How many times can I retake the Subject 1 exam if I fail?
2 Answers
There is no limit to the number of times you can take the Subject 1 exam. According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses," you can take the Subject 1 exam twice on the same day. If you fail the first attempt, you can retake it for free a second time. If you fail the second attempt as well, the Subject 1 exam for that day will be terminated, and you 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 and has a time limit of 45 minutes. To pass the Subject 1 driving test, you need a score of 90 or above. The test consists of 100 questions, including single-choice and true/false questions, with each question worth 1 point, totaling 100 points. If you answer 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 freight vehicles; specialized knowledge for wheeled self-propelled machinery, trams, and trolleybuses. Subject 1 exam precautions: During the exam, candidates should dress appropriately—no slippers are allowed. Electronic devices and bags are prohibited in the exam 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 exam room. Upon entering the exam room, you will be assigned a seat at the identity verification counter. Once seated, begin the exam. Ensure the camera is aligned with you and follow exam discipline. If you fail the first attempt, you can retake it 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. An unsigned score report is considered invalid. There is no limit to the number of times you can schedule the Subject 1 exam. Each subject can be taken once, with one retake allowed if you fail. If you do not attend the retake or fail it again, the exam for that subject will be terminated, and you must reschedule. In contrast, Subject 2 and Subject 3 only allow five exam attempts. Subject 2 and Subject 3 exams can be rescheduled after ten days. If you fail the Subject 3 safe driving knowledge test, your previously passed road driving skills test results remain valid. There are three subjects in the driving test: 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 consists of two parts: road driving skills and safe driving knowledge. The safe 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 "Subject 4."
When I failed the driving test theory exam (Subject 1) last time, I asked my instructor if I could retake it multiple times. He said there's no national limit on retakes—you can keep retesting until you pass, but after each failure, you must wait 7 days to reschedule and repay the fee (I remember it was over 100 RMB each time). I also checked online data and found that the 2023 updated rules are more flexible—some regions now offer online mock question banks, so practicing more on the app can help you pass. Don’t stress too much; the exam mainly covers traffic signs and safety basics, though the content keeps evolving. I recommend watching real intersection videos before the test—it’s easier to memorize rules that way. If you fail the first time, treat it as practice, stay calm, and prioritize safety above all.