How Many Chances Are There for the Driving License Theory Test (Subject 1)?

[ElianaDella]

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."

[StLaila]

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.

[VonVivienne]

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.

[Karter]

I really struggled with the first driving theory test back then. You can retake it unlimited times within the three-year validity period, but must wait ten days after each failure before rebooking. Test fees vary by region - I paid 120 yuan per retake. The main issue is appointment queues, as Saturday slots get snapped up instantly. I recommend using the 12123 Traffic Management APP for advance bookings - remote test centers have better availability. For questions, focus on practicing new question banks, especially drunk driving penalty questions which appear every year. Before my third attempt, I compiled all mistakes into notes and passed easily. Remember, 90% is passing - you can still pass with ten wrong answers.

[Anna]

As someone who has been through it, let me tell you, the theory test (Subject 1) can be taken unlimited times within the three-year validity period of your driver's license application. However, there must be at least a ten-day interval between each retake, and you'll need to pay the fee again. I recommend utilizing fragmented time for practice: do specialized exercises during meals, and take mock exams while riding the subway. The question bank contains about 1,600 questions, with 100 randomly selected for the actual test, and a passing score of 90. Never underestimate reviewing wrong answers—I failed my first two attempts due to repeatedly making mistakes on overtaking and yielding questions. On exam day, bring your ID card and arrive half an hour early; if facial recognition fails, your trip will be for nothing.

[DelAiden]

My friend just finished the Theory Test (Subject 1), and I'm quite familiar with this. You have unlimited test attempts within three years, but there's a mandatory 10-day waiting period between retakes. Key reminder about score retention: If you've passed Subject 2 but fail Subject 1, your overall driving test progress won't be invalidated. Regarding fees, our local retake cost is 80 RMB, while some VIP test centers charge 150 RMB. I recommend choosing weekday morning sessions when there are fewer candidates and faster grading. Focus your revision on traffic police hand signals and penalty questions, which account for about 30 points. My friend specifically targeted these difficult areas and scored 96 on his third attempt. Remember to skip uncertain questions during the exam and return to them later.