How Many Chances Are There for the Driving License Test - Subject One?

[Helen]

There is no limit to the number of retakes for Subject One. According to Article 10 of the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses," you can take the Subject One retest twice on the same day. If you fail the first attempt, you can take a free second retest. If you still fail the second attempt, the Subject One test is terminated, and you can only schedule another test after ten days. Subject One, also known as the theoretical test or driver's 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. The passing score for Subject One is 90 out of 100. The test consists of 100 questions, including single-choice and true/false questions, with each question worth 1 point. If you answer 11 questions incorrectly during the test, the system will automatically submit the test and end the session. Subject One test content includes: driving license and motor vehicle management regulations; road traffic conditions and rules; 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. Test precautions for Subject One: Candidates should dress appropriately (no slippers), and electronic devices and bags are not allowed in the test room. Bring your ID card and queue to enter the waiting hall. Observe the precautions and procedures on the large screen, and store personal belongings in lockers before entering the test room. Upon entering the test room, the identity verification desk will assign a seat. After finding your seat, begin the test. Ensure the camera is aligned with you and follow test discipline. If you fail the first attempt, you can retake the test 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. Unsigned reports are invalid. For Subject Two and Subject Three, there are only five test attempts. Tests for Subject Two and Subject Three can be scheduled after ten days. If you fail the Subject Three safety and civilized driving knowledge test, the previously passed road driving skills test results remain valid. The driving test consists of three subjects: Subject One, Subject Two, and Subject Three. Subject One refers to the road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge test. Subject Two refers to the field driving skills test. Subject Three is divided into two parts: road driving skills and safety and civilized driving knowledge test. The safety and civilized driving knowledge test is conducted after Subject Three, so it is commonly referred to as Subject Four. However, the official term (as per the Ministry of Public Security Order No. 123) does not include "Subject Four."

[SanLouis]

After all these years as an instructor, the most frequent question from students is about the chances for the Subject 1 test. Simply put, there's no limit to the number of attempts, but each appointment includes one main test and one retake opportunity. For example, if you take the Subject 1 test this Tuesday and fail on the spot, the examiner will ask if you want to proceed with the retake right away—the retake venue is just next door. If you still fail the retake, you'll need to schedule the next test again via the Traffic Management 12123 app. I must remind students not to book tests recklessly just because there are many opportunities. Each test requires a retake fee, and the scheduling system has limitations, especially during peak periods like winter and summer breaks, where you might wait two or three weeks. I recommend consistently scoring above 95 in five consecutive mock tests on the mobile question bank before taking the actual test—that's the safest approach.

[BentleyAnn]

When I first got my driver's license last year, it took me three attempts to pass the written test (Subject 1). After my first appointment, I took the test twice on the spot but got confused by several speed-limit questions, scoring 88 points both times—just below the passing mark. I spent three days intensively reviewing the materials before my second appointment, which was scheduled ten days later. Unfortunately, I was so nervous during the test that my hands were shaking, and I failed again. It wasn't until the third attempt that I finally passed with 92 points. The materials provided by the driving school at registration mentioned that each appointment includes two test attempts, but I only found out later that rescheduling requires a 40-yuan retake fee each time. Don’t follow my example of last-minute cramming—it’s best to go through all 1,300 questions in the test bank beforehand and repeatedly review the ones you get wrong.

[LaGarrett]

For the Subject 1 exam, each successful appointment grants one exam attempt and one same-day retake opportunity. If both attempts are unsuccessful, you must reschedule the exam with no limit on the number of retakes. Implementation details vary slightly by city - for instance, Beijing requires a 10-day interval between retakes, while Shanghai allows rescheduling after 7 days. Special reminder: Bring valid ID on exam day, as retakes must be used that same day. It's recommended to practice via the official driving test app, focusing on newly revised traffic regulations. Passing scores remain valid for three years, during which remaining subjects must be completed.

[McJessica]

My bestie's experience taking the driving theory test was hilarious. On her first attempt, she was so focused on memorizing questions that she forgot her ID and got turned away at the exam center, wasting one booking slot. During her second try, her phone alarm went off mid-test and she was flagged for cheating, instantly losing two attempts. She only passed on her third try when she finally took it seriously. Actually, each booking number includes one main exam and one retake opportunity - even absurd situations like my friend's still allow rescheduling. But be careful: the five-attempt limit only applies to practical tests (Subjects 2-4), not the theory exam. Nowadays test monitoring is extremely strict - even smartwatches are banned from exam rooms.

[McRafael]

Recently, I helped my elderly neighbor use the "Driving Test Guide" app and researched the rules for Subject 1. There's no limit to the total number of exam attempts, but each successful reservation gives you only two chances to take the test: the morning session and an immediate retake. If you fail the retake, the system will lock your account for 10 days before you can reschedule. A special reminder for middle-aged and elderly learners: don't get nervous and click the wrong option during the exam—I've seen people accidentally tap answers outside the screen border. The question bank has added many new questions related to electric vehicles, and the latest driving ban clauses should also be noted. Before the exam, remember to call the driving school to confirm whether your photo ID medical form is still valid.