How Many Times Can You Take the Subject 4 Exam?
4 Answers
There is no limit to the number of attempts for the Subject 4 exam. If you fail the first attempt on the day, you can retake it once on the spot. If you still fail, you will need to reschedule the exam. There is no fee for retaking the exam. However, it is important to note that the validity period of the driving skills test permit is three years. If the applicant does not complete the exam within the validity period, the results of any previously passed subjects will be void. The Subject 4 exam consists of 50 questions, primarily in the form of case studies, images, and animations. The total score is 100, with a passing score of 90. Subject 4, also known as the Subject 4 theory test or the driver theory test, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment. After the implementation of the Ministry of Public Security's Order No. 123, the Subject 3 exam was divided into two parts: the road test and an additional safety and common sense test, commonly referred to as "Subject 4," which assesses "driving ethics." Because this test is conducted after Subject 3, it is commonly referred to as the Subject 4 exam. Officially, however, there is no such term as Subject 4.
I remember my experience taking the Subject 4 test when learning to drive—it took me two attempts to pass. There’s no limit to the number of times you can take Subject 4, but you must complete all exams, including Subjects 2, 3, and 4, within the three-year validity period after passing Subject 1. If you don’t finish all subjects within three years, you’ll have to retake Subject 1 from scratch. During my first attempt, I was too nervous and made many mistakes, so I retook it the next day. I practiced more using the "Driving Test Prep" app and finally passed. The key is not to procrastinate—review while the material is fresh, take more mock tests with real questions, and familiarize yourself with traffic signs and safety regulations. This reduces the chance of failure and helps you get your license sooner and safer. Also, each retake costs around tens to a hundred yuan, so saving up for a prep course is a worthwhile investment.
Having worked in a driving school for many years, I often tell students that there is no limit to the number of attempts for the Subject 4 test, but it must be passed within three years. Common issues include students being careless when reading questions or not understanding emergency handling rules, leading to multiple failures. It is recommended to analyze wrong answers immediately after each test, practice repeatedly with question bank apps, and accumulate experience to improve answering speed. In the exam, 70% of the questions are memory-based, while 30% rely on quick thinking. Staying focused during the test gives a high chance of passing on the first try. The retake fee is around 100 yuan, and it also costs time, so focusing on difficult areas like the details of drunk driving penalties during review can save both money and effort. Remember, safe driving is not just for the test; these knowledge points are even more important when actually driving on the road.
Last year, I passed the subject four test on my second attempt, but don't worry about the attempt limit as long as it's within three years of passing subject one. I was too hasty in my first attempt without proper review, so I immediately signed up for a retake. There are plenty of mock questions on the driving test APP, and practicing for half an hour daily made it easy to pass. The interval between retakes is short; in some places, you can retake the test the next day. Completing it early saves money and hassle. The key to review is memorizing more questions, especially high-frequency content like traffic signals or parking rules, which are super practical in actual driving and can boost your confidence in the test.
