How Many Subjects Are There in the Shanghai Driver's License Test?

[DiGrant]

The content and passing standards of the driver's license test subjects are uniformly regulated nationwide. The test sequence follows Subject 1, Subject 2, Subject 3, and Subject 4 in order. Only after passing the previous subject can one proceed to the next. The test subjects are divided as follows: 1. Subject 1: Road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge test. The structure of the test question bank and basic question types are formulated by the Ministry of Public Security, while provincial-level traffic management departments of public security organs establish the test question bank for their respective provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities) based on local conditions. 2. Subject 2: Field driving skills test. The test items include reversing into a garage, stopping and starting on a slope, turning at a right angle, driving along a curve, and parallel parking. In cities like Shanghai, Subject 2 consists of nine mandatory items: reversing into a garage, turning at a right angle, parallel parking, driving through a tunnel, stopping to take a card, driving along a curve, making a U-turn on a narrow road, emergency stopping, and stopping and starting on a slope. 3. Subject 3: Road driving skills test. The basic test items include preparation before driving (walking around the vehicle counterclockwise, fastening the seat belt, turning on the left turn signal, shifting gears, releasing the handbrake, and honking the horn), starting, driving straight, changing lanes, passing through intersections, pulling over, crossing pedestrian crossings, passing through school zones, passing through bus stops, meeting oncoming vehicles, overtaking, making a U-turn, and driving at night. 4. Subject 4: Safe and civilized driving knowledge test. The test items cover related knowledge of safe and civilized driving.

[Guzman]

Recently accompanied my son to get a driver's license in Shanghai, going through the complete four-subject examination process. Subject 1 was the theoretical written test, requiring us to study traffic regulations on the computer - you need 90 out of 100 questions correct to pass. Then came practicing Subject 2's closed-course driving skills like reverse parking and parallel parking, where my hands ached from all the steering. Subject 3's actual road test was the hardest, with the examiner sitting beside me as I had to change lanes and turn in real traffic - my palms were sweating from nervousness. Finally, there was Subject 4's safety knowledge written test with 50 questions (90% needed to pass). The entire process from registration to license took three months. Each step requires serious preparation, especially practicing extensively at the training ground before the practical tests to get familiar with the exam vehicle and avoid panicking during the actual test.

[OJoy]

With 15 years of experience in the driver training industry, the standard process for obtaining a driver's license in Shanghai consists of four mandatory test subjects. Students must first pass the Subject 1 written test, for which we recommend using the 'Driving Test Guide' app for practice. The Subject 2 field test now has five fixed items: reverse parking, parallel parking, slope start, right-angle turn, and S-curve – all requiring mastery of vehicle control. For Subject 3 road test, examinees will be assigned random routes to demonstrate gear shifting and lane changing skills, where most failures occur due to minor mistakes. Subject 4 is a safety theory written test with regularly updated question banks. Each test allows two attempts, with retakes requiring a 10-day waiting period. My students spend 80% of their training time on Subjects 2 and 3. I advise simulating test conditions during practice, making basic actions like seatbelt fastening and mirror adjustment habitual.

[PaisleyFitz]

In the 1980s, the driving test only consisted of theory and practical sections, but now in Shanghai, there are four modules to pass. Subject 1 is a written test on traffic signs and regulations, with a question bank of over a thousand questions that requires repeated practice. Subject 2 is the most time-consuming, involving practicing parking and moving in the training field, and memorizing every marker point and steering timing taught by the instructor. Subject 3, the actual road operation, has become stricter in recent years. The test routes are specifically chosen to include bus stops and school zones, and failing to check the rearview mirror during the test results in immediate disqualification. Finally, there's Subject 4 theory, which now includes knowledge on driving in adverse weather conditions. Completing the entire process in two months is considered fast, and it's best to avoid the peak periods of winter and summer vacations when enrolling, as driving schools are particularly crowded then.

[VanLeah]

I got my driver's license in Shanghai last year, and the memories of the four exam subjects are still fresh. Subject 1 was a computer-based test at the DMV, all about traffic rules. I crammed the app's question bank for three days and barely passed. For Subject 2, I took ten practice sessions where every reference point had to be precise—even being half a finger's width off in the rearview mirror during reversing would cost points. During the Subject 3 road test, I was assigned an exam route on the outer ring road, where I had to focus on using turn signals and observing road conditions the entire time. I nearly crossed the line during the final parallel parking. I received my license on the same day I passed the Subject 4 written test. My advice: wear thin-soled shoes for Subject 2 to better feel the clutch, and familiarize yourself with the test route beforehand for the road exam—some turns are particularly sharp.

[KylieLee]

As someone who has personally experienced the new driving test regulations, the Shanghai driver's license exam clearly requires passing four sections. First is the theoretical computer-based test for Subject 1, mainly assessing traffic rule recognition and legal liability determination. Next is Subject 2 in a closed course, consisting of five prescribed items, such as reversing into a parking space which must be completed within 3 minutes. The most critical is Subject 3 road test, requiring completion of 16 operations like starting and lane changing on actual roads - I almost failed during my U-turn at Changning test site. Finally, Subject 4 is a computer-based safety knowledge test, and you can receive your license on-site after signing upon completion. My advice: focus on reviewing wrong answers from theoretical subjects, and pay extra attention to reference point positions taught by instructors for practical subjects. Remember to bring your ID card and appointment voucher during exams. After passing Subject 3, you can take Subject 4 immediately without reapplying.