Is there a fee for the first attempt at Subject 1 exam?
2 Answers
There is no separate fee for the Subject 1 exam as the cost is already included in the registration fee. However, a retake fee applies if you need to retake the exam. According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses," you can take the Subject 1 exam twice on the same day for drunk driving cases. If you fail the first attempt, you can retake it for free the second time. If you fail the second attempt, the Subject 1 exam will be terminated, and you can only reschedule the exam after ten days. Subject 1, also known as the theoretical exam or driver's theory test, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment. The exam covers driving theory basics, road safety laws and regulations, local regulations, and related knowledge. The Subject 1 exam consists of 100 questions, including single-choice and true/false questions, with each question worth 1 point and a total score of 100. If you answer 11 questions incorrectly during the exam, the system will automatically submit the test and end the exam. The Subject 1 exam is computer-based and has a time limit of 45 minutes. Subject 1 exam content: Driver's license and motor vehicle management regulations; road traffic conditions and rules; road traffic safety violations and penalties; road traffic accident handling regulations; basic knowledge of motor vehicles; local regulations; knowledge of braking systems and safety devices for large and medium-sized passenger and freight vehicles; specialized knowledge for wheeled self-propelled machinery, trams, and trolleybuses. Subject 1 exam precautions: Candidates should dress appropriately (no slippers), and electronic devices and bags are not allowed in the exam room. Bring your ID card and queue to enter the waiting hall. Observe the instructions and procedures on the large screen, and store personal belongings in lockers before entering the exam room. Upon entering, verify your identity at the assigned station, find your seat, and begin the exam. Ensure the camera is aligned with you and follow exam rules. If you fail the first attempt, you can retake it the same day. If you fail again, you must pay a fee to reschedule. After the exam, queue to collect your score report and sign it; unsigned reports are invalid. There is no limit to the number of times you can reschedule the Subject 1 exam. Each subject exam allows one retake if you fail. If you skip the retake or fail it, the exam is terminated, and you must reschedule. For Subject 2 and Subject 3, there are only five exam attempts, and rescheduling must occur after ten days. If you fail the Subject 3 safe driving knowledge test, your passed road driving skills test results remain valid. The driver's license test consists of three subjects: Subject 1, Subject 2, and Subject 3. Subject 1 refers to the road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge exam; Subject 2 refers to the field driving skills test; Subject 3 is divided into two parts: road driving skills and safe driving knowledge. The safe driving knowledge test is conducted after Subject 3, so it is commonly referred to as Subject 4, though the official term (under the Ministry of Public Security Order No. 123) does not include "Subject 4."
As someone who often accompanies friends for driving practice, I must say that there is indeed a fee for the first attempt at the Subject 1 test. The cost is generally around 50 yuan, depending on the local driving school's policy—for example, I paid 55 yuan in Shanghai. This fee mainly covers the operational costs of the test center and equipment maintenance. Payment methods are straightforward, either via an online app or in cash. Why isn't it free? Because organizing the test requires manpower and resources. I recommend downloading a question bank app in advance to practice more, so you can pass on the first try and avoid paying for a retake. Don’t stress; with good preparation, it’ll be a breeze.
