How Many Chances Are There for the Driving License Theory 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 free retake is allowed for the second attempt. If the second attempt still fails, the Subject 1 test for that day is terminated, and the candidate can only schedule a new test after ten days. 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 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, divided into single-choice and true/false questions, with each question worth 1 point for a total of 100 points. 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; Specialized knowledge for wheeled self-propelled machinery, trams, and trolleybuses. Subject 1 Test Notes: Candidates should pay attention to their attire during the test; no slippers are allowed, and electronic devices and bags are prohibited in the examination 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 examination room. Upon entering, the identity verification station will assign a seat. After finding your seat, begin the test. Ensure the camera is aligned with you and adhere to test 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 initial attempt fails. If you do not take the retake or fail the retake, the test session ends, and the applicant must reschedule. In contrast, Subject 2 and Subject 3 allow only five test attempts each. Subject 2 and Subject 3 tests can be rescheduled after ten days. If the Subject 3 safety and civilized 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 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, the official term (as per the Ministry of Public Security Order No. 123) does not include the term "Subject 4."
There's no limit to the number of attempts for the Subject 1 exam, which I've personally verified. When I was getting my driver's license, I failed the theoretical test three times in a row, and each retake required a 10-day cooling-off period before re-registering. However, each retake costs a few hundred yuan in exam fees, which really hurts the wallet. The most annoying part is having to compete for exam slots again, with popular test centers often requiring a wait of two to three weeks. I recommend using apps like 'Driving Test Treasure' to practice questions thoroughly before taking the exam. After all, Subject 1 doesn't have a pass rate cap, so with enough preparation, you're bound to pass. I managed to pass on my fourth attempt with a score of 91, just scraping by. Looking back, I'm glad I didn't give up, otherwise I wouldn't even have the qualification to drive on the road now.
I just finished coaching a batch of trainees, and the driving school knows best about the Subject 1 test. After registration, you have a three-year validity period, during which you can take the Subject 1 test as many times as you want. However, if you fail, you have to wait ten days before booking the next test and pay around a hundred yuan for the retake fee. One young trainee of mine didn’t believe it and went to take the test without even reviewing the questions, failing four times in a row and wasting two months. I recommend scoring at least 95 points or above in five consecutive mock tests before heading to the exam center. Remember, the traffic sign questions are free points—make sure to ace them. The actual test is much easier than the mock questions in the apps, so keeping a calm mindset is crucial.
