What are the differences between Driving License Subject 1 and Subject 4?
3 Answers
The main differences between Subject 1 and Subject 4 include: the number of test questions, question types, proportion of exam content, and exam focus. The basis comes from the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses". Number of test questions: The most obvious difference between Subject 1 and Subject 4 is the number of test questions. Subject 1 has 100 questions, while Subject 4 only has 50 questions. In Subject 1, the test will automatically submit if more than 10 questions are answered incorrectly, while in Subject 4, the test will automatically submit if more than 6 questions are answered incorrectly. Question types: Subject 1 consists of 100 questions, each worth 1 point, with a total test time of 45 minutes. The question types are true/false and single-choice questions, with a full score of 100. Subject 4 consists of 50 questions, each worth 2 points, with a test time of 45 minutes. The questions are mainly in the form of case studies, pictures, animations, etc., and the question types include true/false, single-choice, and multiple-choice questions, with a full score of 100. Exam content focus: Subject 1 mainly assesses basic knowledge of road driving, while Subject 4 focuses on safe and civilized driving knowledge. It can be understood this way: Subject 1 tests how to drive, while Subject 4 tests how to drive safely. Although the difference is just two words (safety), the focus is completely different. Proportion of exam content: Subject 1 exam content composition: Driving license and motor vehicle management regulations account for 20%; Road traffic conditions and regulations account for 25%; Road traffic safety violations and penalties account for 25%; Road traffic accident handling regulations account for 10%; Basic knowledge of motor vehicles accounts for 10%; Local regulations account for 10%. Subject 4 exam content composition: Safe driving knowledge accounts for 20%; Civilized driving knowledge accounts for 18%; Comprehensive application of road traffic signals in traffic scenarios accounts for 8%; Safe driving knowledge under adverse weather and complex road conditions accounts for 16%; Emergency avoidance knowledge accounts for 12%; Typical accident case analysis accounts for 6%; Traffic accident rescue and common hazardous chemical disposal knowledge accounts for 10%; Local test questions account for 10%. There is no limit to the number of attempts for driving test Subject 1 and Subject 4. If the test is failed, it can be rescheduled. Each scheduled test has two attempts. If both attempts are failed, the test can only be retaken until it is passed. Both Subject 1 and Subject 4 are theoretical tests and are part of the motor vehicle driving license assessment. There are a total of 3 subjects in the driving test: 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 safe and civilized driving knowledge test. The safe and civilized driving knowledge test is conducted after Subject 3, so it is commonly referred to as Subject 4. In the official terminology (i.e., the Ministry of Public Security Order No. 123), there is no such term as Subject 4.
The exam content for Subject 1 includes basic knowledge such as traffic laws and regulations, traffic signals, and driving safety, which serves as the theoretical foundation for obtaining a driver's license. I was first exposed to this part when learning to drive. The exam questions are all single-choice and true/false, relatively straightforward, testing the memorization of basic rules. Subject 4, on the other hand, is the safe and civilized driving test, which is actually closer to complex scenarios encountered in real road conditions. The questions are mostly case analyses and situational simulations, testing your ability to make flexible judgments in various situations, such as how to react when encountering pedestrians. Failing Subject 1 means you can't start practical driving lessons, while Subject 4 is the final step before obtaining the driver's license, with more practical question types that focus on details often overlooked in actual driving.
Subject 1 can be considered the theoretical threshold of the driver's license exam, covering topics such as road traffic regulations, signs and markings, and driving rules, primarily testing the robustness of your knowledge system. Back when I was preparing, I did numerous mock tests and found the questions to be quite straightforward. As for Subject 4, it focuses entirely on the concepts of safe driving and emergency response, leaning more towards practicality. It employs multiple-choice questions and case studies, such as assessing your judgment on nighttime headlight operation or accident handling procedures. The key difference lies in that Subject 1 is the starting point, while Subject 4 is the finale—you can only take Subject 4 after passing Subject 3, essentially testing whether you'll act recklessly once on the road. Many experienced drivers agree that the content of Subject 4 is the most applicable in everyday driving.
