How Many Times Can You Take the Subject 1 Test Initially?
3 Answers
There is no limit to the number of retakes for the Subject 1 test. According to Article 10 of the 'Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses,' you can take the Subject 1 retest twice on the same day. If you fail the first attempt, you can take a free second retest. If you fail the second retest, the Subject 1 test will be terminated for that day, and you can only schedule another 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 theoretical driving knowledge, road safety laws and regulations, local regulations, and related knowledge. The test is conducted on a computer with a time limit of 45 minutes. The passing score for the Subject 1 driving license test is 90. The test consists of 100 questions, divided into single-choice questions 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: 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 examination 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 examination room. Upon entering the examination room, the identity verification desk will assign a seat. Once seated, begin the test. Ensure the camera is aligned with you and follow test discipline. If you fail the first attempt, you can retake the test 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. In contrast, Subject 2 and Subject 3 tests allow only five attempts each. Subject 2 and Subject 3 tests can be rescheduled after ten days. If you fail the Subject 3 safe driving knowledge test, your previously 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. Subject 3 is divided into two parts: road driving skills and safe driving knowledge test. The safe 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’s Order No. 123) does not include 'Subject 4.'
When I was taking the written test (Subject 1), I also worried about how many times I could take it. Actually, there's no limit at all—you can retake it as many times as you want, as long as you pay the exam fee. The first time, I was too nervous and got a lot of questions wrong, so I failed. But the driving school instructor told me I could take it an unlimited number of times, so I waited a week and went for my second attempt. This time, I carefully reviewed the rules in the book and practiced with the mock tests on the app, and I passed smoothly. Each exam costs around 100-200 yuan, which isn’t too expensive. The key is not to put too much pressure on yourself—taking it multiple times actually helps you memorize traffic signs and driving rules more thoroughly. Looking back now, I think this flexibility in Subject 1 is very beginner-friendly, as it avoids the fear of failure that might discourage people from trying. But I’d recommend preparing properly beforehand and not rushing in recklessly—after all, it’s a waste of money and time. I’ve seen people take it five or six times before passing, so take your time and don’t stress.
As an experienced driver who often helps friends with their driving tests, I know there's no limit to how many times you can take the theory test (Subject 1). In theory, you can take it as many times as you want, but you'll have to pay the registration fee each time. I suggest not going in with the mindset of taking it multiple times from the start, because there's at least a week's wait between each attempt, and the costs can add up to a few hundred dollars. The key is to thoroughly study the traffic rule book or use apps for mock tests, aiming to pass on the first try. This way, you save both time and money, and can move on to Subject 2 sooner. After all, knowing the rules well is crucial for everyday driving.
