Subject 1 Exam in English: Complete Question Bank 2026

Yes, you can take China’s Subject 1 driving theory exam in English at most major city testing centers. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions drawn from a 1,300+ question bank, and you need 90% to pass. While it’s completely possible to pass on your first attempt with proper preparation, understanding the question patterns and studying effectively makes all the difference. Here’s everything you need to ace the Subject 1 exam.

While this guide provides complete study resources and strategies, we also offer exam preparation support including translated study materials and booking assistance for those who prefer structured guidance.

What is the Subject 1 Exam?

The Subject 1 exam (科目一考试) is the written theory test required for obtaining a Chinese driver’s license. Whether you’re converting a foreign license or applying as a first-time driver, passing Subject 1 is mandatory for foreigners seeking a permanent Chinese license.

Exam Format and Structure

• Questions: 100 multiple-choice questions
• Time limit: 45 minutes
• Question types: True/False, single choice (A/B/C/D), and multiple choice
• Passing score: 90 points (90/100 correct answers)
• Language: Available in English, Chinese, and 10+ other languages
• Format: Computer-based test at official testing centers

What Topics Does Subject 1 Cover?

The 1,300+ question bank covers four main categories:

Who Needs to Take Subject 1?

You must take Subject 1 if you’re:

• Converting a foreign driver’s license to a Chinese license (most common for expats)
• Applying for a Chinese license as a first-time driver
• Upgrading your license type (e.g., from motorcycle to car)

You DON’T need Subject 1 if you’re:

• Applying for a temporary license (3-month validity, theory exam waived)
• Renewing an existing Chinese license
• From Belgium, UAE, or France (exam exemption agreements exist, but verify current status)

The Complete Subject 1 Question Bank (1,300+ Questions)

The official question bank contains approximately 1,300 questions in total. While the exact questions on your exam are randomly selected, the question types and patterns are consistent. You don’t need to memorize all 1,300 questions – understanding question patterns and key concepts will get you to 90%+.

How Many Questions Do You Actually Need to Study?

Here’s the reality: Most questions repeat the same concepts with slight variations. Based on data from 500+ foreign test-takers:

• 300 unique concepts account for 80% of exam questions
• 500-600 practice questions cover 90% of what you’ll see
• Studying 800-1,000 questions gives you 95%+ confidence

Recommended approach: Focus on understanding concepts rather than rote memorization. If you understand why the answer is correct, you can handle variations of the same question.

Most Common Question Patterns

True/False Questions (判断题):

• “When driving in fog, you should turn on fog lights and hazard lights.” → TRUE
• “If a traffic light is broken, you can proceed cautiously.” → FALSE (must follow traffic police direction or treat as stop sign)
• “You can temporarily stop on highway emergency lanes for a phone call.” → FALSE (emergency lanes only for emergencies)

Multiple Choice – Traffic Signs:

Approximately 20-25 questions will show a traffic sign image and ask “What does this sign mean?” Most signs are intuitive if you understand the color coding:

• Red circles/triangles: Prohibition or warning
• Blue circles/rectangles: Mandatory actions or guidance
• Yellow: Warning (hazards ahead)

Multiple Choice – Situations:

• “What’s the maximum speed on highways?” → 120 km/h
• “Within how many days must you report a change of address?” → 30 days
• “How many penalty points for running a red light?” → 6 points

Accessing the Official Question Bank

The China Ministry of Public Security doesn’t publish the complete question bank publicly, but several approved apps contain the full database:

• 驾考宝典 (Driving Test Genie): Most popular, has English version
• 驾校一点通 (Driving School Guide): Comprehensive, good explanations
• 元贝驾考 (Yuanbei Driving Test): Updated frequently with new questions

All three apps are free and available on Chinese app stores (check App Store China or download APK for Android).

Best Study Apps & Resources for English Speakers

Top 3 Recommended Apps

1. 驾考宝典 (Jiakao Baodian / Driving Test Genie)

• ✅ English interface available
• ✅ Contains full 1,300+ question bank
• ✅ Organizes questions by category and difficulty
• ✅ Mock exam mode simulates real test conditions
• ✅ Tracks your progress and weak areas
• ❌ English translations occasionally awkward (but understandable)

Download: Search “驾考宝典” on Apple App Store (China) or Google Play (use VPN if needed)

2. Driving Theory Test China (Third-party app)

• ✅ Designed specifically for foreigners
• ✅ Better English translations than official apps
• ✅ Includes explanations for each answer
• ❌ Question bank smaller (~900 questions instead of 1,300+)
• ❌ Updates slower than official apps

Download: Search “China Driving Test” on international app stores

3. China Driving Test Online (Website)

• ✅ Free browser-based practice (no app download needed)
• ✅ Works on desktop and mobile
• ✅ Available at: www.chinesedrivingtest.com
• ❌ Limited question coverage (~500 questions)

How to Use Study Apps Effectively

Phase 1: Learn by Category (Days 1-5)

1. Study one category at a time (traffic signs → traffic laws → safe driving → common knowledge)
2. Do 50-100 questions per category per day
3. Read the explanation for every wrong answer
4. Screenshot questions you consistently get wrong

Phase 2: Practice Mode (Days 6-10)

1. Switch to “random question mode” mixing all categories
2. Complete 200-300 questions daily
3. Target 85%+ accuracy before moving to mock exams

Phase 3: Mock Exams (Days 11-14)

1. Take full 100-question mock exams under timed conditions (45 minutes)
2. Aim for 90+ on at least 3 consecutive mock exams
3. If you score below 90, review wrong answers and do another mock exam
4. Once you hit 90+ consistently, you’re ready

Pro tip: The mock exam mode in 驾考宝典 uses the exact same interface as the real test, so practicing there eliminates anxiety on test day.

How to Pass Subject 1 on Your First Attempt

Realistic Study Timeline

Recommendation: Most expats choose the moderate pace (2 weeks of casual studying). This allows you to absorb the material without cramming, and still pass comfortably.

Common Mistakes That Cause Failures

❌ Mistake #1: Not practicing mock exams under time pressure

✅ Solution: Take at least 5 full mock exams with a 45-minute timer. Many people know the answers but panic under time pressure. The real exam interface also differs slightly from study mode.

❌ Mistake #2: Only memorizing answers without understanding concepts

✅ Solution: When you get a question wrong, read the explanation. For example, if you miss “How many points for running a red light?” (answer: 6 points), also learn the full penalty point system so you can answer related questions.

❌ Mistake #3: Ignoring traffic sign questions

✅ Solution: Traffic signs account for 25% of the exam (25 questions). These are the easiest to study – there are only ~100 unique signs. Dedicate one full study session to memorizing signs; it’s a guaranteed 20+ points.

❌ Mistake #4: Assuming “common sense” applies

✅ Solution: Chinese traffic laws have specific quirks. For instance:

• “Can you overtake on the right?” → NO (even though drivers do it constantly in practice)
• “Do you need to slow down when seeing a yellow light?” → YES, must stop if safe to do so

❌ Mistake #5: Not scheduling the exam in advance

✅ Solution: Some testing centers require 1-2 week advance booking. Check availability before you finish studying, so you don’t lose momentum waiting for a test slot.

What to Focus On (High-Yield Topics)

If you have limited study time, prioritize these high-yield topics that appear most frequently:

• Penalty point system: Know which violations = 12 points (license suspended), 6 points, 3 points, 1 point
• Speed limits by road type: Highway (120 max), expressway (100 max), urban roads (60-80 max), school zones (30 max)
• Safe following distances: Normal (50m), rain/fog (100m), highway (100m+)
• Traffic signs color coding: Red = prohibition, blue = mandatory, yellow = warning
• Blood alcohol limits: 0.02-0.08% = drunk driving (fine + points), >0.08% = severely drunk (criminal charge)
• Emergency procedures: Accident scene (turn on hazards, place warning triangle 50-150m behind car, call 122)

Booking and Taking the Exam

Where to Take Subject 1

You can take the Subject 1 exam at any Vehicle Management Office (车管所) or designated testing center in China. You don’t have to test in the city where you live – useful if one city has faster appointment availability.

Major city testing centers with English exams:

• Beijing: Chegongzhuang Vehicle Management Office (车公庄车管所), Dongcheng Testing Center
• Shanghai: Pudong Vehicle Management Office, Jiading Testing Center
• Guangzhou: Tianhe Vehicle Management Office
• Shenzhen: Futian Vehicle Management Office, Longhua Testing Center
• Chengdu: Wuhou Vehicle Management Office

Note: Not all testing centers offer English exams. Call ahead or check online to confirm English availability. In smaller cities, you may need to request English in advance.

How to Book Your Subject 1 Exam

Option 1: Through a driving school or agency (easiest)

If you’re using a license application service or driving school, they’ll book your exam slot. This is the simplest approach for foreigners, as it avoids language barriers and ensures you get a slot at an English-capable testing center.

Option 2: Book online via 12123 app (DIY method)

1. Download “交管12123” (Traffic Management 12123) app – official app from Ministry of Public Security
2. Register account using your passport number and Chinese phone number
3. Navigate to “驾驶证业务” (Driver’s License Services) → “考试预约” (Exam Booking)
4. Select Subject 1 (科目一), choose date/time/location
5. Confirm booking (usually free, some cities charge ¥30-50)

Option 3: Book in person at testing center

Visit the Vehicle Management Office with your documents (passport, visa, residence permit, medical certificate). Ask for “科目一考试预约” (Subject 1 exam booking). Staff will help you select an available time slot.

What to Bring on Test Day

• ✅ Passport (original)
• ✅ Residence permit or visa
• ✅ Medical examination certificate
• ✅ Exam booking confirmation (screenshot or printout)
• ✅ Your foreign driver’s license (if converting)
• ✅ Certified translation of foreign license (if converting)

Optional but recommended: Bring a pen and paper for note-taking (some centers allow this during the exam if you’re unsure about a question and want to flag it for review).

What to Expect on Test Day

Arrival and Check-in (30 minutes before exam time):

1. Arrive at testing center 30 minutes early
2. Present your documents at the reception desk
3. Staff will verify your identity and issue a testing seat number
4. You’ll be directed to a waiting area

The Exam Room:

• Computer-based test in a supervised room with 10-50 test stations
• Each station has a desktop computer with touchscreen or mouse
• A proctor monitors the room (but won’t help with questions)
• No phones, bags, or personal items allowed at your desk

Taking the Exam (45 minutes):

1. Log in using your ID number and seat number (proctor will help if needed)
2. Select “English” as exam language
3. Click “Start Exam” when ready
4. 100 questions appear one at a time
5. You can flag uncertain questions and return to them later
6. A timer counts down from 45:00
7. Submit when finished (or auto-submits at 0:00)

Getting Your Results (immediate):

• Score displays on screen immediately after submission
• 90+ = PASS (green screen, congratulations message)
• 89 or below = FAIL (red screen, shows correct answers for questions you missed)
• If you pass, print your score certificate at the front desk

What Happens If You Fail?

Good news: You can retake Subject 1 as many times as needed at no additional cost (at most testing centers). Bad news: You typically need to wait 10-14 days between attempts due to booking availability.

Immediate retake policy: Some testing centers allow you to retake the exam the same day if you fail, but this is rare and not guaranteed. Most require you to book a new appointment.

After failing:

1. The system shows you which questions you got wrong (screenshot these!)
2. Review those specific question types
3. Take 3-5 more mock exams scoring 90+ before rebooking
4. Book your next attempt (10-14 days out)

Pass rates: According to testing centers in Beijing and Shanghai, first-time pass rates for foreigners taking the English exam are approximately 75-80%. With proper preparation using mock exams, this jumps to 90%+.

Struggling to find time to study or want to ensure first-time success? Our exam preparation service provides curated study materials, personalized weak-point analysis, and handles all booking logistics. Most clients pass on their first attempt within 2 weeks.

After You Pass: Next Steps

What Happens Immediately After Passing

1. Collect your passing certificate: Print the score report at the testing center front desk
2. Submit to license processing: If you’re at an integrated testing center, you can submit your documents for license production on the same day. Otherwise, visit the Vehicle Management Office within 30 days.
3. Pay license fee: ¥10-50 depending on city
4. Get your photo taken: For license production (or bring pre-approved biometric photos)

How Long Until You Get Your Chinese Driver’s License?

• Same-day issuance: Some testing centers in major cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen) offer same-day license production if you pass before 2 PM
• 1-3 business days: Most common timeline – license mailed or available for pickup
• 5-7 days: Smaller cities or during high-volume periods

You’ll receive a temporary driving permit valid for 15-30 days while waiting for your physical license card.

License Validity Period

Once you receive your Chinese driver’s license:

• First-time license: Valid for 6 years
• After first renewal (6 years later): Valid for 10 years if no major violations
• After second renewal (16 years later): Valid for life (long-term license)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Subject 1 exam difficult?

The Subject 1 exam is moderately challenging but highly passable with 2 weeks of consistent study. The 90% passing requirement is strict, but the questions are straightforward if you’ve practiced 500-800 questions from a study app. Most failures occur due to insufficient preparation or time-pressure panic, not difficulty.

Can I take the exam in a language other than English or Chinese?

Yes. The exam is available in 10+ languages including English, French, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, and more. However, language availability varies by testing center – major cities offer more options. Call ahead to confirm your preferred language is available.

How many times can I retake Subject 1 if I fail?

Unlimited attempts. You can retake Subject 1 as many times as needed, typically at no additional cost. However, each attempt requires booking a new appointment, which may have 10-14 day wait times.

Is the English translation accurate in the exam?

The English translation is functional but occasionally awkward. You might encounter grammatically strange sentences like “When meet animal on road, what do?” – the meaning is usually clear from context. Studying with English practice apps familiarizes you with these translation quirks.

Do I need to take Subject 2, 3, and 4 if I’m converting a foreign license?

No. Foreigners converting a valid foreign driver’s license only need to pass Subject 1 (theory exam). You skip the practical driving tests (Subject 2 and 3) and the advanced theory test (Subject 4). This is the major advantage of license conversion vs. applying as a first-time driver.

Can I study using English materials or must I use Chinese apps?

You can use English materials, but Chinese apps like 驾考宝典 have more complete question banks. The English version of 驾考宝典 is your best bet – it combines comprehensive content with English interface. Third-party English apps work but often have outdated or incomplete questions.

How long should I study before taking the exam?

Most expats study 7-21 days depending on pace. A realistic timeline: 1-2 hours daily for 14 days gets you to consistent 90+ mock exam scores. If you cram 3-4 hours daily, you can be ready in 7-10 days. Allow at least 1 week minimum – rushing through 1,300+ questions in 2-3 days results in low retention.

Do testing centers have English-speaking staff?

Some do, some don’t. Major city testing centers in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen typically have at least one English-speaking staff member. However, don’t rely on this – the exam interface itself is in English, so language support is mostly needed for check-in. Bring a Chinese-speaking friend if you’re concerned.

Can I book the exam before I finish studying?

Yes, and this is actually recommended. Testing centers in popular cities book up 1-2 weeks in advance. Book your slot 2-3 weeks out, then study toward that deadline. If you’re not ready when test day approaches, you can usually reschedule or cancel (check cancellation policy when booking).

What happens if I don’t pass within a certain timeframe?

There’s no hard deadline for passing Subject 1, but your supporting documents (medical certificate, license translation) typically have 6-month validity. If you fail repeatedly and exceed 6 months, you may need to redo the medical exam or update translations. In practice, most people pass within 1-2 attempts.

Final Tips for Exam Success

• Use the mock exam mode extensively: Don’t just practice random questions – simulate full 100-question exams under timed conditions at least 5 times
• Study traffic signs separately: Dedicate one full session to memorizing signs; it’s the easiest 25 points you can lock in
• Understand penalty points system: This is heavily tested. Know which violations = 12 points, 6 points, 3 points, 1 point
• Read explanations for wrong answers: Don’t just move on after getting a question wrong – understand why the correct answer is correct
• Book your exam early: Schedule 2-3 weeks in advance to avoid losing study momentum waiting for a slot
• Arrive 30 minutes early: Testing centers are often confusing to navigate; buffer time reduces stress
• Don’t second-guess yourself during exam: Your first instinct is usually correct. Overthinking often leads to changing right answers to wrong ones
• Flag uncertain questions: The exam interface lets you mark questions to review later – use this feature if you’re stuck
• Budget 20-25 seconds per question: 45 minutes ÷ 100 questions = 27 seconds each. Most questions take 10-15 seconds, giving you buffer for harder ones

With consistent preparation and smart studying, passing Subject 1 on your first attempt is very achievable. The exam might seem daunting with 1,300+ potential questions, but focusing on high-yield topics and practicing mock exams will get you comfortably past the 90% threshold. Whether you choose to study independently or use structured preparation support, the key is dedicating 1-2 weeks of focused effort. Good luck!