When Can You Schedule Subject Four After Passing Subject Three?
3 Answers
According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses," the timing varies depending on the type of license. For example, for a Class C license: After passing the Subject Three exam, you can take Subject Four on the same afternoon, within 9 days without an appointment, or schedule it after 10 days. Same Afternoon Direct Exam: Since Subject Four is the theoretical part of Subject Three, most cities schedule both Subject Three and Subject Four together when making an appointment. Therefore, on the same afternoon after passing Subject Three, you can directly go to the Subject Four exam site to take the test. No Appointment Within 9 Days: With the upgrade of driving test services, some cities have introduced a new model allowing no-appointment exams within 9 days. Candidates who pass Subject Three can take Subject Four within 9 days by presenting their ID at the exam site. Exam staff will group candidates into no-appointment and appointment groups for easier management. Scheduling After 10 Days: The success of scheduling Subject Four depends on the current number of candidates, student priority, and temporary arrangements at the test center. Candidates closer to their 3-year validity period have higher priority and are more likely to secure an appointment. Unexpected events (e.g., pandemics) may also affect scheduling success. Subject Four, also known as the theoretical driving test, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment. It covers safe and civilized driving requirements, safe driving knowledge in adverse weather and complex road conditions, emergency handling (e.g., tire blowouts), and post-accident procedures. Subject Four Exam Notes: Exam Duration: 45 minutes. Number of Questions: 50 questions, each worth 2 points, proportionally selected from the Subject Four question bank based on the license type. Question Types: Single-choice (including true/false), multiple-choice, with questions presented as animations, images, scenario recognition, or text descriptions. Retake Notes: Failing Subject Four only requires retaking Subject Four, arranged by the driving school. There are no limits on retakes, and no fees are charged for retakes. Subject Four Exam Tips: Focus on error-prone areas and understand the reasons for mistakes. Don’t just memorize correct answers—review regulations, textbooks, or references to grasp the underlying concepts. Categorize and summarize questions. Compare similar questions in the bank to avoid confusion. For example, group traffic signs like "Pedestrian," "Crosswalk," and "Caution: Pedestrians" for clearer understanding. Use memorization techniques. Many questions involve numbers—organize them for easier recall. The driving test consists of three subjects: Subject One (traffic laws and regulations), Subject Two (field driving skills), and Subject Three (road driving skills and safe driving knowledge). Subject Four is the colloquial term for the safe driving theory test under Subject Three, not a separate subject. The safe driving theory test is conducted after Subject Three.
I couldn't wait to check the timing for Subject 4 right after passing Subject 3. My instructor said that as soon as the Subject 3 results are uploaded to the system, you can schedule the exam, usually within 1-3 working days. However, in practice, efficiency varies by region. For example, my colleague in the provincial capital city was able to schedule it the next day, while in my county town, I had to wait three days. I recommend checking the exam schedule directly on the 12123 app—once the system allows scheduling, available dates will automatically appear. Don't waste this waiting time; brush up on your knowledge by doing two sets of mock questions daily. Also, when scheduling, prioritize weekdays as weekend slots are in high demand. Remember to plan your route and prepare your materials in advance, including your ID card and photos, so you can get your license on the spot if you pass.
Recently, I learned that there are tricks to booking the Subject 4 driving test while accompanying my cousin for his license. After passing Subject 3, you need to wait for the driving test system to synchronize the data, which usually takes within 24 hours. Before booking, it's best to confirm with the instructor that the results have been entered into the system, otherwise, you might face the awkward situation of being unable to book. In our area, you can also choose different test time slots. It's recommended to book a morning session when there are fewer people and the examiner is in a better mood. Now, the Traffic Management 12123 app shows the availability of test slots, so picking a less crowded test center increases your chances of success. This is also a good time to brush up on Subject 4 knowledge, focusing on traffic signs, markings, and accident handling questions, as the Subject 4 question bank has 30% new questions compared to Subject 1. If you can't book your ideal date, don't worry—more test slots are usually added in the latter half of each month.
