How Long is the Validity Period from Driving Test Subject 1 to Subject 4?
3 Answers
There is no time limit if Subject 1 is not passed. The time limit starts only after passing Subject 1, and a Driving Skills Test Permit is issued upon completion of Subject 1. The Driving Skills Test Permit is valid for three years, during which the applicant must complete Subjects 2 and 3. According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses," the validity period of the learning driving permit is three years, but the expiration date must not exceed the upper age limit for application. Applicants must complete Subjects 2 and 3 within the validity period. If the tests are not completed within the validity period, the passed subjects will be invalidated. Subject 1, also known as the theoretical driving test or driver theory test, is part of the motor vehicle driving license assessment. The test content includes driving theory basics, road safety laws and regulations, local regulations, and related knowledge. The test format is computer-based, with a time limit of 45 minutes. Subject 1 consists of 100 single-choice and true/false questions, each worth 1 point. If 11 questions are answered 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 regulations; 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; Special knowledge for wheeled self-propelled machinery, trams, and trolleybuses. Subject 1 test precautions: Candidates should dress appropriately for the test, no slippers are allowed, electronic devices and bags are prohibited in the test room, bring an ID card, and queue to enter the waiting hall. Observe the instructions and procedures on the large screen, and store personal belongings in a locker before entering the test room. Upon entering, verify identity at the assigned seat and begin the test. Ensure the camera is aligned with you and follow test discipline. If failed, a retake is available on the same day; if failed again, re-register and pay. After completion, queue to collect the score report and sign it; unsigned reports are invalid. There is no limit to the number of Subject 1 test appointments. Each subject can be taken once, with one retake if failed. If the retake is not taken or is failed, the test session ends, and the applicant must re-register. Subjects 2 and 3, however, allow only five test attempts, with appointments available 10 days after a failed attempt. If the Subject 3 safe driving knowledge test is failed, the passed road driving skills test scores remain valid. There are three subjects in the driving test: Subject 1, Subject 2, and Subject 3. Subject 1 refers to the test on road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge; Subject 2 refers to the field driving skills test; 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 Order No. 123) does not include "Subject 4."
I remember when I was getting my driver's license, after passing Subject 1, the result was valid for three years. You had to complete Subjects 2, 3, and 4 within that time. If you didn't finish, the Subject 1 score would expire, and you'd have to re-enroll for the theory part. This is quite important because my friend procrastinated for half a year without practicing, almost letting it expire. It's a reminder to everyone to schedule practice time early and not delay getting the license. Additionally, the exam validity period is well-designed—it helps new drivers maintain their enthusiasm and proficiency, avoiding accidents caused by forgotten skills when driving. In short, proper planning is key. It's advisable to align with work or study schedules to avoid last-minute exam panic.
After passing Subject 1, the result is valid for three years. Within this period, you must complete the Subject 2 field test, Subject 3 road test, and Subject 4 safety and civilization test. If you fail to pass within the time limit, your Subject 1 result will expire, and you'll have to start over with the theoretical exam. This time limit is mainly set to encourage regular practice, prevent driving skills from getting rusty, and improve the pass rate. Personally, I've seen many people having to retake exams due to procrastination, which is both troublesome and costly. Therefore, I recommend increasing the frequency of practice, such as scheduling two or three sessions per week, to maintain your driving feel. Also, pay attention to the driving school's notifications so you don't miss the opportunity to book exams.
