Is Subject 4 the same as Subject 3's Safety and Civilization Knowledge?
3 Answers
Subject 3's Safety and Civilization Driving Knowledge Test is commonly referred to as Subject 4. Subject 4, also known as Subject 4 Theory Test or Driver Theory Test, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment. It primarily includes: safety and civilization driving operation requirements, safe driving knowledge under adverse weather and complex road conditions, emergency handling methods for situations like tire blowouts, and post-traffic accident handling knowledge. The Subject 4 test consists of 50 questions, presented in formats such as case studies, images, and animations, with a full score of 100 and a passing score of 90. After the implementation of the Ministry of Public Security's Order No. 123, Subject 3 was divided into two parts: the road test and the Safety and Civilization Knowledge Test, commonly known as "Subject 4," which assesses "driving ethics." Since this test is conducted after Subject 3, it is commonly referred to as Subject 4. Officially, there is no such term as Subject 4. Before the test, students can study traffic regulations through driver simulation test software on mobile devices or computers.
It's been twenty years since I got my driver's license. Back then, after passing the road test (Subject 3), we had to take Subject 4, which was the Safe and Civilized Driving Knowledge Test. Subject 3 mainly tested your practical driving skills, such as lane changes and parking maneuvers. Subject 4, on the other hand, was entirely theoretical, focusing on safety rules and civilized behavior—like yielding to pedestrians and not driving under the influence. The exam format was multiple-choice, covering topics like traffic signs and emergency handling. Looking back after years of driving, I realize how useful the knowledge from Subject 4 really is. Many accidents happen because drivers overlook these basic civilized practices. Subject 4 is essentially an extension of Subject 3, embedding safety culture into your mindset. Passing it is what truly qualifies you as a competent driver—without it, driving feels like it lacks a soul. Whenever I see uncivilized driving in my community, I’m reminded of the lessons from Subject 4.
Last month, I just got my driver's license. After passing the third subject, I took the fourth subject, which was definitely a test on safety and civilized driving knowledge. The third subject tests your practical skills, allowing you to experience actual driving on the road. The fourth subject is different—it's all book knowledge, testing traffic regulations and safety awareness, with questions covering precautions for highway driving, dealing with severe weather, and more. While I found the practice questions tedious at the time, I now realize how crucial these rules are when driving. Once, I almost rear-ended another car, and it was the emergency response knowledge from the fourth subject that saved me. It’s closely related to the third subject—the third gets you moving, while the fourth makes you think clearly. A driver without safety knowledge is unqualified. After passing the fourth subject, I’ve been consciously following the rules while driving. The test may be simple, but its significance is huge—it helps new drivers build a solid foundation.
