What is the process for the two-attempt opportunity in the Subject 1 exam?
3 Answers
The "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses" clearly stipulate that on the day of the Subject 1 make-up exam, candidates can take the exam twice. If the first attempt is unsuccessful, a second free make-up attempt is allowed. If the second attempt also fails, the Subject 1 exam for that session is terminated, and the candidate must wait ten days before rescheduling. Subject 1, also known as the Subject 1 theory test or driver theory test, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment. The exam content includes driving theory basics, road safety laws and regulations, local regulations, and related knowledge. The exam format is computer-based, with a time limit of 45 minutes. A passing score for Subject 1 is 90 points. The exam consists of 100 questions, divided into single-choice and true/false questions, each worth 1 point, totaling 100 points. If 11 questions are answered incorrectly during the exam, the system will automatically submit the test and end the session. Subject 1 exam content: Driver's license and motor vehicle management regulations; Road traffic conditions and regulations; Road traffic safety violations and penalties; Road traffic accident handling regulations; Basic knowledge of motor vehicles; Local regulations; Knowledge of braking systems and safety devices for large and medium-sized passenger and freight vehicles; Specialized knowledge for wheeled self-propelled machinery, trams, and trolleybuses. Subject 1 exam precautions: Candidates should dress appropriately for the exam; no slippers are allowed. Electronic devices and bags are not permitted in the exam room. Bring your ID card and queue to enter the waiting hall. Observe the precautions and procedures on the large screen, and store personal belongings in lockers before entering the exam room. Upon entering, the identity verification station will assign a seat. Once seated, begin the exam. Ensure the camera is aligned with you and adhere to exam discipline. If you fail the first attempt, a same-day make-up is available. If you fail again, you must pay to reschedule. After the exam, queue to collect your score report and sign it. Unsigned reports are considered invalid. There is no limit to the number of times you can reschedule the Subject 1 exam. Each subject can be taken once, with one make-up attempt if you fail. If you do not take the make-up or fail it, the exam session is terminated, and you must reschedule. For Subject 2 and Subject 3, there are only five exam attempts. Subject 2 and Subject 3 exams must be rescheduled ten days later. If you fail the Subject 3 safe and civilized driving knowledge test, your previously passed road driving skills test scores remain valid. There are three subjects in the driver's license exam: 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: road driving skills and safe and civilized driving knowledge tests. 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 the term "Subject 4."
I took the theory test (Subject 1) last year and clearly remember the whole process being quite straightforward. Before your first attempt, you need to register and schedule an appointment, then bring your ID to the test center. On exam day, after check-in and identity verification, you'll enter the testing room for computer-based questions covering traffic rules and road signs. If you fail the first attempt (scoring below 90), don't worry—you get an immediate second chance. The staff will have you wait briefly to queue for a retake, which just requires paying a small fee (usually around tens of RMB). The retake covers identical content, so stay calm. The entire process takes under two hours max—just practice mock tests beforehand using apps like 'Driving Test Prep'. I failed my first try due to poor time management and random guessing, but passed after staying composed on the second round. Many say this setup gives beginners extra opportunities to ease nerves, but don't rely on it—solid preparation is key.
I just passed the written test (Subject 1) not long ago. As a beginner, I was quite nervous to be honest. The process starts with scheduling the exam—you fill in your personal information and select a time slot. On the test day, bring your ID card to the exam center. After entering, the proctor verifies your identity and assigns a seat number. You then sit down and answer 100 questions on the computer. If you fail the first attempt, don’t panic—the test center will immediately arrange a second chance for you to retake the exam on the same day. My friend missed passing by two points the first time, but after paying a small retake fee, he passed on the second attempt. The whole process is quick, with the retake taking less than half an hour. The key is to practice mock tests repeatedly—I recommend using mobile apps to familiarize yourself with the question types beforehand. The second chance felt like a lifesaver, helping me adjust my mindset. Also, avoid staying up late and eat a good breakfast before the exam—being in good condition makes passing easier.