What are the differences between Subject 1 and Subject 4 exams?

[McCaleb]

The main differences between Subject 1 and Subject 4 exams include: the number of questions, question types, content distribution, and exam focus. These are based on the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses". Number of questions: The most obvious difference between Subject 1 and Subject 4 is the number of questions. Subject 1 has 100 questions, while Subject 4 only has 50 questions. In Subject 1, the exam will automatically submit if more than 10 questions are answered incorrectly, whereas in Subject 4, the exam 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 exam 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 total exam time of 45 minutes. The questions are mainly in the form of case studies, images, animations, etc., and the question types include true/false, single-choice, and multiple-choice questions, with a full score of 100. Exam focus: Subject 1 primarily tests 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 ("safe"), the focus is entirely different. Content distribution: Subject 1 exam content consists of: 20% on driving license and motor vehicle regulations, 25% on road traffic conditions and regulations, 25% on road traffic safety violations and penalties, 10% on road traffic accident handling regulations, 10% on basic motor vehicle knowledge, and 10% on local regulations. Subject 4 exam content consists of: 20% on safe driving knowledge, 18% on civilized driving knowledge, 8% on the comprehensive application of road traffic signals in traffic scenarios, 16% on safe driving knowledge under adverse weather and complex road conditions, 12% on emergency avoidance knowledge, 6% on typical accident case analysis, 10% on traffic accident rescue and common hazardous chemical handling knowledge, and 10% on local test questions. There is no limit to the number of attempts for Subject 1 and Subject 4 exams. If you fail, you can reschedule the exam. Each scheduled exam has two attempts. If you fail both attempts, you can only retake the exam until you pass. Both Subject 1 and Subject 4 are theoretical exams 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 exam. Subject 2 refers to the field driving skills exam. Subject 3 is divided into two parts: road driving skills and safe and civilized driving knowledge exam. The safe and civilized driving knowledge exam is conducted after Subject 3, so it is commonly referred to as Subject 4. However, in the official terminology (i.e., the Ministry of Public Security Order No. 123), there is no such term as Subject 4.

[DiBella]

I just got my driver's license not long ago, and the difference between Subject 1 and Subject 4 is huge. Subject 1 mainly tests theoretical basics, like traffic light rules, vehicle signs, and driver's license requirements—all multiple-choice and true/false questions, requiring a lot of memorization and featuring a large question pool. Subject 4 is completely different; it focuses on safe and civilized driving, testing emergency handling methods, the dangers of fatigued driving, how to avoid accidents, and even the legal consequences of drunk driving. The biggest difference is that Subject 4 tests practical application, requiring you to understand scenarios and choose the correct actions. When preparing for Subject 1, I frantically practiced the app question bank, but for Subject 4, I had to watch real-case videos—more practice makes it easier to grasp. Don’t forget, Subject 4 is the final step before getting your license; pass it, and you’ll move on to hands-on driving, but safety should never be taken lightly.