What is the Newly Added Subject 5 in the Driver's License Test?
3 Answers
Subject 5 is currently fake news. There is no Subject 5 in the current driver's license test. According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses" implemented from April 1, 2016, the content of the motor vehicle driver's test is divided into the subject of road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge (referred to as "Subject 1"), the subject of field driving skills (referred to as "Subject 2"), and the subject of road driving skills and safe and civilized driving common sense (referred to as "Subject 3"). The specific introduction is as follows: 1. Subject 1: The subject of road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge. The structure of the test question bank and the basic question types are formulated by the Ministry of Public Security, and the traffic management departments of provincial public security organs establish the test question bank of the province (autonomous region, municipality directly under the Central Government) in combination with local actual conditions. 2. Subject 2: The subject of field driving skills. The test items include: reversing into a garage, stopping and starting on a slope, turning at a right angle, driving on a curve, and parallel parking. In cities like Shanghai, Subject 2 includes nine compulsory test items: reversing into a garage, turning at a right angle, parallel parking, driving through a tunnel, parking to take a card, driving on a curve, turning around on a narrow road, emergency stopping, and stopping and starting on a slope. 3. Subject 3: The subject of road driving skills. The basic test items include: preparation before starting (walking around the vehicle counterclockwise, fastening the seat belt, turning on the left turn signal, shifting gears, releasing the handbrake, and honking the horn), starting, driving straight, changing lanes, passing through intersections, parking by the roadside, passing through pedestrian crossings, passing through school zones, passing through bus stops, meeting vehicles, overtaking, turning around, and driving at night. 4. Subject 4: Safe and civilized driving common sense. Test items: knowledge related to safe and civilized driving.
When I got my driver's license last year, I only studied four subjects: Subject 1 was the theoretical exam focusing on traffic rules and knowledge through practice questions, Subject 2 tested parking skills like reverse parking and parallel parking in a closed course, Subject 3 involved actual road driving with maneuvers like lane changes and stopping, and Subject 4 covered safety and civilized driving concepts for review. There’s no such thing as a newly added Subject 5—I discussed this with my driving instructor, who said the rumor is false and might stem from online misinformation or extra training offered by local driving schools, such as highway simulations, but it’s not an official exam. I advise beginners not to believe rumors and to focus on mastering the current curriculum. After getting your license, keep practicing, especially for night driving—pay attention to visibility, stay on the right side, avoid speeding, and always remember safety comes first.
With years of experience in teaching driving, I can confirm that the driving test consists of four fixed sections: Theory Test (Subject 1) covers traffic regulations, Field Test (Subject 2) assesses parking and maneuvering skills, Road Test (Subject 3) evaluates lane changing and roadside parking abilities, and Safety Test (Subject 4) emphasizes civilized driving. The so-called new Subject 5 is purely a rumor. I have confirmed with the transportation department that there is no such notification. Students often ask about it, but I always emphasize focusing on current training and not worrying about unnecessary matters. Real driving requires caution, such as slowing down in rainy or foggy weather and maintaining a safe distance. Common mistakes made by beginners can be corrected by practicing basic skills, which is the key. Never get distracted by your phone. Safe driving relies on the accumulation of good habits.
