
The "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses" clearly stipulates that the Subject 1 test can be taken twice on the same day. If the first attempt is unsuccessful, a free retake is allowed for the second attempt. If the second attempt also fails, the Subject 1 test for this session is terminated, and the applicant can only schedule another test after ten days. Subject 1, also known as the theoretical test or driver's theory test, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment. The test content includes driving theory basics, road safety laws and regulations, local regulations, and related knowledge. The test is conducted on a computer with a time limit of 45 minutes. To pass the Subject 1 test, a score of 90 out of 100 is required. The test consists of 100 questions, including single-choice and true/false questions, with each question worth 1 point. If 11 questions are answered incorrectly during the test, the system will automatically submit the test and end the session. Subject 1 test 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 test precautions: Candidates should dress appropriately for the test; no slippers are allowed. Electronic devices and bags are prohibited in the examination hall. Bring your ID card and queue to enter the waiting area. Observe the precautions and procedures on the large screen, and store personal belongings in a locker before entering the examination hall. Upon entering, the identity verification station will assign a seat. Once seated, begin the test. Ensure the camera is aligned correctly and adhere to test discipline. If you fail the first attempt, a retake is allowed on the same day. If you fail again, you must pay to reschedule. After the test, queue to collect your score report and sign it. Failure to sign will render the test invalid. There is no limit to the number of times you can schedule the Subject 1 test. Each subject test allows one retake if the first attempt fails. If you do not take the retake or fail the retake, the test session is terminated, and the applicant must reschedule. In contrast, Subject 2 and Subject 3 tests allow only five attempts. Subject 2 and Subject 3 tests can be rescheduled after ten days. If the Subject 3 safety and civilized driving knowledge test is failed, the passed road driving skills test results remain valid. The driver's license 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 test. Subject 2 refers to the field driving skills test. Subject 3 is divided into two parts: road driving skills and safety and civilized driving knowledge tests. The safety 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."

When it comes to the number of retakes for the subject one exam, as far as I know, there is no official upper limit. You can sign up for a retake at any time, as long as you complete all subjects within the one-year validity period of the driver's license test. There is a waiting period between each retake, such as about a week, and you have to pay a retake fee of several dozen yuan. I think this design is quite reasonable, aiming to ensure that candidates have mastered traffic rules and safety knowledge. After all, if the foundation of subject one is not solid, there will be significant risks in actual driving later. It is recommended to use driving test apps for practice questions during review, focusing on understanding rather than rote memorization. In short, there are plenty of opportunities, so don’t give up after one failure, but efficient learning can save time and money.

When I took my driver's license test, I had to retake the theory test (Subject 1) once. I failed the first time due to nervousness, but passed easily when I went back the next day. Among my friends, some took several attempts without issue—basically, you can retake it as many times as you sign up for. Each retake costs a small fee, around 50 yuan, which isn’t expensive. The key is that the test covers only safety regulations, so practicing more on apps or studying the material helps. I think this setup is quite good—it gives everyone a chance, but don’t rely too much on retakes. Preparing well early and getting your license sooner makes driving more enjoyable. A higher pass rate also keeps things smoother.

From a learning perspective, there are ample opportunities for retaking the Subject 1 test, with unlimited attempts allowed. I recommend not just thinking about retaking multiple times, but focusing on efficient learning. Use official question banks or online resources for repeated practice, emphasizing key areas like sign recognition and rule application. As the pass rate improves, fewer retakes will be needed. Reflecting on mistakes after each failure leads to faster improvement. The test is just the starting point; a solid foundation is more crucial for subsequent driving. With thorough preparation, passing in one or two attempts saves time and ensures peace of mind.


