How Many Chances Are There for the Subject Two Driving Test?
4 Answers
For the Subject Two driving test, if the initial attempt is unsuccessful, one retake is allowed. If the applicant does not attend the retake or fails the retake, the current test session is terminated, and the applicant must reschedule the test after ten days. Within the validity period of the driving skill test permit, the number of rescheduled tests for Subject Two and Subject Three (road driving skills) must not exceed five times. If the fifth rescheduled test is still unsuccessful, the passing scores of other previously passed subjects will be invalidated. The full score for Subject Two is 100 points, with evaluation criteria set for failing, deducting 20 points, deducting 10 points, and deducting 5 points. The test is considered passed if the following conditions are met: ① For applicants of large passenger vehicles, tractors, city buses, medium-sized passenger vehicles, and large trucks, a score of 90 or above is required; ② For other vehicle types, a score of 80 or above is required. The test items for large vehicles (A1, A2, A3, B1, B2) include: pole test, hill start and stop, parallel parking, single-plank bridge crossing, curve driving, right-angle turning, narrow gate passing, continuous obstacle crossing, bumpy road driving, narrow road U-turn, as well as simulated highway driving, continuous sharp turns on mountain roads, tunnels, rainy (foggy) conditions, slippery roads, and emergency handling. The test items for small vehicles (C1, C2) include: reversing into a garage, parallel parking, hill start and stop (canceled for C2), right-angle turning, and curve driving (commonly known as the S-curve) as the five mandatory items (some regions also include a sixth item: highway toll card collection).
I remember when I took the Subject 2 driving test back then, one appointment gave you two attempts, which was considered a basic rule at driving schools. During my first attempt, I crossed the line while reversing into the parking space, and the examiner asked me to step out of the car immediately to adjust my mindset and prepare for the second test—it felt like starting a sprint all over again. If both attempts failed, you'd have to wait a week to reschedule and pay a retake fee. Regular practice is crucial; I recommend simulating hill starts and parallel parking multiple times before the test to familiarize yourself with the reference points, which can help reduce nervousness. After getting my license and driving for so many years, I feel that those training exercises were quite helpful for real-world driving. In short, don't stress too much—most people pass within one exam session.
During my driving test for Subject Two, I was so nervous that my hands and feet were sweating. But when I learned that one appointment allowed two attempts, I felt much more at ease. The first time I tried parallel parking, I didn't get it right, and the examiner immediately said, 'Try again,' giving me an extra chance on the spot. If both attempts failed, I would have had to wait a few days to reschedule, so I practiced reversing like crazy before the test. Looking back now, although there were multiple opportunities, mindset was the most important—don't rush to step on the gas; check the mirrors first before moving. Common mistakes beginners make include not adjusting the seat properly or forgetting to fasten the seatbelt, which can lead to failure. A classmate of mine told me after taking the test once that communicating with the instructor to adjust reference points was the most effective strategy.
When instructing students, I always emphasize the rules for Subject 2: Each exam includes two attempts. If you fail the first time, you can immediately retake the second attempt. If both attempts are unsuccessful, you'll need to reschedule and pay the fee again. Students often nervously ask, 'What if I fail both times?' My advice is to intensify practice on key items before the exam, such as hill-start to ensure no rolling back. During the test, examiners usually allow a brief calming period to adjust your state. From experience, 80% of people pass on their second attempt, but remember to wear comfortable shoes for easier clutch operation.
