Is there a time limit for the Subject 1 test?
4 Answers
The test duration is limited to 45 minutes. According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses," candidates can take the Subject 1 test twice on the same day. If the first attempt is unsuccessful, a free retake is allowed for the second attempt. If the second attempt also fails, the Subject 1 test is terminated, and the candidate can only reschedule the test after ten days. Subject 1, also known as the theoretical test or driver's theory test, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license examination. The test content includes driving theory basics, road safety laws and regulations, local regulations, and related knowledge. The test is conducted via computer. 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: Driver's license and motor vehicle management regulations; road traffic conditions and regulations; 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 for the test; wearing slippers is not allowed. Electronic devices and bags are prohibited in the examination room. Bring your ID card and queue to enter the waiting hall. Observe the precautions and procedures on the large screen, and store personal belongings in lockers before entering the examination room. Upon entering the examination room, candidates will be assigned a seat at the identity verification station. After finding their seat, they can begin the test. Ensure the camera is aligned correctly and adhere to test discipline. If the first attempt is unsuccessful, a retake is available on the same day. If the retake also fails, the candidate must pay to reschedule the test. After the test, queue to collect the score report and sign it; unsigned reports are considered invalid. There is no limit to the number of times you can reschedule the Subject 1 test. Each subject can be taken once, with one retake allowed if the first attempt fails. If the retake is not taken or is also unsuccessful, the test is terminated, and the applicant must reschedule. For Subject 2 and Subject 3, there are only five test attempts. Subject 2 and Subject 3 tests can be rescheduled after ten days. If the Subject 3 safe driving knowledge test is unsuccessful, the passed road driving skills test results remain valid. There are three subjects in the driver's license test: Subject 1, Subject 2, and Subject 3. Subject 1 refers to the test on road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge; Subject 2 refers to the field driving skills test; Subject 3 is divided into two parts: road driving skills and safe driving knowledge test. The safe driving knowledge test is conducted after Subject 3, so it is commonly referred to as Subject 4. However, the official term (as per the Ministry of Public Security's Order No. 123) does not include the term "Subject 4."
I just passed the subject one test last year and was curious about the time limit at that time. After experiencing the exam, I found that there are indeed strict time regulations, with a total of 45 minutes to answer 100 multiple-choice or true/false questions. During my first mock exam, I didn’t pay attention to the time and ended up not finishing the last 20 questions, which led to a fail. Since then, I’ve been practicing mock questions on my phone using an APP, setting a 45-minute countdown each time to get used to the pace, making the actual exam much easier. The time pressure is actually quite significant, but if you have a solid grasp of the knowledge points, half a minute per question is sufficient. On the exam day, I arrived at the test center early to avoid being late and affecting my mindset, and later passed smoothly. Remember, don’t just read books when reviewing; do more practical exercises.
As someone who frequently guides exam takers, I can say the 45-minute time limit for the Subject 1 test is a hard rule—you must complete all questions within this timeframe. This not only tests knowledge but also trains candidates' speed in test-taking. Some beginners tend to get stuck on difficult questions, resulting in overtime and lost points. My advice is to split your time during preparation: spend the first 30 minutes answering easy questions to secure basic points, and use the last 15 minutes to tackle tough questions and review. Mock tests are crucial—practice the app question bank at least 5 times to get accustomed to time constraints. Test centers are strict; exceeding the time limit triggers automatic submission, so time management is a fundamental skill for passing. Don’t just memorize regulations—focus more on practicing your pacing.
I remember when I took the driver's license test, the time limit for Subject One was 45 minutes, and the standard hasn't changed. The questions cover traffic regulations, road signs, and emergency handling, with a reasonably designed time constraint to prevent delays and ensure fairness. Before the exam, I practiced a lot with question banks and found that mastering the high-frequency test points left me with enough time. My advice for beginners is not to panic—tackle the easy questions first, skip the uncertain ones temporarily, and revisit them later. During preparation, you can use paper-based mock tests with a timer set the same way. Time management isn't just for the exam; it's also essential for real driving, where quick judgment is required, making this a fundamental training.
