How Many Exam Attempts Are Allowed for Subject One and Subject Four?
3 Answers
According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses," there is no limit on the number of exam attempts for driving test Subject One and Subject Four. If you fail the exam, you can schedule another attempt. Each scheduled exam provides two opportunities. If you fail both attempts, you can only retake the exam until you pass. Both Subject One and Subject Four are theoretical exams and are part of the motor vehicle driving license assessment. The main differences between Subject One and Subject Four include: the number of questions, question types, exam content distribution, and exam focus. Question Count: The most obvious difference between Subject One and Subject Four is the number of exam questions. Subject One has 100 questions, while Subject Four has only 50 questions. During the Subject One exam, if you answer more than 10 questions incorrectly, the exam will automatically submit. For Subject Four, the exam will automatically submit if you answer more than 6 questions incorrectly. Question Types: Subject One consists of 100 questions, each worth 1 point, with a total exam time of 45 minutes. The question types include true/false and single-choice questions, with a full score of 100. Subject Four consists of 50 questions, each worth 2 points, with a total exam time of 45 minutes. The questions are primarily presented in the form of case studies, images, or animations, and the question types include true/false, single-choice, and multiple-choice questions, with a full score of 100. Exam Focus: Subject One primarily tests basic knowledge of road driving, while Subject Four focuses on safe and civilized driving practices. In simple terms, Subject One tests how to drive, while Subject Four tests how to drive safely. Although the difference is just two words ("safe driving"), the focus is entirely different. Exam Content Distribution: Subject One exam content breakdown: Driving license and motor vehicle regulations account for 20%; Road traffic conditions and regulations account for 25%; Road traffic safety violations and penalties account for 25%; Road traffic accident handling regulations account for 10%; Basic knowledge of motor vehicles accounts for 10%; Local regulations account for 10%. Subject Four exam content breakdown: Safe driving knowledge accounts for 20%; Civilized driving knowledge accounts for 18%; Comprehensive application of road traffic signals in traffic scenarios accounts for 8%; Safe driving knowledge under adverse weather and complex road conditions accounts for 16%; Emergency avoidance knowledge accounts for 12%; Analysis of typical accident cases accounts for 6%; Knowledge of traffic accident rescue and handling of common hazardous chemicals accounts for 10%; Local test questions account for 10%. The driving test consists of three subjects: Subject One, Subject Two, and Subject Three. Subject One refers to the exam on road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge. Subject Two refers to the field driving skills exam. Subject Three is divided into two parts: road driving skills and the safe and civilized driving knowledge exam. The safe and civilized driving knowledge exam 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."
I just finished my driving test and passed the theory test (Subject 1) on my second try. I was really nervous at the time, but later I learned that the test attempts are unlimited—failing isn’t scary since you can always reschedule, though you’ll need to wait at least 10 days before reapplying. The same rule applies to Subject 4: unlimited attempts, but a 10-day waiting period for retakes gives you a buffer to review properly. Many people fail due to nerves and struggling with the large question pool. My advice is to practice repeatedly on mock tests in apps like ‘Driving Test Treasure,’ instead of last-minute cramming like I did. The key is to stay calm—getting a license is about safe driving, and while pass rates are high, failing isn’t the end. Also, make sure to arrive on time to avoid distractions. Bottom line: there are plenty of chances, so take your time.
As someone who has been dealing with driving tests for years, I've found that Subject 1 and Subject 4 are the two theoretical test sections, both offering unlimited retake opportunities. After failing, you can sign up for a retest anytime, but there must be at least a ten-day interval between each attempt. Don't worry about being stuck if you fail—the key is to understand the rules: Subject 1 tests knowledge of traffic regulations, requiring memorization of various signs, while Subject 4 focuses on safe driving practices. It's advisable to prepare early and practice with mock tests rather than cramming last minute. Common reasons for failing are often laziness or stress, so persistent practice with question banks is essential. Also, remember to book the test center in advance to avoid missing scheduled dates. Safety knowledge is not something to take lightly—while the failure rate is high, opportunities are plentiful. If you truly don't pass, don't panic; take a few days off and try again.
