How Many Times Can You Retake the Driving Test Theory Exam (Subject 1)?
2 Answers
There is no limit to the number of retakes for Subject 1 of the driving test. According to Article 10 of the 'Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses,' candidates can take the Subject 1 retest twice on the same day. If the first attempt is unsuccessful, the second retest is free. If the second attempt also fails, the Subject 1 exam is terminated for that day, and the candidate must wait ten days before scheduling another exam. Subject 1, also known as the theory test or driver's theory exam, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment. The exam content includes driving theory fundamentals, road safety laws and regulations, local regulations, and related knowledge. The test is computer-based, with a time limit of 45 minutes. To pass Subject 1, a score of 90 or above is required. The exam consists of 100 questions, including single-choice and true/false questions, each worth 1 point, totaling 100 points. If a candidate answers 11 questions incorrectly during the test, the system will automatically submit the exam and end the session. Subject 1 exam topics include: driver's license and motor vehicle management regulations; road traffic conditions and rules; 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. Exam precautions for Subject 1: Candidates must 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 displayed on the screen, and store personal belongings in lockers before entering the exam room. Upon entering the exam room, candidates will be assigned seats at the identity verification station. After finding their seat, they can begin the exam. Ensure the camera is properly aligned and follow exam discipline. If the first attempt is unsuccessful, a same-day retest is allowed. If the retest also fails, the candidate must pay to reschedule. After the exam, queue to collect the score report and sign it—unsigned reports are considered invalid. In contrast, Subject 2 and Subject 3 allow only five exam attempts each. Retests for Subject 2 and Subject 3 must be scheduled ten days later. If the Subject 3 safe and civilized driving knowledge test is failed, the previously passed road driving skills test results 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 test. Subject 3 is divided into two parts: road driving skills and safe and civilized driving knowledge. The safe 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 'Subject 4.'
I was also quite nervous when taking the Subject 1 test and didn't pass the first time, which made me a bit panicked. Later, I learned that there's no limit to the number of retakes—you can keep trying until you pass. After each failed attempt, you usually have to wait about 10 days to schedule the next test, though local regulations might extend this slightly. Each retake requires a fee, typically a few hundred yuan. I recommend spending more time reviewing, like downloading a driving test app to practice more questions and familiarize yourself with the question types in the database—this makes subsequent attempts much easier. Don't put too much pressure on yourself; take it slow. If you don't pass once, just try again—you'll get there eventually. The key is to persist in studying and not give up because of failure. Stay relaxed during the test, read the questions carefully, and the answers will naturally come to you.
