How Many Times Can You Retake the Theory Test (Subject 1)?
4 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, you can take the test twice. If you fail the first attempt, you can retake it for free the second time. If you still fail the second attempt, the Subject 1 test for that day will be terminated, and you can only schedule another test after ten days. There is no limit to the number of times you can take the Subject 1 test. Subject 1, also known as the theory 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 other related knowledge. The test is conducted on a computer, with a time limit of 45 minutes. To pass the Subject 1 test, you need a score of 90 or above. The test consists of 100 questions, including single-choice questions and true/false questions, with each question worth 1 point, totaling 100 points. If you answer 11 questions 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: During the test, candidates should pay attention to their attire—no sandals are allowed. Electronic devices and bags are not permitted in the test 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 a locker before entering the test room. Upon entering, verify your identity at the assigned seat and begin the test. Ensure the camera is aligned with you and follow test discipline. If you fail the first attempt, you can retake it the same day. If you fail again, you will need to 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. For each test, if you fail, you can retake it once. If you do not take the retest or fail the retest, the test session will be terminated, and you must reschedule. In contrast, Subject 2 and Subject 3 only allow five attempts each. Subject 2 and Subject 3 tests must be scheduled ten days later. If you fail the Subject 3 safe driving knowledge test, the previously 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 safe driving knowledge. The safe driving knowledge test is conducted after Subject 3, so it is commonly referred to as Subject 4. However, in official terms (i.e., the Ministry of Public Security's Order No. 123), there is no such thing as Subject 4.
Last year when I was getting my driver's license, I failed the first theory test with only 82 points, which was quite frustrating. I had to retake it twice before passing. According to regulations, there's no limit to the number of retakes—you can register for the test indefinitely. However, you need to schedule each attempt again, either at the driving test center or online, and pay an additional 100-200 yuan exam fee each time. The key is to spend more time practicing and not be lazy. I used a mobile app to practice questions daily, and once I memorized the question bank thoroughly, passing became much easier. Keep a calm mindset and don't stress too much. Remember to leave at least a day or two between tests. The accumulated fees could buy you a driving test book, but mastering safety knowledge is definitely worth it. Passing on the first try is ideal, but if not, keep working hard. Don't be afraid of multiple retakes—as long as you don't give up, you'll succeed.
I think there's no strict limit on the number of retakes for the driving theory test (Subject 1). You can retake it indefinitely, but the main hassle is the process. Each time you fail, you have to schedule a new appointment, and the system will allow you to register again, costing you some money and effort. I've seen friends fail three or four times, but with patience—reviewing the question bank, taking mock exams, and adjusting their mindset—they eventually passed. A tip: don’t rush to retake too frequently; leaving a few days in between to review mistakes is more effective. Don’t underestimate the costs either. While each registration fee is small, they add up over time. When I help others prepare, I always advise using an app to score above 90 in mock tests before attempting the real thing. A solid driving foundation is crucial. Retakes may be easy, but the goal is to pass on the first try.
An acquaintance of mine failed the driving test's theory exam (Subject 1) twice and was quite distressed. However, there's actually no limit on retakes. She passed on her third attempt. The process was quite tedious—each rescheduling took several days and cost over 100 yuan, but there's no restriction on the number of retakes. My advice is to practice with question banks early and not let it get to you mentally. Every penny saved on fees counts.
