What is the difference between driving license test subjects 1 and 4?
4 Answers
The main differences between subject 1 and subject 4 are: number of test questions, question types, content distribution, and focus areas. 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 automatically submits when more than 10 questions are answered incorrectly, while in subject 4, it submits when more than 6 questions are wrong. 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, and animations, with question types including true/false, single-choice, and multiple-choice questions, also with a full score of 100. Focus areas: 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 ("safe"), 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 driving test subjects 1 and 4. If the test is failed, it can be rescheduled. Each test appointment has two attempts. If both attempts fail, the test must 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. The driving 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, referring to the 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. However, in official terms (i.e., the Ministry of Public Security Order No. 123), there is no mention of subject 4.
I just got my driver's license a few days ago, so the memory is still fresh. Subject 1 is the initial theoretical test, consisting entirely of multiple-choice questions on basic traffic rules and signs. It felt like memorizing textbook content. Subject 4, on the other hand, is taken after the road test and is also theoretical but focuses more on practical scenarios of safe driving, such as handling emergencies or ethical judgment questions, with many animated demonstrations. The difference is clear: Subject 1 emphasizes memorizing rules, while Subject 4 highlights application skills. When preparing, I used a mobile app to practice questions. Subject 1 was easier, but Subject 4 required more practice with situational questions because similar issues do arise in real driving. Both are important to ensure we not only know how to drive but also understand safe driving. Now when I drive, approaching an intersection reminds me of the observation points I learned in Subject 4—it's quite practical. Never underestimate Subject 4; it gives new drivers more confidence on the road.
I often help friends prepare for their driver's license tests, and I understand the differences between Subject 1 and Subject 4 well. Subject 1 comes first, testing basic traffic rules like speed limits and signals, requiring rote memorization. Subject 4, as the final step, assesses safety knowledge and emergency decision-making after the road test, with more dynamic formats, such as simulated accident scenarios. Friends often ask which is harder, and I say Subject 1 has a lower threshold, while Subject 4 demands higher cognitive engagement. When helping them review, I always emphasize the real value of Subject 4—it reduces reckless behavior on the road, like the dangers of distracted driving. Comparing study methods, Subject 1 can be tackled with flashcards, while Subject 4 requires more simulation tools to grasp real-life situations. The difference isn’t just in content but also in purpose: Subject 1 teaches compliance, Subject 4 teaches survival. Proper preparation ensures confident driving.
I experienced the old-style driving test, and now there's the addition of Subject 4 as a key difference. Subject 1 tests theoretical rules and was completed earlier; Subject 4 focuses on safety knowledge, added later, emphasizing driving ethics and risk response. The former is foundational, while the latter is an upgrade. The preparation methods differ significantly: Subject 1 relies on memorizing questions, whereas Subject 4 requires analyzing scenarios, such as animated questions simulating emergencies. My daughter just passed it, and she said Subject 4 made her reflect on daily driving habits, like slowing down in rainy conditions. Both tests are necessary, but Subject 4 is more aligned with real-life experience, ensuring new drivers don't rely solely on mechanical operations. To summarize, they are distinguished by their timing and content focus.
