How many retake opportunities are there for Subject 1 of the driving test?
4 Answers
The "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses" clearly stipulate that on the day of the Subject 1 exam, candidates can take the test twice. If the first attempt is unsuccessful, they can take a free second retake. If the second attempt is still unsuccessful, the Subject 1 exam for this session is terminated, and the candidate can only schedule another exam after ten days. Subject 1, also known as the theoretical driving test or driver's theory exam, is part of the motor vehicle driving license assessment. The exam content includes driving theory basics, road safety laws and regulations, local regulations, and related knowledge. The exam 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 a candidate answers 11 questions incorrectly during the exam, the system will automatically submit the test and end the exam. Subject 1 exam 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 cargo vehicles; specialized knowledge for wheeled self-propelled machinery, trams, and trolleybuses. Subject 1 exam precautions: Candidates should pay attention to their attire during the exam; no slippers are allowed, and electronic devices and bags are not permitted in the exam room. Bring your ID card and queue to enter the waiting hall. Observe the precautions and procedures on the large screen, and store personal items in a locker before entering the exam room. Upon entering the exam room, the identity verification station will assign a seat. Once seated, begin the exam, ensuring the camera is aligned with you and adhering to exam discipline. If you fail the first attempt, you can retake the exam on the same day. If you fail again, you must pay to reschedule. After the exam, queue to collect your score report and sign it. Failure to sign will render the exam invalid. There is no limit to the number of times you can schedule the Subject 1 exam. Each subject exam allows one retake if the first attempt is unsuccessful. If you do not take the retake or fail the retake, the exam for this session is terminated, and the applicant must reschedule. For Subject 2 and Subject 3, there are only five exam attempts. Subject 2 and Subject 3 exams can be scheduled ten days later. If the Subject 3 safety and civilized driving knowledge test is unsuccessful, 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 road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge exam; Subject 2 refers to the field driving skills exam; Subject 3 is divided into two parts: road driving skills and safety and civilized driving knowledge. 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 a "Subject 4."
Last year when I was taking the driver's license test, I was also quite stressed about retaking the theory exam (Subject 1). I missed passing by just a few points the first time, but my friend comforted me saying, "Don't worry, there are plenty of chances!" The regulations allow unlimited retakes—you just need to pay the registration fee each time, though there's about a ten-day waiting period between attempts. The entire licensing process must be completed within three years from passing Subject 1. From my personal experience, I recommend practicing extensively with mobile apps like "Driving Test Prep"—take multiple mock exams to familiarize yourself with the question patterns, and you'll naturally pass. Never get discouraged by one failure; persistence is key. Remembering the essential safe driving knowledge points will greatly benefit your future driving.
Having mentored students for so many years, it's quite common to fail the first subject (Theory Test). The key is that there are unlimited retake opportunities. After each failed attempt, you can retake it after waiting for ten days, and you can take the test as many times as you want within the three-year validity period. As for the cost, you might need to pay the registration fee again, but compared to other expenses, it's not a big deal. Students often get nervous and don't perform well on their first try, so I usually advise them to focus on reviewing the question bank one or two weeks in advance and take more mock tests. The questions in Subject 1 are all about basic traffic rules—once you master them, it's simple. Don't worry, just go for it. If you fail, adjust your mindset and try again. Safety comes first, after all.
There is no limit to the number of retakes for Subject 1, meaning you can take it an unlimited number of times in theory. However, if you fail the exam, you must wait ten days before registering for the next attempt. The entire examination process is valid for three years from the date of passing Subject 1. You usually need to pay the fee again for each retake, but there are plenty of opportunities. Don't panic if you fail—just focus on reviewing the question bank and mock tests. With enough practice, you're sure to pass.
