How Many Times Can You Retake the Theory Test (Subject 1)?

[MaryLynn]

The "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses" clearly stipulate that on the day of the Subject 1 retest, candidates can take the test twice. If the first attempt is unsuccessful, the second retest is free of charge. If the second attempt is also unsuccessful, the Subject 1 test is terminated, and the candidate can only schedule another test after ten days. Subject 1, also known as the theoretical driving test or driver theory test, is part of the motor vehicle driving 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 driving test, a score of 90 out of 100 is required. The test consists of 100 questions, divided into single-choice and true/false questions, with each question worth 1 point. If a candidate answers 11 questions incorrectly during the test, the system will automatically submit the test and end the session. Subject 1 test content includes: driving 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, and electronic devices and bags are prohibited in the examination hall. 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 examination hall. Upon entering, verify your identity at the assigned seat and begin the test. Ensure the camera is aligned with you and follow exam discipline. If you fail the first attempt, you can retake the test on the same day. If you fail again, you must pay to reschedule. After completion, 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 initial attempt is unsuccessful. If you do not take the retake or fail the retake, the test is terminated, and the applicant must reschedule. For Subject 2 and Subject 3, there are only five test attempts, and rescheduling must be done after ten days. If the Subject 3 safe driving knowledge test is unsuccessful, the 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 test; Subject 2 refers to the field driving skills test; Subject 3 is divided into two parts: road driving skills and safe driving knowledge test. 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 the term "Subject 4."

[EmmanuelLee]

I failed the first driving theory test three times before passing, which made me quite anxious. However, my instructor said there's no limit on attempts for the theory test—you can schedule a retake anytime after failing. Each retake costs around 100 yuan, and you have to wait for the system to assign an exam slot, so it's best to prepare thoroughly before going. I know an aunt who took it eight times—as long as you keep practicing with the driving test question bank, you’ll pass eventually. The exam center computers are often fully booked, sometimes requiring a week’s wait for the next attempt, but at least it’s a safety net. I recommend taking a few mock tests first and only scheduling the real exam once your scores are stable, to avoid wasted trips and time.

[MacLeah]

I work as a receptionist at a driving school, handling student requests for retake appointments every day. For the Theory Test (Subject 1), there's indeed no limit on the number of retakes—you can retake it as many times as needed after failing. However, note that each retake requires a new payment, with fees ranging between 80-120 yuan depending on local standards. Additionally, there's typically a 7-day interval between tests, as the system doesn't allow taking two tests on consecutive days. Many students repeatedly fail because they lack patience when practicing questions on their phones, giving up after just a few questions. To pass smoothly, you really need to go through all 1,000+ questions three times and review the wrong answers repeatedly. There was an elderly gentleman who persisted through ten attempts and eventually got his license.

[LePaislee]

During my theory test (Subject 1), I was so nervous that I got three basic questions wrong in a row and thought I had failed. The examiner told me not to worry, as Subject 1 allows unlimited retakes—you just need to pay and reschedule. After failing that time, I waited five days for a retake and passed. My advice is not to rush into scheduling the next test immediately after failing; take a few days to understand your weak areas. The retake fee is just over 100 yuan, which is nothing compared to the hassle of failing. The accident-handling questions in the test bank are the hardest, but practicing them a few times helps. In some places, you might have to queue for a test slot, so don’t stress if you fail. In short, as long as you persist, you’ll eventually pass Subject 1.