smoothly in one go. During reverse parking, control the speed, identify reference points, and make minor adjustments if deviations are observed in the mirrors. The driving test consists of three subjects: Subject 1, Subject 2, and Subject 3. Subject 1 covers traffic laws, regulations, and related knowledge. Subject 2 assesses basic driving skills in a controlled area. Subject 3 is divided into two parts: on-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 the regulations (Ministry of Public Security Order No. 123).
I've been teaching at a driving school for many years, and students often ask how long they have to wait after passing the theoretical test (Subject 1) before they can take the practical driving test (Subject 2) on the training ground. Generally, you need to wait about 10 days before you can schedule Subject 2. This interval is designed to give everyone enough time to practice, as Subject 2 involves skills like reverse parking and parallel parking, which can be challenging for beginners if they're not well-practiced. Some people rush to take the test and end up failing due to nervousness, which prolongs the entire license acquisition process. My advice is not to focus solely on the waiting period but to spend more time practicing at the driving school. Policies may vary slightly by city—for example, in Shanghai, the booking system might be congested, causing delays of a few days—but the standard is typically at least 10 days. The key factor is whether you've had enough practice.
