How Many Times Can You Take the Driving License Test Subject 1?
3 Answers
There is no limit to the number of test attempts. According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses," you can take the Subject 1 test twice on the same day. If you fail the first attempt, you can retake it for free. If you fail the second attempt, the Subject 1 test is terminated, and you can only schedule another test after ten days. Subject 1, also known as the theoretical driving test or driver's 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 related knowledge. The test is computer-based and has a time limit of 45 minutes. To pass the Subject 1 driving license test, you need a score of 90. 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, the system will automatically submit the test and end the session. Subject 1 test content: 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 must dress appropriately (no slippers), and electronic devices and bags are not allowed 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 lockers 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 must pay to reschedule. After the test, queue to collect your score report and sign it—unsigned reports are invalid. There is no limit to the number of Subject 1 test appointments. Each subject can be taken once, with one retake if you fail. If you skip the retake or fail it, the test is terminated, and you must reschedule. For Subject 2 and Subject 3, there are only five test attempts. Subject 2 and Subject 3 tests can be rescheduled after ten days. If you fail the Subject 3 safe driving knowledge test, the previously passed road driving skills test results remain valid. The driving test consists of three subjects: Subject 1, Subject 2, and Subject 3. Subject 1 covers road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge. Subject 2 is the field driving skills test. Subject 3 includes 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, though this term is not officially recognized in regulations (i.e., the Ministry of Public Security Order No. 123).
As a new driver who just got my license, I understand everyone's concerns about the number of attempts for the Theory Test (Subject One). In fact, according to the policy, there is no limit to the number of attempts—you can retake it unlimited times until you pass. After each failure, there's usually a 7-10 day cooling-off period before you can schedule the next test, with fees ranging around 100-200 RMB. I think the key lies in mindset: don’t stress too much on your first try; many people pass on their second attempt after a mistake. During preparation, make good use of driving test question bank apps to practice daily. Personally, I spent two weeks intensively reviewing before passing. If you fail multiple times in a row, talk to your instructor about your weak areas instead of just relying on retakes to save time.
From the perspective of a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I recall that the theoretical test (Subject 1) allows unlimited attempts—you can keep trying as long as you're willing to pay the exam fee. The most frustrating part is the time spent waiting and the money spent after each failure. My advice is to prepare seriously from the start: download a driving test app, take a few mock exams, and ensure your knowledge is up to par. Don’t procrastinate like I did in my younger days—it took me three tries to pass. Learning early saves energy. Also, while the exam rules permit unlimited retakes, local driving schools might have coaching requirements, so ask in advance to avoid misunderstandings.
