How Many Chances Are There for the Driving License Test Subject 1?
3 Answers
The "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses" clearly stipulate that on the day of the Subject 1 test, candidates can take the test twice. If the first attempt is unsuccessful, a second free retake is allowed. If the second attempt is also unsuccessful, the Subject 1 test for that day is terminated, and the candidate can only schedule another test 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 test content includes driving theory basics, road safety laws and regulations, local regulations, and related knowledge. The test is conducted on a computer with a time limit of 45 minutes. A passing score for Subject 1 is 90 points. The test consists of 100 questions, including single-choice and true/false questions, with each question worth 1 point for a total of 100 points. If a candidate answers 11 questions incorrectly, the system will automatically submit the test and end the exam. 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 pay attention to their attire and are not allowed to wear slippers. Electronic devices and bags are not permitted in the examination room. 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 examination room. Upon entering, the identity verification desk will assign a seat. After finding your seat, begin the test. Ensure the camera is aligned with you and follow exam discipline. If you fail the first attempt, a retake is available on the same day. If you fail again, you must pay to reschedule. After the test, queue to collect your score report and sign it. Failure to sign will render the test invalid. There is no limit to the number of times you can schedule the Subject 1 test. Each subject test allows one retake if the first attempt is unsuccessful. If you do not take the retake or fail the retake, the test is terminated, and the applicant must reschedule. For Subject 2 and Subject 3, there are only five test attempts. Subject 2 and Subject 3 tests can be rescheduled after ten days. If the Subject 3 safety and civilized driving knowledge test is unsuccessful, the previously passed road driving skills test results 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 safety and civilized driving knowledge tests. The safety and civilized driving knowledge test is conducted after Subject 3, so it is commonly referred to as Subject 4. However, in official terms (i.e., the Ministry of Public Security's Order No. 123), there is no such thing as Subject 4.
I remember being quite nervous when taking the Theory Test (Subject 1) back then, but there were actually plenty of opportunities. Each exam booking allows two attempts on the spot—if you fail the first time, you can retake it the same day. More importantly, there’s no limit to the number of bookings; you only pay the exam fee once and can reschedule repeatedly. However, it’s worth noting that while retakes are unlimited, you must wait at least 10 days after failing before rebooking. Here’s a key point: From the day you pass Subject 1, you must complete all remaining tests within three years, or your previous results will expire. Additionally, the exam fee isn’t too expensive, typically ranging between 80 to 150 RMB depending on the region, but frequent retakes can add up. So it’s best to study hard and aim to pass on the first try.
When it comes to the test opportunities for Subject 1, the arrangement is actually quite flexible. After I enrolled in the driving school, the instructor clearly told me that each test appointment comes with two answering attempts. If you fail the first time, you can retake it on the spot. Throughout the entire test cycle, you can schedule as many times as you want—there are no restrictions. However, there are three key points to note: there must be at least a 10-day interval between each retake; the test fee must be paid again for each session; and most importantly, there is a three-year validity period limit. For example, if you pass Subject 1 on June 1st, all subsequent subjects must be completed by May 31st of the third year. It’s recommended to download a driving test app in advance and practice more. The question bank only has about 1,700 questions, and with sufficient preparation, you can generally pass.
