Is There a Time Limit for the Driving License Test Subject 1?
3 Answers
The test has a time limit of 45 minutes. According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses," candidates can take the Subject 1 test twice on the same day. If they fail the first attempt, they can retake it for free. If they fail the second attempt, the Subject 1 test is terminated, and they must wait ten days before reapplying. After passing, they can take the next subject after ten days. Subject 1, also known as the theoretical test or driver theory test, is part of the motor vehicle driving license assessment. The test covers driving theory basics, road safety laws and regulations, local regulations, and related knowledge. The test format is computer-based. The Subject 1 test consists of 100 questions, divided into single-choice and true/false questions, with each question worth 1 point, totaling 100 points. If a candidate answers 11 questions incorrectly during the test, the system will automatically submit the test and end the session. Subject 1 test content includes: driving 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 test precautions: Candidates should dress appropriately, avoid wearing slippers, and refrain from bringing electronic devices or bags into the test center. They must bring their 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 test room. Upon entering, candidates will be assigned a seat at the identity verification station. Once seated, they can begin the test. Ensure the camera is aligned properly and follow test discipline. If they fail the first attempt, they can retake it the same day. If they fail again, they must pay to reschedule. After the test, candidates must queue to collect their score sheet and sign it; unsigned sheets are considered invalid. There is no limit to the number of times Subject 1 can be scheduled. Each subject can be taken once, with one retake allowed if failed. If the retake is also failed or not taken, the test session ends, and the applicant must reschedule. In contrast, Subject 2 and Subject 3 have only five attempts each. Subject 2 and Subject 3 tests must be rescheduled ten days later. If the Subject 3 safety and civilized driving knowledge test is failed, the passed road driving skills test results remain valid. The driving 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 test; Subject 2 refers to the field driving skills test; Subject 3 is divided into two parts: road driving skills and safety and civilized driving knowledge test. The safety and civilized driving knowledge test is conducted after Subject 3, so it is commonly referred to as Subject 4. However, the official term (as per Ministry of Public Security Order No. 123) does not include "Subject 4."
As a student who just finished the Subject 1 test, I want to tell you there is indeed a time limit. The entire exam lasts 45 minutes to complete 100 questions. I also felt nervous at first, since that averages to less than 30 seconds per question. I recommend practicing with time pressure during your usual question drills - the driving test app I used had a countdown simulation feature, and after a few tries I got used to the pace. The exam system shows remaining time in the top right corner, so remember not to get stuck on difficult questions too long - skip the ones you don't know initially. Actually, the time is quite sufficient - I finished with 10 minutes left to review my answers. The key is taking more mock exams to familiarize yourself with question patterns, and your speed will naturally improve.
As a driving instructor who has guided thousands of students through the Theory Test (Subject 1), I must emphasize the importance of the 45-minute time limit. Many examinees get nervous staring at the screen during the test, leading to flustered performance. I recommend practicing with real question banks under timed conditions during preparation, ideally completing two mock tests daily. During the actual exam, tackle questions you're confident about first—complete all single-choice questions before moving to true/false judgments. The testing system automatically displays a countdown timer, with a pop-up reminder appearing for the final 10 minutes. If you encounter computer lag, stay calm—raising your hand for proctor assistance won't count against your time. Remember, this rule primarily evaluates knowledge application efficiency—understanding traffic regulations proves far more valuable than rote memorization.
