What is the difference between Theory Test 3 and Test 4?
4 Answers
There is no difference between the Theory Test 3 and Test 4. In fact, there is no "Subject 4," but people are accustomed to this term, and it has become widely known. Here are the relevant details: 1. Two components: Subject 3 test consists of two parts: the road test and an additional safety and civilized driving knowledge test, commonly referred to as "Subject 4," which assesses "driving ethics." The test paper consists of 50 questions, presented in the form of case studies, images, animations, etc., with a full score of 100 and a passing score of 90. 2. Subject 3: The ability to drive a motor vehicle on the road to complete test items, comply with traffic laws and regulations, and comprehensively control the vehicle; the proper use of lights, horns, seat belts, and other devices; and the ability to correctly observe and judge road traffic conditions.
I remember when I was taking the driver's license test, there was quite a difference between Subject 3 and Subject 4. Subject 3 was the road test, where you actually had to drive on the road with an examiner in the passenger seat evaluating your skills like turning, parking, and lane changing. It tested hand-eye coordination and reaction speed, which made me quite nervous because even a small mistake could mean failing. Subject 4 was different—it was a theoretical test. After passing Subject 3, you went straight into the exam room to answer questions on a computer, mainly about traffic rules, the meaning of road signs, and safety knowledge, with no practical pressure. Essentially, Subject 3 focuses on driving ability, while Subject 4 emphasizes safety awareness. For preparation, I recommend focusing first on practicing driving, and after passing Subject 3, then brushing up on the question bank for Subject 4. The transition between the two is quick, so don’t forget to bring all necessary documents and maintain the right mindset to avoid failing.
When teaching students, I always emphasize the differences between Subject 3 and Subject 4. Subject 3 tests your actual driving skills, such as controlling speed, avoiding obstacles, or parking techniques, with the examiner scoring on-site, focusing on operational precision. Subject 4, on the other hand, is a written test mode, examining traffic regulations and civilized driving knowledge, like emergency handling and accident prevention. The purposes of the two differ: Subject 3 ensures you can drive safely, while Subject 4 instills a sense of safety responsibility. From a preparation perspective, it is recommended to practice more on Subject 3 skills, while Subject 4 review can be simpler but still requires careful preparation of official materials. The overall exam design is interlocking, and passing them means you are not far from getting your license.
I just passed my driving test, and the difference between Subject 3 and Subject 4 is very clear. Subject 3 is the road test part, where I got into the car and drove under the examiner's supervision, performing maneuvers like U-turns or hill starts—it felt like a practical exam with immediate point deductions for mistakes. Subject 4, on the other hand, is a computer-based test that assesses traffic rules through multiple-choice questions; the content is straightforward but covers key points of safe driving. Preparation process: Subject 3 required time to practice driving skills, while Subject 4 just involved memorizing the question bank from an app. After passing Subject 3, you usually take Subject 4 shortly after, with a smooth transition. From my experience, don’t worry too much about the theory part—focus more on practical practice.
