How Many Times Can You Take the Driver's License Subject 1 Exam?

[SadieLynn]

According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses," the Subject 1 exam can be taken 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 exam is terminated, and you can only schedule another exam after ten days. There is no limit to the number of retakes. In principle, as long as the driver's test registration is valid (3 years), there is no restriction on the number of retakes. Subject 1, also known as the Subject 1 theory test or driver's theory test, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment. The exam content includes driving theory basics, road safety laws and regulations, local regulations, and related knowledge. The exam content includes driving theory basics, road safety laws and regulations, local regulations, and related knowledge. The exam is computer-based and has a time limit of 45 minutes. A passing score for Subject 1 is 90 points. The test consists of 100 questions, divided into single-choice and true/false questions, with each question worth 1 point (total score: 100). If you answer 11 questions incorrectly during the exam, the system will automatically submit the test and end the session. Subject 1 exam topics include: driver's license and motor vehicle management regulations; road traffic conditions and rules; 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 must dress appropriately (no slippers), and electronic devices and bags are not allowed in the exam room. Bring your ID card and queue to enter the waiting hall. Observe the instructions and procedures on the large screen, and store personal belongings in lockers before entering the exam room. Inside, verify your identity at the assigned station, locate your seat, and begin the exam. Ensure the camera is aligned with you and follow exam discipline. If you fail the first attempt, a retake is available on the same day. If you fail again, you must pay to reschedule. After completion, queue to collect your score report and sign it—unsigned reports are invalid. There is no limit to the number of times you can schedule the Subject 1 exam. Each subject exam can be taken once, with one retake if you fail. If you do not take the retake or fail it, the exam is terminated, and the applicant must reschedule. For Subject 2 and Subject 3, there are only five exam attempts. Subject 2 and Subject 3 exams 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 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 exam; 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, the official term (under the Ministry of Public Security’s Order No. 123) does not include "Subject 4."

[StRyan]

I remember when I was learning to drive last year, the instructor said there's no limit to the number of attempts for the Subject 1 test—you can keep taking it until you pass, but you have to wait about ten days after each test to register for the next one. I was too nervous the first time and failed, but passed on the second try. The key is to study the question bank in advance—do the mock tests on the Driving Test Treasure app several times to get familiar with the question types. As for costs, each registration costs a few dozen yuan. While it's not expensive, taking the test too many times wastes both money and time. That's why my friend recommended a last-minute cramming strategy, like writing down the hard-to-remember traffic rules and reciting them repeatedly to avoid making multiple trips to the test center. In short, don’t worry about running out of chances if you fail—just stay calm and keep trying.

[DiJoy]

My child has been taking the driving test recently, and it took him four attempts to pass the first subject. I asked the driving school instructor about the regulations on the number of attempts, and he said there are no restrictions on retaking the first subject in China's driving test rules, as long as you are willing to reschedule after an interval of about ten days each time. This setup is quite considerate because people learn at different paces, and failing once doesn't mean the end of the road. The test fee is around 150 yuan each time, plus transportation costs, so it's best to prepare adequately in advance. I recommend watching more online video explanations when preparing for the theoretical test, especially recording yourself reading the traffic signals and rules on your phone and listening back to reinforce memory, which can reduce the chance of retaking. If you don't pass, don't be discouraged—just review and try again.

[Gerald]

When I was taking the driving test, I failed the written exam (Subject 1) on my first attempt, which was really frustrating. Later, I learned that you can retake it unlimited times as long as you wait between attempts. Looking back now, it's quite amusing—I was too busy to study properly back then, leading to last-minute cramming that didn't work. There's no limit on the number of attempts, but you have to wait about ten days after each test before applying for the next one. The key is not to feel embarrassed; many people pass only after two or three tries. For studying, I recommend using the daily check-in feature on apps to do several sets of questions, especially the traffic accident handling section, which can be confusing—highlight it with colored markers and review it repeatedly. Retaking isn't expensive either, with each registration costing around 100 yuan.

[DelaneyLee]

As someone who has long been involved with driving schools, I know there is no limit to the number of attempts for the Subject 1 exam. After each test, you need to wait about 10 days before reapplying, which gives people time to review and adjust. I've seen some students retake the exam in a hurry without proper preparation, only to fail again, wasting resources. It's recommended that beginners use mobile or computer-based mock exam platforms to practice until they consistently score above 90 before taking the actual test. The exam fee ranges from 120 to 180 yuan each time, covering registration and venue costs. Don't underestimate this issue—repeated attempts not only consume time but also affect confidence. It's better to plan your study cycle in advance, such as dedicating half a day on weekends to focus on theoretical challenges, aiming to pass on the first try.

[OHayden]

There is no clearly defined limit on the number of attempts for the Subject 1 exam. According to current driving test policies, candidates can retake the exam indefinitely, but must adhere to a 10-day waiting period between each attempt. This arrangement ensures adequate preparation time for examinees. I've observed that the rules haven't changed significantly in recent years, though some regions have simplified the booking process. The exam fee averages 150 RMB per attempt, which can be a financial burden for budget-conscious individuals taking multiple tests. For effective preparation, practical approaches are recommended: such as one-on-one coaching with driving instructors to address common mistakes or joining WeChat study groups for experience sharing. Remember, don't rely solely on memorizing questions - understanding the underlying principles is more important. This approach can reduce retake frequency and avoid unnecessary complications.