Everything you need to know about the written driving theory exam in China — its format, passing score and eligibility — plus how to study for it in English.
← Start practisingSubject 1 (科目一) is the written theory exam of China's four-part driving licence process. It covers traffic laws and regulations, road signs and signals, and safe-driving basics. You take it on a computer at a vehicle management office (车管所) or an authorised testing centre.
The exam is 100 questions with a 45-minute time limit. You need 90 correct answers to pass, which is 90%. Questions are a mix of multiple-choice and true/false statements.
Subject 1 is the written theory exam. Subject 2 is closed-course manoeuvres such as parking and hill starts. Subject 3 is on-road driving. The fourth block covers safe and civilised driving knowledge, commonly called Subject 4, which is another computer-based theory exam.
The official exam is normally administered in Chinese. Kemu One is a study tool that presents practice questions in English so you can learn the material and the vocabulary first, then sit the official exam itself.
Foreign nationals holding a valid residence permit can apply for a Chinese driving licence, generally by taking the same four subjects as local applicants. Requirements vary by city and by nationality, so confirm the current rules with your local 车管所 before applying.
Kemu One loads 1,955 practice questions across all five official topic categories: road traffic rules and regulations, motor vehicle basics, traffic signs and signals, safety violations and penalties, and traffic accident handling.
Traffic laws and regulations, traffic signals and road signs, safe and civilised driving practices, motor vehicle operating knowledge, handling traffic violations and penalties including the demerit point system, and traffic accident procedures.
Drivers start with 12 points in each 12-month cycle. Violations deduct points — for example running a red light costs 6 points and driving without a licence costs 12. Reaching zero points in a cycle requires completing safety education and passing a test to have the points restored.
Most learners are ready within one to two weeks of daily practice. The most efficient pattern is to work through each topic once, review every question you get wrong, then take timed mock exams until you score 95% or better several times in a row.
No account is needed to start. The free tier lets you work through the first 10 questions of each topic and take one mock exam. A paid plan unlocks all 1,955 questions, unlimited mock exams and answer explanations, and can be restored on any device using your email.
Study aid, not the official question bank. Kemu One's questions are English study translations prepared for practice. The official exam is set in Chinese and its question set is published by the traffic authority — always prepare against the current official material for your city.
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