How Long is the Validity Period for Subject 1 Test Results?

[VanHarley]

The validity period for Subject 1 is three years. If you fail to obtain a driver's license within these three years, your test results will be canceled, and you will have to start over. According to Article 37 of the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses": For first-time applicants for a motor vehicle driving license or applicants for additional permitted vehicle types, after passing the Subject 1 test, the vehicle management office shall issue a learning driving certificate within one day. For self-study direct examination applicants, the vehicle management office shall also issue a special identification for learning to drive as required. Article 38: Applicants learning to drive on training grounds and roads must obtain a learning driving certificate as required. The validity period of the learning driving certificate is three years, and applicants must complete the Subject 2 and Subject 3 tests within this period. If the tests are not completed within the validity period, the passed test results will be invalidated. The learning driving certificate can be in paper or electronic form, both of which have equal validity. Applicants can print or download the learning driving certificate through the internet traffic safety comprehensive service management platform. According to driving test regulations, each subject test can be taken once, and if failed, a retake is allowed. If the retake is not attended or still failed, the current test session is terminated, and a new test appointment must be made. Within the three-year validity period of the driving skill test permit, the number of appointments for the Subject 2 and Subject 3 road driving skill tests shall not exceed five times, meaning there are 10 test opportunities for each of Subject 2 and Subject 3 road driving skill tests. It is important to note that if the fifth test appointment is still failed, the passed results of other subjects will be invalidated. For failed Subject 2 or Subject 3 tests, the interval for rebooking the test is shortened from 20 days to 10 days.

[LolaLee]

I just got my driver's license last year, and I was worried about the expiration of my test scores right after passing Subject 1. According to traffic regulations, the passing score for Subject 1 is only valid for 3 years. This means you must pass the road tests for Subject 2 and Subject 3 within 3 years to successfully obtain your driver's license. If you fail to complete them within this period, your scores will automatically become invalid, and you'll have to re-register and start over with Subject 1. This rule ensures that drivers' knowledge stays up-to-date and avoids forgetting traffic rules due to prolonged delays. I've seen friends who, after passing Subject 1, got busy with other things and only remembered to start practicing driving two and a half years later, almost missing the deadline and facing huge pressure. So, don’t procrastinate after passing—it’s best to start practicing Subject 2 within six months and use that momentum to make quick progress. Don’t underestimate the 3-year limit; delaying will only waste time and money and increase the difficulty of the tests. My advice is to take action immediately.

[DeLuke]

Having driven for nearly a decade, I’ll share my insights on this topic. After passing the written test (Subject 1), your score remains valid for 3 years—expiration means retaking the theory exam. The rule is clear: it’s designed to push you to practice promptly. Some slack off after passing, only to waste all effort when the deadline lapses. From personal experience, signing up for Subject 2 training right after Subject 1 is the smartest move. Don’t assume 3 years is ample—life’s unpredictability can make you forget basics if you delay. I’ve seen novices expire and pay extra time/money to restart. So plan wisely: begin hands-on training within 3 months. Don’t let work or laziness sabotage progress. Remember, a driver’s license is about safety—completing it early is non-negotiable.

[StSophia]

During my days as a driving instructor, I often reminded students that their subject 1 test scores are only valid for 3 years. If they don't pass all subsequent exams within 3 years, the scores become invalid and they have to start over. Don't just focus on theory; the right approach is to start practicing subject 2 immediately after passing. Procrastination increases the risk of forgetting and leads to additional costs for review.