Is it normal to fail the second subject of the driving test?
4 Answers
It is normal to fail the second subject of the driving test. Here is an introduction to Subject 2: Introduction: Subject 2, also known as the small road test, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment and is the abbreviation for the field driving skills test subject. Evaluation criteria: The full score is 100 points, with evaluation standards set for failing, deducting 20 points, deducting 10 points, and deducting 5 points. If you fail the Subject 2 test once, you can retake it once. If you do not participate in the retest or still fail the retest, the current test will be terminated, and the applicant must reschedule the test after ten days. Within the validity period of the driving skills test permit, the number of scheduled tests for Subject 2 and Subject 3 road driving skills tests must not exceed five times. If the fifth scheduled test is still failed, the results of other subjects that have already passed will be invalidated.
As a new driver who got my license last year, failing the second test is completely normal—I also failed my first attempt at reverse parking. My palms were so sweaty from nerves that I missed the reference point and ended up with the wheels crossing the line. The instructor said this is a common issue; the second test has many details to remember, and slight deviations in key reference points can easily lead to mistakes. Practice is the key—don’t worry about the failure rate, as statistics show at least 30% of learners fail on their first try. Failing once actually helps expose your weaknesses. After targeted practice, I passed smoothly on my second attempt. Remember to do a few simulation runs at the test site beforehand to familiarize yourself with the environment, and stay calm—don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Failure is part of the learning process; the key is to learn from it and quickly schedule a retest. Find a partner to practice with this week—correcting each other will make it more efficient.
From a teaching perspective, failing Subject 2 is completely normal—I see students struggle with hill starts or right-angle turns every day. The biggest issues are the tight timing and high pressure, leading to poor hand-foot coordination or steering too sharply and crossing lines. My advice is to first identify which part caused the failure—for example, if you often veer left during reversing, practice left-side reversing more. Don’t underestimate basic operations like adjusting the seat and rearview mirrors, as they directly affect your judgment. Failing isn’t embarrassing; the key is how you improve—consider adding a few coaching sessions or using simulation apps for extra practice. Learning to drive is all about this process—passing on the first try would be unrealistic. Keep practicing, and you’ll master it. External factors like equipment malfunctions causing misjudgments are also common, so try scheduling your next test during quieter morning hours. Don’t rush to rebook immediately after failing; take time to analyze mistakes calmly.
When I was learning to drive, I also failed the Subject 2 test, and my mind was in a mess. But upon reflection, it’s just like choking on water when learning to swim—totally normal. Many people underestimate the difficulty of Subject 2; it’s not just about technical skills but also requires careful handling of unexpected situations, like sudden skidding during parallel parking. Failure isn’t the end but a new beginning. On my second attempt, I focused on strengthening my memory of reference points and controlling speed more slowly, and I passed. My advice is not to panic after failing—talk to friends for tips or watch online tutorials to address weak points. The test center is designed to filter out unqualified drivers, and a high failure rate proves the necessity of the threshold to ensure road safety. Before my retake, I switched to looser clothes to reduce restraint, and the effect was immediate. Don’t lose heart—this stage of learning to drive is all about growing through trial and error.
