How Many Times Can You Take the Subject 1 Driving Test?
4 Answers
In principle, as long as the driving test registration is valid (3 years), there is no limit to the number of retakes. According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses," the Subject 1 test can be taken twice. If the first attempt is unsuccessful, the second retake is free. If the second attempt is still unsuccessful, the Subject 1 test is terminated, and you can only reschedule the test after ten days. Subject 1, also known as the Subject 1 theory 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 related knowledge. The test is computer-based and has a time limit of 45 minutes. To pass the Subject 1 driving test, a score of 90 is required. The test consists of 100 questions, divided into single-choice and true/false questions, with each question worth 1 point and a total score of 100. If you answer 11 questions incorrectly during the test, 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: During the test, students should pay attention to their attire—no sandals are allowed. Electronic devices and bags are not permitted in the examination 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 examination room. Inside, verify your identity at the designated area to be assigned a seat. Once seated, begin the test. Ensure the camera is aimed at you and follow test discipline. If you fail the first attempt, a same-day retake is allowed. If you fail again, you must pay to reschedule. After the test, queue to collect your score report and sign it. Failure to sign renders the result invalid. There is no limit to the number of times you can reschedule the Subject 1 test. Each subject test allows one retake if the first attempt is unsuccessful. If you do not attend the retake or fail it, the test is terminated, and the applicant must reschedule. For Subject 2 and Subject 3, only five test attempts are allowed, and rescheduling must be done ten days later. If the Subject 3 safe and civilized driving knowledge test is failed, the passed road driving skills test scores 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; and Subject 3 is divided into two parts: road driving skills and safe and civilized driving knowledge test. The safe 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 I first started learning to drive, it took me three attempts to pass the theory test (Subject 1). Honestly, there's no limit on the number of retakes—you can keep retaking until you pass. After each failure, you have to wait about 10 days to re-register and pay a retake fee, which varies by region (typically 50-100 RMB). I was quite anxious back then, but later I used the 'Driving Test Prep' app to practice daily, mastering all 1000+ questions in the database, and passed with full marks on my third try. The key is to take more mock tests, memorize traffic signs and regulation details thoroughly—don’t slack off just because retakes are unlimited. Passing early saves both time and money. Bring your ID card on exam day, stay calm, and don’t give up after one failure—everyone can pass eventually.
From a legal perspective, there is no limit to the number of attempts for the Subject 1 exam. The Road Traffic Safety Law allows candidates to retake the test multiple times. There is typically a 10-day interval between each exam, with retake fees ranging from 50 to 100 yuan depending on local policies. It is advisable to systematically study the materials in advance and download an official driving test app to practice with mock questions. Familiarizing yourself with the questions and passing on the first attempt is the best strategy. Repeated retakes not only waste money and time but may also delay your driving lessons. Don’t rush into the exam—first master basic traffic rules such as speed limits and traffic signal meanings, which will not only help you pass the test but also ensure safer driving in the future. Being well-prepared and passing in one go is the most reliable approach.
I passed the written driving test (Subject 1) on my first attempt. There's actually no limit to the number of retakes. The key is to practice the question bank thoroughly and review the driving school handbook multiple times—don't slack off just because retakes are allowed. The exam consists entirely of multiple-choice questions, with a passing score of 90 being quite achievable, but you must have solid knowledge of traffic regulations, as this directly impacts your future driving. If you fail, you can retake after a few days—no need to worry about running out of chances.
