The invention relates to a test system for simulating the deformation and failure characteristics of a tunnel. The test system comprises a tunnel secondary lining model used as a test object for simulating the structure of the tunnel; an external load resistance subsystem disposed on the periphery of the outer surface of the tunnel secondary lining model and used for applying a variable external load to the tunnel secondary lining model in order to simulate an interaction between a surrounding rock and the tunnel; a measurement subsystem disposed on the tunnel secondary lining model and used for acquiring relevant data before and after the external load resistance subsystem acts on the tunnel secondary lining model; and a servo controller connected with the external load resistance subsystem and the measurement subsystem, and used for receiving the relevant data acquired by the measurement subsystem and controlling the degree of the external load applied by the external load resistancesubsystem to the tunnel secondary liner model. Compared with the prior art, the test system has a high actual load environment simulation degree, high test accuracy and a high prototype matching degree.