How Many Times Can You Take the Theory Test (Subject 1)?

[DelRicardo]

There is no limit to the number of times you can take the Theory Test (Subject 1). According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving 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. If you fail the second attempt, the Subject 1 test will be terminated, and you can only schedule another test after ten days. Subject 1, also known as the Theory Test or Driver Theory Test, is part of the motor vehicle driving license assessment. The test covers driving theory fundamentals, 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 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 your paper and end the test. 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 Notes: During the test, candidates must dress appropriately (no slippers allowed) and are prohibited from bringing electronic devices or bags into the examination room. Bring your ID card and queue to enter the waiting hall. Observe the precautions and procedures displayed on the screen, and store personal belongings in a locker before entering the examination room. Upon entering the examination room, candidates will be assigned a seat at the identity verification station. After finding your seat, begin the test. Ensure the camera is properly aligned and follow test discipline. If you fail the first attempt, you can retake it 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 invalid. There is no limit to the number of times you can schedule the Subject 1 test. Each subject test allows one retake if you fail. If you skip the retake or fail it, the test is terminated, and you must reschedule. In contrast, Subject 2 and Subject 3 only allow five test attempts each. If you fail Subject 3 (Safe Driving Knowledge Test), your previously passed road driving skills test results remain valid. The driving test consists of three subjects: Subject 1 (Theory Test), Subject 2 (Field Driving Skills Test), and Subject 3 (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, though this term is not officially recognized in regulations (e.g., Ministry of Public Security Order No. 123).

[SanJude]

There is actually no limit to the number of attempts for the Subject 1 exam—you can take it until you pass! However, each payment gives you two exam opportunities. If you fail the first time, you can immediately retake the second one on-site. One of our driving school students took five attempts to pass. The key is to thoroughly review the question bank—go through all 1,600 questions at least twice, with extra focus on commonly mistaken topics like traffic police gestures and road signs/markings. We recommend using the "Driving Test Prep" app to score above 95 in three consecutive mock exams before registering, or you’ll just waste money on retakes. Remember to bring your ID card on exam day—if facial recognition fails, you won’t even be allowed into the test center.

[Arya]

The biggest fear in the written driving test (Subject 1) is psychological pressure. I personally took three attempts to pass. Actually, there's no limit on the number of retakes, but each retake costs 40-80 RMB as a fee, and some driving schools charge additional venue fees. It's recommended to focus on traffic police hand signals and speed limit questions before the exam, as these are the easiest to lose points on. Practicing questions on your phone while waiting for the bus is much more effective than rote memorization, and the wrong-answer notebook feature is particularly useful. Be careful not to click the wrong answers during the exam—a friend of mine accidentally clicked three wrong answers and failed with 89 points, which was really unfair.

[VanSpencer]

There is no limit to the number of attempts for Subject 1 test, but note the validity period of test scores. You must complete all subjects within three years from registration, otherwise the scores will be invalid. It is recommended to use fragmented time for practice questions, doing two sets of mock tests in the morning and evening, and repeatedly practicing wrong questions. The actual test questions in the exam center are simpler than those on mobile mock tests, and the question stems are usually shorter. If you encounter uncertain questions during the exam, skip them first and come back to think about them after completing the certain ones. Finally, a reminder: check the route in advance on the exam day, as being late will be considered as an absence!

[VanGabriel]

According to traffic regulations, there is indeed no limit to the number of retakes for the Subject 1 exam. However, note that there must be an interval of at least ten days between two exams, and the driving school can only cancel your appointment up to three times for you. It is recommended to start practicing questions immediately after registration, as the question bank is updated with new questions every April and October. During the exam, don't be distracted by the sound of clicking mice around you; focus on your own questions. Students who wear glasses should remember to wear frame glasses, as contact lenses may affect facial recognition. Our coach once said that mastering the fine questions and point deduction questions means you're halfway to success.

[DelOlive]

Having taken the Subject One test four times, I can confidently say: retakes are unlimited but each attempt requires a fee, which is actually quite reasonable. The mandatory 10-day study period after each failure truly helps identify and fill knowledge gaps. Before my fourth attempt, I thoroughly reviewed tricky topics like yellow light scenarios and warning distance for broken-down vehicles. On exam day, wear dark-colored clothes to avoid glare, and use your finger to track the screen to prevent misreading lines. Lastly, pay attention to the printing deadline for exam vouchers—an auntie was denied entry because her voucher expired half an hour prior, making the trip completely wasted, what a pity.