How Many Times Can You Take the Subject 1 Test?
3 Answers
There is no limit to the number of times you can take the Subject 1 test for a driver's license. According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's 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 the second time. If you fail the second attempt, the Subject 1 test for that day will be terminated, and you can only schedule another test after ten days. Subject 1, also known as the theoretical test or driver's theory test, is part of the assessment for a motor vehicle driver's license. 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 test, you need a score of 90 or above. The test consists of 100 questions, including single-choice and true/false questions, with each question worth 1 point (total score: 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 includes: driver's 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 cargo vehicles; specialized knowledge for wheeled self-propelled machinery, trams, and trolleybuses. Notes for the Subject 1 test: Candidates should dress appropriately (no slippers allowed) and are prohibited from bringing electronic devices or bags into the test center. Bring your ID card and queue to enter the waiting hall. Observe the instructions and procedures displayed on the screen, and store personal belongings in lockers before entering the test room. Upon entering, verify your identity at the designated counter to receive your seat assignment. Once seated, begin the test, ensuring the camera is aligned with you and following test 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 the test, queue to collect your score report and sign it; unsigned reports are considered invalid. There is no limit to the number of times you can schedule the Subject 1 test. Each subject can be taken once, with one retake allowed if you fail. If you do not take the retake or fail the retake, the test session ends, and you must reschedule. In contrast, Subject 2 and Subject 3 allow only five test attempts, with rescheduling permitted after ten days. If you fail the Subject 3 safe driving knowledge test, your previously passed road driving skills test results remain valid. The driver's license test consists of three subjects: Subject 1, Subject 2, and Subject 3. Subject 1 refers to the test on road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge. 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 terminology (as per the Ministry of Public Security's Order No. 123) does not include the term "Subject 4."
I've taken the written driving test several times and know there's no limit to the number of attempts—you can take it as many times as you want. However, you need to rebook and pay the registration fee each time before the exam, then wait for scheduling. I recommend using the 'Driving Test Prep' app to practice questions frequently, thoroughly understanding traffic rules and signs to pass in one go—it's the most efficient way. If you fail, don't get discouraged. Go home, review for a week or two, and focus on memorizing the questions you often get wrong. Remember, passing the theory test is the foundation of driving and directly relates to safe driving—never treat it carelessly.
I found that the subject one test allows unlimited retakes, which is a great design as it gives learners ample opportunities to master the knowledge. From my experience, the key to success lies in the volume of practice questions and the depth of understanding. Driving instructors often say that summarizing the mistakes in a notebook after taking the test once will help you pass next time. Safe driving is not about luck; you must truly understand the rules to avoid mistakes on the road. That said, the cost of exam fees and time will increase with multiple attempts, so focused preparation is crucial.
