How Many Times Can You Retake the Subject 1 Exam?
2 Answers
The "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses" clearly stipulates that on the day of the Subject 1 retake exam, you can take the test twice. If you fail the first time, you can retake the second time for free. If you still fail the second time, the Subject 1 exam for this session is terminated, and you can only schedule the exam again after ten days. There is no limit to the number of times you can take the Subject 1 exam. Subject 1, also known as the theoretical exam or driver's theory exam, is part of the assessment for obtaining a motor vehicle driver's license. The exam content includes the theoretical basis of driving, road safety laws and regulations, local regulations, and other related knowledge. The exam is computer-based and has a time limit of 45 minutes. To pass the Subject 1 exam, you need a score of 90 or above. The exam consists of 100 questions, divided into 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 includes: driver's 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 pay attention to their attire—no slippers are allowed. 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 belongings in lockers before entering the exam room. In the exam room, the identity verification desk 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 time, 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 result invalid. There is no limit to the number of times you can schedule the Subject 1 exam. Each subject exam allows one retake if you fail. If you do not take the retake or fail the retake, the exam for this session is terminated, and the applicant must reschedule. In contrast, Subject 2 and Subject 3 exams only allow five attempts. Subject 2 and Subject 3 exams can be rescheduled after ten days. If you fail the Subject 3 safe driving knowledge test, the previously passed road driving skills test results remain valid. There are three subjects in the driver's license exam: 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 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."
I was so nervous during my first attempt at the written driving test (Subject 1) that I failed initially and felt a bit discouraged. However, I learned that there’s basically no limit to the number of retakes—you just need to pay the fee and reschedule. It took me three tries to pass, mainly because the question bank was extensive and I struggled with memorizing traffic regulations. Later, I put in more effort by using mobile apps to practice questions and repeatedly simulated the test, which helped me pass on my fourth attempt. My advice is not to rush—failure is allowed in the exam, but the key is to review mistakes after each attempt, such as memorizing road signs and traffic rules more thoroughly. After all, safety comes first, and mastering the material ensures confidence on the road. I know some people who succeeded only after five or six tries—patience and persistence are crucial.
