Is Subject 4 a Written Test?
4 Answers
Subject 4 is a written test. Subject 4 is one of the driver's license tests, which are conducted to obtain a motor vehicle driving license. The driving test consists of four parts: Subject 1, Subject 2, Subject 3, and Subject 4, covering traffic regulations and related knowledge, field driving skills, road driving skills, and safe and civilized driving knowledge, respectively. Subject 4 is also known as the Subject 4 theoretical test or the driver's theoretical test, and it is part of the motor vehicle driving license assessment. Test Content: After the implementation of the Ministry of Public Security's Order No. 123, Subject 3 was divided into two parts. In addition to the road test, a safety and common sense test was added. Since this test is conducted after Subject 3, it is commonly referred to as Subject 4, although officially, there is no Subject 4. The test consists of 50 questions, primarily in the form of case studies, images, and animations, with a full score of 100 and a passing score of 90. Notes: Both Subject 1 and Subject 4 are theoretical tests, and passing them requires extensive reading and memorization. Subject 4 mainly tests the requirements for safe and civilized driving operations, as well as knowledge of safe driving under adverse weather and complex road conditions. During the test, there will be a camera on the desk or computer, and you can monitor the screen display. Maintain discipline during the test; do not look around or attempt to cheat. Each examinee's questions are randomly selected by the computer from the question bank, and the questions for people around you will be different. Do not attempt any so-called high-tech cheating methods, as they are easily detected, and if caught, you will be barred from applying for the driver's test for one year.
Back when I took my driver's license test, Subject 4 wasn't the traditional paper-based exam—it was entirely computer-based. You'd face the screen and click on options to answer questions. It's actually the Safe and Civilized Driving Knowledge Test, covering traffic rules, accident handling, and ethical norms, somewhat like an upgraded but more practical version of Subject 1. I initially thought it would be pen-and-paper, but this digital format proved far more efficient—instant answering and scoring, eliminating the hassle of correction errors. During preparation, I consistently used a mobile app to practice questions, simulating real exam conditions. The question types included single-choice, multiple-choice, and case-based judgment, focusing on application skills rather than rote memorization. After the test, I felt it directly connected to actual driving—for instance, nighttime driving rules made me more attentive to light usage in real driving. In short, this is the final step of the theoretical exam, ensuring you're road-safe. Don't underestimate it—practice a few times, and you'll pass with ease.
As someone who has long worked in a driving school, I'm often asked if Subject 4 is a written test. In fact, it's a computerized theory exam where candidates operate directly on terminals. The content focuses on safe driving and emergency handling, similar to a comprehensive review before practical training. The electronic system offers clear advantages: faster answering, automatic anti-cheating measures, and environmental friendliness with no paper waste. I advise students not to stress, but to practice frequently with online question banks to familiarize themselves with question types. The questions are designed to reinforce daily driving awareness, such as yielding to pedestrians. This format is more interactive than written tests, allowing immediate error correction and facilitating smoother subsequent road tests. You'll apply this knowledge in actual driving, and mastering it early can reduce accident risks.
I just got my driver's license. Looking back, the subject four test was quite easy—it wasn't a paper-based written exam but entirely completed on a computer screen with multiple-choice questions. The day before the test, I practiced several sets of mock questions at home. During the exam, I just clicked the mouse. The questions covered road signs and emergency handling. The process was quick, taking about half an hour to finish, unlike written exams where you have to wait for grading. During preparation, I focused on safety knowledge points, such as the consequences of drunk driving, which I applied through real-car experience. The electronic format saved time, providing instant results and avoiding anxiety.
