Is the driving test fee paid by oneself?
3 Answers
Driving test fees are paid by the driving school. The fee you pay when registering at the driving school already includes the examination fee. All subsequent fees are already covered and are fully handled by the driving school. However, retake fees are not included and require separate scheduling. Below is the detailed information: 1. Driving school registration time: Registering for a motor vehicle driver's license at a driving school takes about half an hour to complete. After registration, wait for the driving school's notification for a medical examination. Once the medical examination is completed, proceed with the study for the driver's license theory test (Subject 1). After completing the required study hours, you can take the test. Other test subjects must be completed in the same order. The medical examination does not need to be repeated within six months. 2. Time to obtain a motor vehicle driver's license: Under normal circumstances, it takes about 45 days to obtain a motor vehicle driver's license, with a maximum time limit of three years starting from the completion of the Subject 1 test. If the time limit is exceeded, the qualification for the driver's license test will be canceled, and you will no longer be able to take the test.
When I first started learning to drive and getting my license, I was quite curious about the costs. The driving school tuition covered all the exam fees, saving me the hassle of running around, so I just paid a one-time all-inclusive price. Nowadays, getting a driver's license involves three parts: the theoretical test (Subject 1), the field test (Subject 2), and the road test (Subject 3), with the total cost around 1,000 yuan. Policies may vary between driving schools—some may require you to pay part of the exam fees online yourself. I recommend newcomers ask clearly whether all fees are covered when signing up to avoid extra charges later. After passing Subject 1, the driving school helps schedule the next stage. If you pay the fees yourself at the DMV, it's pretty straightforward—just swipe your ID—but it’s less efficient than going through the driving school. The key is to choose a reliable driving school to avoid pitfalls. An all-inclusive service is relatively hassle-free, and passing the exams quickly means getting your license sooner.
I've taught many students to drive, so let me share from their perspective. In theory, you can pay the exam fees yourself by going to the vehicle management office or using online platforms. The fee for each of Subject 2 and Subject 3 is around 160 yuan, and handling it yourself offers more transparency to avoid being overcharged. However, driving schools usually charge a package fee that includes exam costs, which is more convenient. I think it's better for beginners to pay separately to prevent delays in exam scheduling by the driving school. The total cost isn't high, just around a thousand yuan, and paying in installments can reduce the burden. When signing up, carefully review the contract details—don't just listen to the driving school's sales pitch. Before the exam, bring your ID, cash, or be ready to pay via mobile. If you pass on the first try, the money is well spent.
