What is the difference between Subject 1 and Subject 4?
2 Answers
The main differences between Subject 1 and Subject 4 include: the number of test questions, question types, distribution of exam content, and focus areas. The information is based on 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, whereas 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 duration 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 duration of 45 minutes. The questions are primarily presented in the form of case studies, images, animations, etc., and include true/false, single-choice, and multiple-choice questions, with a full score of 100. Focus areas: Subject 1 mainly 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. Distribution of exam content: Subject 1 exam content breakdown: 20% on driving license and motor vehicle regulations; 25% on road traffic conditions and rules; 25% on traffic violations and penalties; 10% on road traffic accident handling regulations; 10% on basic knowledge of motor vehicles; and 10% on local regulations. Subject 4 exam content breakdown: 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 in the driving test. If you fail, you can reschedule the test. Each scheduled test offers two attempts. If both attempts are failed, you can only retake the test until you pass. Both Subject 1 and Subject 4 are theoretical exams and are part of the motor vehicle driving license assessment. The driving test consists of three subjects: 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; and 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 official terms (i.e., the Ministry of Public Security's Order No. 123), there is no mention of Subject 4.
As a driving instructor who has trained over a thousand students, let me emphasize with my teaching pointer: Subject 1 tests the most basic traffic regulations—static knowledge like how to interpret traffic lights, road sign meanings, and legal overtaking procedures. Subject 4 is the advanced version, designed to curb overconfidence after getting your license! It's all animated video questions, such as which way to steer when skidding on rainy/snowy roads or how to anticipate sudden pedestrian crossings. Simply put: Subject 1 teaches you to pass the test, Subject 4 teaches you to survive driving. Last time, a student failed Subject 4 three times—kept stumbling on life-or-death questions like 'Should you brake hard after a tire blowout?' Remember: The Subject 4 question bank has 1,200 items; 6 wrong answers mean instant failure. My advice? Use apps to repeatedly practice emergency scenario questions.
