How Many Times Can You Take the Subject 1 Exam?
2 Answers
There is no limit to the number of times you can take the Subject 1 exam. According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses," you can take the Subject 1 exam 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 exam for that day will be terminated, and you can only schedule another exam 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 exam covers fundamental driving theory, 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 exam, you need a score of 90 out of 100. The test consists of 100 questions, including single-choice and true/false questions, with each question worth 1 point. If you answer 11 questions incorrectly during the exam, the system will automatically submit the test and end the session. Subject 1 exam content includes: driving 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: Candidates should dress appropriately (no slippers), avoid bringing electronic devices or bags into the exam hall, carry their ID cards, and line up to enter the waiting area. Observe the instructions and procedures displayed on the screen, and store personal belongings in lockers before entering the exam hall. Upon entering, verify your identity at the assigned 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 the same day. If you fail again, you must pay to reschedule. After the exam, line up to collect and sign the score report—unsigned reports are invalid. There is no limit to the number of times you can schedule the Subject 1 exam. Each subject allows one exam attempt, with one retake if you fail. If you skip the retake or fail it, the exam session ends, and you must reschedule. In contrast, Subject 2 and Subject 3 allow only five exam attempts, and rescheduling must occur after ten days. If you fail the Subject 3 safety and civilized driving knowledge test, your previously passed road driving skills 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 knowledge exam; Subject 2 refers to the field driving skills test; Subject 3 includes two components: road driving skills and safety and civilized driving knowledge. The safety and civilized driving knowledge test is conducted after Subject 3, so it is commonly referred to as Subject 4, though this term is not officially recognized (e.g., in the Ministry of Public Security's Order No. 123).
As someone who just got my driver's license, I was particularly nervous about the subject one test. My driving school instructor told me that the subject one test can be scheduled unlimited times—as long as you don't pass, you can repeatedly book the test through the Traffic Management 12123 app. Each test gives you two attempts; for example, if you fail the first time, you can immediately retake it a second time. I remember when I took the test, the girl in front of me took four tries before passing, eventually practicing over 3,000 questions to succeed. The key is to assess your preparation—if your mock tests consistently score above 95, go ahead and sign up, and don't worry too much about the small retake fee. On the test day, stay relaxed, bring your ID card, and arrive at the test center half an hour early.
