How Many Chances Are There for the Driving License Subject 1 Exam?
3 Answers
There are unlimited chances. The "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses" clearly stipulate that the Subject 1 exam can be taken 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 exam is terminated for that day, and the candidate can only schedule another exam after ten days. Subject 1, also known as the theoretical test or driver theory test, is part of the motor vehicle driving license assessment. The exam content includes driving theory basics, road safety laws and regulations, local regulations, and related knowledge. The test is computer-based with a time limit of 45 minutes. A passing score for Subject 1 is 90 points, with 100 questions in total, consisting of single-choice and true/false questions, each worth 1 point, totaling 100 points. If 11 questions are answered incorrectly during the exam, the system will automatically submit the test and end the session. Subject 1 exam 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; specialized knowledge for wheeled self-propelled machinery, trams, and trolleybuses. Subject 1 exam precautions: Candidates should dress appropriately for the exam—no slippers are allowed. Electronic devices and bags are prohibited in the exam hall. Bring your ID card and queue to enter the waiting hall. Observe the instructions and procedures on the large screen and store personal belongings in lockers before entering the exam hall. Upon entering, the identity verification desk will assign a seat. After finding your seat, begin the exam. Ensure the camera is aligned with you and follow exam discipline. If you fail the first attempt, a same-day retake is available. If you fail again, you must pay to reschedule. After the exam, queue to collect your score report and sign it. Unsigned reports are considered invalid. There is no limit to the number of times you can schedule the Subject 1 exam. Each subject exam allows one retake if the first attempt fails. If you do not attend the retake or fail it, the exam session is terminated, and the applicant must reschedule. In contrast, Subject 2 and Subject 3 exams have only five chances each. Subject 2 and Subject 3 exams can be rescheduled after ten days. If the Subject 3 safe driving knowledge test is failed, the passed road driving skills test scores remain valid. The driving test consists of three subjects: Subject 1, Subject 2, and Subject 3. Subject 1 refers to the road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge exam. Subject 2 refers to the field driving skills test. Subject 3 is divided into two parts: road driving skills and safe driving knowledge test. 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 was quite nervous when taking the Subject 1 test for the first time and didn't pass because there were too many questions to memorize. Later, I learned that Subject 1 allows unlimited retakes. After each failed attempt, you typically need to wait 7-15 days before registering for another test, depending on local regulations—it's usually 7 days in Beijing. I think this is a good design, giving people time to review and consolidate their knowledge instead of rushing to waste opportunities. Don't worry, there are plenty of chances, and failure is common. The key is to practice more with mock test apps and use driving school materials to familiarize yourself with traffic rules. I passed on my second attempt by preparing seriously and keeping a relaxed mindset. New drivers should be patient and avoid excessive anxiety. In short, opportunities are unlimited—just make the most of them.
I was so nervous preparing for Subject One, afraid that failing once or twice would be the end. After checking the information, I found out that the attempts are actually unlimited—you can take the test multiple times. If you don't pass, you can retry after waiting about 7-15 days, with shorter intervals in big cities like Shanghai. The rule is designed to ease anxiety and encourage thorough preparation. I believe practicing more questions is key, so I downloaded a driving test app and practice daily. Now, I'm ready to retake the test. Stay calm—opportunities are always there. Don’t rush for one or two attempts; familiarize yourself with road rules and traffic signals, and passing will be easier. New drivers, don’t put too much pressure on yourselves—there are plenty of chances. Just keep practicing.
