How Many Times Can You Retake the Subject 1 Exam If You Fail?
4 Answers
There is no limit to the number of times you can take the Subject 1 exam. Each attempt provides two opportunities to pass. If you fail both times, you will need to reschedule the exam. Subject 1 Exam Content: Basic knowledge of motor vehicles; laws, regulations, and road traffic signals; fundamentals of safe and civilized driving; basic knowledge related to motor vehicle driving operations. Subject 1 Exam Process: Follow the instructions of the staff and collect your driving school file in order at the waiting area; Carry and present your ID card for inspection by the supervising officer; Mobile phones must be turned off upon entering the exam area; No loud talking is allowed in the exam area; Regulation textbooks are not permitted in the exam area (or must be placed in your bag); After the exam, keep your ID card safe and submit your file to the "Submission Window" at the front of the exam area; Candidates who pass the exam will sign under the guidance of the staff at the exit before leaving; Candidates who fail the exam can leave immediately and await notification from their driving school regarding the retake schedule.
When I took the theoretical driving test (Subject 1), I also failed twice, which was a bit frustrating. But I found out you can actually retake it unlimited times—there's no restriction on the number of attempts. You just need to wait about 7 days after each failure before signing up again. Reflecting on my experience, the reason for failing might have been not being familiar enough with traffic sign questions. So before my third attempt, I focused intensely on practicing with mock test apps and finally passed. Remember, don’t get discouraged—many people need two or three tries to succeed. This process helps build patience, and the key is to adjust your mindset and stay calm, reviewing your mistakes thoroughly each time. There’s plenty of time, so take it slow—you’ll get there eventually without putting too much pressure on yourself. As for costs, retaking just requires a small fee (usually a few dozen RMB), though rules vary slightly by location.
From the perspective of the exam process, there's no need to worry at all if you fail the Subject 1 test, as the number of retakes is unlimited. However, there's a mandatory 7-working-day waiting period between each attempt, so you can't retake it too frequently. My advice is not to panic after failing; instead, analyze the question types to identify whether you struggled more with regulation questions or practical operation questions. Download more practice exercises to sharpen your skills and memorize the common pitfalls. In terms of cost, a retake typically costs between 50 to 80 yuan, but you should confirm the exact fee with your local driving school. Another tip: avoid staying up late before the exam to keep a clear mind, as the questions can vary greatly—staying calm increases your chances of passing. Overall, the rules are lenient, so don't let one failure discourage you.
My daughter failed her driving theory test, and I told her it's no big deal, she can retake it many times. She can retake the test a few days after each failure, and the fee is not expensive. I reminded her to spend more time reviewing the APP question bank, strengthen her weak areas, and not rush to retake the test. As parents, we know it's hard for our children, and the test is just part of the learning process. Treat failures as training opportunities. As long as she keeps working hard, she will eventually pass. Don't let it dampen her enthusiasm—the theory test isn't something you can ace overnight. Proper preparation is the most important thing.
