How Many Chances Are There to Take the Subject 4 Exam?
3 Answers
According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses," there is no limit to the number of times you can take the Subject 4 exam. If you fail the first attempt on the same day, you can retake it once on-site. If you still fail, you need to reschedule the exam, and no additional fees are required for the retake. However, it is important to note that the validity period of the driving skill test permit is three years. If the applicant does not complete the exam within the validity period, the results of any previously passed subjects will be invalidated. Subject 4 consists of 50 questions, primarily in the form of case studies, images, and animations, with a full score of 100 and a passing score of 90. Subject 4, also known as the theoretical driving test or driver theory test, is part of the motor vehicle driving license assessment. After the implementation of the Ministry of Public Security's Order No. 123, the Subject 3 exam was divided into two parts: the road test and an additional safety and civics knowledge test, commonly referred to as "Subject 4," which assesses "driving ethics." Subject 4 is the colloquial term for the safety and civics driving knowledge test under Subject 3 and is not a separate subject. Since this test is conducted after Subject 3, it is commonly called the Subject 4 exam. Officially, there is no Subject 4. The safety and civics driving knowledge test is conducted after Subject 3. Subject 4 Exam Notes: Exam Duration: The exam lasts 30 minutes. Number of Questions: Depending on the type of license being tested, 50 questions are randomly selected from the corresponding Subject 4 question bank, with each question worth 2 points. Question Types: The exam includes single-choice questions (including true/false questions) and multiple-choice questions, with questions presented as animations, images, scenario recognition, or text descriptions. Subject 4 Exam Tips: Focus on error-prone areas and identify the reasons for mistakes. For marked questions, do not just memorize the correct answers. Instead, consult regulations, textbooks, or reference materials to understand and internalize the reasons for errors. Categorize and summarize questions. Refer to the question bank analysis for classification and identify similar questions: Many questions in the bank are similar and easily confused, so they should be analyzed and grouped. For example, traffic signs for walking, hiking, pedestrian caution, crosswalks, and crosswalk caution are very similar and easily confused. During study, group them together to avoid mistakes. Find memorization techniques: Many questions in the bank involve numbers. Summarize these numbers to make them easier to remember. There are three subjects in the driving test: Subject 1, Subject 2, and Subject 3, with Subject 3 divided into two parts. Subject 1 refers to the road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge test; Subject 2 refers to the field driving skills test; and Subject 3 refers to the road driving skills and safety and civics driving knowledge test.
I remember when I was taking the Subject 4 test, I was quite worried after failing the first time. But later I learned that there's really no limit to the number of attempts—you can keep trying until you pass or until the three-year validity period after enrolling in driving school ends. It took me two retakes to pass, with a small fee of about 50 yuan each time for scheduling, which wasn't too expensive. The key is to prepare well. Those driving test apps on smartphones are really helpful for practicing questions and mock exams, getting familiar with question types, especially the safe driving section—don't underestimate it. Just make sure to complete it within three years; don't procrastinate until the last minute. Time management is crucial to avoid a last-minute rush before expiration. Treat multiple attempts as knowledge reinforcement to ensure safer driving. Personally, I think keeping a relaxed mindset helps—there are plenty of opportunities, so don't fear failure.
There is no set limit on the number of attempts for the Subject 4 exam. In theory, you can take it indefinitely as long as you pass within the three-year validity period starting from your first attempt at Subject 1. I’ve seen relatives take the driving test—they attempted Subject 4 three times, paying a small fee of a few dozen yuan each time for retakes, which wasn’t too troublesome. In practice, you need to book your slot in advance on the driving test website to avoid last-minute stress. It’s advisable to practice with the question bank early, take plenty of mock tests, and familiarize yourself with traffic rules and emergency procedures. The validity period is crucial—if you exceed it, you’ll have to retake Subject 1, wasting both time and money. Overall, prepare calmly—you have plenty of chances, so don’t stress yourself out.
