What are the differences between Subject 1 and Subject 4 in the driver's license test?
3 Answers
The main differences between Subject 1 and Subject 4 are: number of questions, question types, content distribution, and examination focus. The basis comes from 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 test questions. Subject 1 has 100 questions, while Subject 4 only has 50 questions; Subject 1 automatically submits the test when more than 10 questions are answered incorrectly, while Subject 4 automatically submits when 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 points. 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 cases, pictures, animations, etc., and the question types are true/false, single-choice, and multiple-choice questions, with a full score of 100 points. Examination focus: Subject 1 mainly tests basic knowledge of road driving, while Subject 4 mainly tests 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 only two words (safety), the focus is completely different. Content distribution: Subject 1 test 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 test 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 handling knowledge accounts for 10%; local test questions account for 10%. There is no limit to the number of attempts for Subject 1 and Subject 4 in the driver's license test. If the test is failed, it can be rescheduled. Each scheduled test has two attempts. If both attempts are failed, only a retake is required until the test is passed. Both Subject 1 and Subject 4 are theoretical tests and are part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment. The driver's license test consists of 3 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 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 thing as Subject 4.
I just helped a friend analyze the differences between Subject 1 and Subject 4 of the driving test. Subject 1 is the first theoretical exam, focusing on basic traffic rules, road signs, and traffic signals—essentially fixed knowledge that requires rote memorization of regulations. Subject 4, on the other hand, is the final theoretical part, mainly covering practical scenarios like safe driving techniques, emergency handling, and civilized driving behavior. It’s more about teaching you how to make decisions and avoid risks in real driving situations. I think the biggest difference is that Subject 1 feels like studying a rulebook for driving basics, while Subject 4 raises the difficulty by emphasizing flexible application. After completing it, I found the latter more aligned with real-road experience. My advice is to practice more case-based questions during review, not just rely on memorization—safety always comes first.
When I was taking my driver's license test, the first subject was purely theoretical basics, with a bunch of questions testing fundamental rules like stopping at red lights and going at green lights—pretty dull and easy to doze off. The fourth subject, however, was an upgrade. It focused on safe driving knowledge, such as what to do when driving in the rain or using lights at night, which felt more practical, interesting, and tested adaptability better. During the exam, the first subject had a large volume of mostly multiple-choice questions, while the fourth subject added multiple-answer and true/false questions, better reflecting your moral choices while driving. I suggest fellow learners figure out the differences early. Only after mastering the fourth subject can you drive on the road with peace of mind. Don’t stress too much, but do review those scenario simulations seriously.
