
Each examination offers one retake opportunity. According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses," candidates can take Subject 1 twice on the same day. If the first attempt is unsuccessful, the second retake is free of charge. However, if the second attempt also fails, the Subject 1 test is terminated, and the candidate must wait ten days before rescheduling. Subject 1, also known as the theoretical driving test or driver theory test, is part of the motor vehicle driving license assessment. The test covers fundamental driving theory, road safety laws and regulations, local statutes, and related knowledge. The exam is computer-based and has a time limit of 45 minutes. A passing score for Subject 1 is 90 out of 100. The test consists of 100 questions, including single-choice and true/false questions, each worth 1 point. If a candidate answers 11 questions incorrectly, the system will automatically submit the test and end the session. Subject 1 test content includes: driving license and motor vehicle management regulations; road traffic conditions and rules; traffic safety violations and penalties; traffic accident handling regulations; basic motor vehicle knowledge; local statutes; 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 exam precautions: Candidates must dress appropriately—no slippers allowed. Electronic devices and bags are prohibited in the examination room. Bring your ID card and queue to enter the waiting hall. Observe the instructions and procedures on the large screen, and store personal belongings in lockers before entering the examination room. Upon entry, verify your identity at the assigned station and begin the test. Ensure the camera is aligned with you and adhere to exam discipline. If you fail the first attempt, a same-day retake is available. Failing the retake requires payment to reschedule. After completion, queue to collect and sign your score report—unsigned reports are invalid. There is no limit to the number of times Subject 1 can be scheduled. Each subject allows one retake if the initial attempt fails. If the retake is not taken or is unsuccessful, the test session ends, and the candidate must reschedule. In contrast, Subjects 2 and 3 allow only five attempts each, with rescheduling permitted after ten days. Failing the Subject 3 safety and civilized driving knowledge test does not invalidate the passed road driving skills test. The driving test comprises three subjects: Subject 1, Subject 2, and Subject 3. Subject 1 tests knowledge of traffic safety laws, regulations, and related topics. Subject 2 evaluates field driving skills, while Subject 3 includes both road driving skills and safety and civilized driving knowledge. The latter is often referred to as Subject 4, though this term is unofficial and not mentioned in the official regulations (Ministry of Public Security Order No. 123).

When I first started learning to drive, I was super nervous about the theory test (Subject 1). After failing the first time, the driving school told me retakes were unlimited—just review the question bank more. Typically, there’s a 7 to 10-day gap between attempts, and you can schedule anytime. Each retake costs around 50 to 100 RMB, varying slightly by region. My advice: don’t just memorize questions; understand the practical meaning of traffic rules, like how traffic lights protect pedestrians. This not only helps pass but also boosts safety awareness. Download a driving test app, do daily mock tests, and focus on weak areas to cut retakes—saving money and hassle. Solid theory is key to acing Subjects 2 and 3 later.

I remember failing my first driving theory test due to insufficient preparation and feeling quite discouraged. Later, I learned that retakes are basically unlimited—you can keep trying until you pass. Typically, you need to wait at least a week to reschedule, and while the fees aren’t high, they add up and become annoying. After learning my lesson, I went all out practicing with online question banks, paying special attention to traffic rule details like the priority of left and right turns. After a few more days of practice, I passed. This process taught me to be patient and rational when learning, avoiding a fluke mentality since safe driving relies on solid fundamentals. Getting the theory done early makes the subsequent driving lessons much easier.

In the driving test system, if you fail the subject one test, the number of retakes is unlimited, with a specific interval of 7 to 15 days depending on the region. When reviewing, I focus on repeatedly practicing the official question bank and understanding each wrong answer, such as the speeding fine standards, to improve the pass rate. The retake fee is within a reasonable range. It is recommended to prioritize using mobile phone mock test software to familiarize yourself with the question types and pace, and avoid last-minute cramming. Doing well in the theory test lays the foundation for driving on the road, and spending more time is worth it.


