How soon can I retake the Driving Test Theory Exam (Subject 1) if I fail?
2 Answers
You need to wait 10 days before you can schedule a retake. According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses," candidates are allowed two attempts on the day of the Subject 1 retest. If you fail the first attempt, you can take a second one for free. If you fail the second attempt, the Subject 1 test is terminated for that session. Subject 1, also known as the theoretical driving test or driver's theory exam, is part of the motor vehicle driving license assessment. The test covers driving theory basics, road safety laws and regulations, local regulations, and related knowledge. The exam is computer-based with a time limit of 45 minutes. A passing score for Subject 1 is 90 out of 100, with the test consisting of 100 questions, including single-choice and true/false questions, each worth 1 point. If you answer 11 questions incorrectly, the system will automatically submit your test and end the session. 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 precautions: Candidates should dress appropriately (no slippers), avoid bringing electronic devices or bags into the exam room, carry their 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 exam room. Upon entering, verify your identity at the assigned station, locate your seat, and begin the test. Ensure the camera is aligned with you and follow exam 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 and sign your score report; unsigned reports are invalid. There is no limit to the number of times you can reschedule Subject 1. Each subject allows one initial attempt and one retake. If you skip the retake or fail it, the test session ends, and you must reschedule. For Subject 2 and Subject 3, you only have five attempts each, and rescheduling must occur at least 10 days later. If you fail the Subject 3 safety and civilized driving knowledge test, your previously passed road driving skills test results remain valid. The driving test consists of three subjects: Subject 1, Subject 2, and Subject 3. Subject 1 assesses knowledge of road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related topics. Subject 2 evaluates field driving skills. Subject 3 includes two components: road driving skills and safety and civilized driving knowledge. The latter is often referred to as Subject 4, though this term is unofficial and not mentioned in the official regulations (Ministry of Public Security Order No. 123).
Last time I failed the driving test subject one (theory exam). According to regulations, I had to wait 7 days before reapplying for a retake. This waiting period allows candidates sufficient time to review knowledge points and avoid failing again. I think this design is very considerate because the subject one question bank updates frequently, covering traffic regulations and various safety knowledge. If you don't study the materials and practice questions seriously, relying solely on memory can easily lead to mistakes. During these days, you can download a driving test app and take mock tests daily, summarizing the types of questions you got wrong last time. I personally used this method, and by the retake, the questions all felt familiar, allowing me to pass smoothly. Overall, don't rush to retake immediately - giving your brain time to absorb the information actually improves success rates. Otherwise, taking consecutive tests creates too much pressure and wastes exam fees.