Is the failure rate high for Subject 4?
3 Answers
Subject 4 has a relatively low failure rate because the questions are not very difficult. Below is relevant information: Subject 4: Also known as the Subject 4 theory test or driver theory test, it is part of the motor vehicle driver's license examination. After the implementation of "Order No. 139 of the Ministry of Public Security of the People's Republic of China," Subject 3 was divided into two parts: the road test and the addition of a safety and civilization knowledge test, commonly referred to as "Subject 4," which assesses "driving ethics." Teaching materials: "Safe Driving Starts Here," compiled by the Ministry of Transport of the People's Republic of China. Driving schools can uniformly purchase and distribute study materials, or students can purchase them at their own expense.
I took the Subject 4 test last year, and the whole process felt quite straightforward, covering traffic rules and safe driving knowledge. I spent a few days before the exam repeatedly practicing with a mock test app and passed on my first try. From what I've seen among friends at the driving school, not many fail Subject 4 because it's a theoretical test—adequate preparation usually leads to a pass. My instructor mentioned the pass rate is probably above 85%, and those who fail are typically too busy to review or cram at the last minute with only a quick glance at the material. The exam consists of multiple-choice and true/false questions, which aren’t very difficult, but unfamiliarity with the question bank or exam nerves can still lead to mistakes. It’s advisable to take mock tests in advance for practice and stay calm to minimize the risk of failing. Overall, compared to practical tests like Subject 2, Subject 4 has a much lower failure rate, but some still stumble—don’t take it lightly.
Having worked as a driving instructor at a driving school for several years and interacted with numerous students, I've observed that those who fail Subject 4 primarily lack adequate preparation or neglect the theoretical component during regular training. The exam mainly covers traffic regulations and emergency handling, with relatively straightforward questions. However, some candidates merely memorize without understanding application, leading to confusion during the test. The failure rate is estimated at 10%-15%, which isn't too prevalent—much lower than Subject 3's 30% failure rate. Common issues include distraction leading to misreading questions, omitting options in multiple-choice questions, or struggling with safety scenario judgments. I advise students not to rely solely on driving school training but to practice more with apps and maintain a steady mindset, which generally leads to passing. Failing isn't a major setback, as retakes are quick; the key is to learn practical knowledge to avoid future driving mistakes.
