What Does the Driving License Test Subject 1 Cover?

[StAmy]

The "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses" clearly stipulates that the content of Subject 1 of the driving test includes: laws, regulations, and rules on road traffic safety; traffic signals and their meanings; knowledge of safe driving and civilized driving; safe driving knowledge under conditions such as highways, mountainous roads, bridges, tunnels, nighttime, adverse weather, and complex road conditions; emergency handling knowledge in situations like tire blowouts, steering failure, and brake failure; general structure of motor vehicles, common knowledge of main safety devices, basic knowledge of daily inspection and maintenance; basic knowledge of self-rescue and first aid after traffic accidents, as well as common knowledge of hazardous materials. According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses," the Subject 1 test consists of 100 questions, divided into single-choice questions and true/false questions, with each question worth 1 point and a total score of 100 points. If 11 questions are answered incorrectly during the test, the system will automatically submit the test and end the exam. Subject 1, also known as the theoretical test or driver theory test, is part of the motor vehicle driving license assessment. The test content includes the theoretical basis of driving, road safety laws and regulations, local regulations, and related knowledge. The test is conducted on a computer with a time limit of 45 minutes. Subject 1 Test Notes: During the Subject 1 test, candidates should pay attention to their attire—no slippers are allowed, and electronic devices and bags are prohibited in the examination room. Bring your ID card and queue up to enter the waiting hall. Observe the precautions and procedures on the large screen, and store personal belongings in a locker before entering the examination room. Upon entering, the identity verification station will assign a seat. After finding your seat, begin the test, ensuring the camera is aligned with you and adhering to test discipline. If you fail the first attempt, there is a same-day retake. If you fail again, you must pay to reschedule. After completion, queue to collect your score sheet and sign it. Failure to sign will render the test invalid. There is no limit to the number of times you can schedule the Subject 1 test. Each subject can be taken once, and if you fail, you can retake it once. If you do not take the retake or fail the retake, the current test session ends, and the applicant must reschedule. In contrast, Subjects 2 and 3 have only five test attempts. Subjects 2 and 3 must be scheduled at least ten days apart. If you fail the Subject 3 safe and civilized driving knowledge test, the previously 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 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 and civilized driving knowledge. The safe 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 the Ministry of Public Security Order No. 123) does not include "Subject 4."

[Dominic]

I took the subject one test last year, and the memory is still fresh. That exam mainly tested traffic regulations and safe driving knowledge, with the format being multiple-choice questions. For example, you had to distinguish between different road signs like no parking or speed limit signs, and determine how to drive safely in various situations, such as what speed to maintain when driving in the rain. During my review, I used an app to practice many questions—large in quantity but practical in content, covering traffic light rules, right-of-way principles like yielding to pedestrians, emergency accident handling procedures, as well as the dangers and penalties for drunk driving. After the test, I understood why it's considered the foundation of driving. Mastering these rules gives you more confidence on the road and helps avoid many accidents. My advice for exam preparation is to use mock tests frequently and avoid procrastination. Focus on mastering common driving mistakes and penalties, such as how many points are deducted for running a red light—don’t overlook these details.

[OliveMarie]

As someone who has driven for many years, I tell you the key points of the subject one test are traffic rules and awareness cultivation. It tests the recognition of traffic lights and road signs, such as straight and turn signs, as well as safe driving principles like controlling speed, wearing seat belts, and emergency measures. The content covers laws and regulations such as right-of-way rules and prohibited behaviors, with additional points including driving techniques in different weather conditions, such as how to control the car when skidding on rainy days. It's not as difficult as you might think, but the core is to help you develop good habits and prevent accidents. Nowadays, common causes of accidents on the road are due to some people not learning these well. When reviewing, focus on the core points and don't be greedy for too much, such as memorizing the meanings of common signs and the procedures for handling post-accident situations.

[GemmaFitz]

When I coach students during driving practice, the Subject 1 test primarily assesses theoretical knowledge, including traffic signal recognition, understanding of road signs, and safe driving rules such as avoiding drunk driving and speeding. The questions cover handling emergency situations, like how to stop a car with a flat tire, as well as basic vehicle knowledge such as the use of lights. It is recommended to focus on reviewing high-frequency test points and not overlook details, as this can help you make fewer mistakes when driving in the future.