Driver theory test in Ireland

What is the driver theory test?

It is a computer-based multiple-choice test on the rules of the road and safe driving. You must pass it before you can apply for your first learner permit. The test is run for the RSA, and the only official place to book it is theorytest.ie.

How many questions, and what is the pass mark?

So on the car test you can get five questions wrong and still pass.

How do you book the theory test, and how much is it?

The car or bike test costs €45. Book online at theorytest.ie, choose one of more than 40 test centres, and pick a time. You can pay by Mastercard or Visa (credit or debit), a Revolut card, or by cheque or postal order. Name changes go through Candidate Services on 0818 606 106.

Book only on theorytest.ie, which calls itself the only official booking page.

What ID do you need?

Bring one original document. Photocopies and photos on your phone are not accepted, and your ID is scanned.

• Public Services Card with a photograph
• Passport, valid or expired by no more than 12 months
• Irish Passport Card, in date
• National identity card from an EU or EEA country or Switzerland
• Irish car or motorcycle learner permit or driving licence, valid
• Irish Travel Document
• Current Ukrainian driving licence

The name on your ID must match the name on your booking exactly. Arrive 30 minutes early for check-in. With the wrong ID you cannot sit the test and you lose the fee.

What changes on 1 November 2026?

Two things, both from theorytest.ie:

• Minimum age 15. You must be at least 15 on the day of the test. The test centre cannot check your age for you, so this is your responsibility.
• Some learners must resit. From 1 November 2026 you need to take the theory test again if you apply for a third or fourth learner permit without having taken a driving test in the previous two years, if you have already held four permits (there is no fifth, unless you were medically restricted), or if your permit has been expired for two years or more.

The permit side of these rules is in learner permit rules from 1 November 2026.

Can you take it in Irish or another language?

The car and bike tests are available in Irish. Since December 2025 the car test (BW) can also be taken with a voiceover in 21 languages. You can ask for extra time, a reader-recorder who reads the questions and records your answers, or other support such as help with dyslexia or ISL, by calling 0818 606 106 before you book.

Can you cancel or reschedule?

theorytest.ie also says that missing a test, or cancelling less than five business days before it, can cost you the fee. If your case is close to the line, ask Candidate Services.

What if you fail?

Book again. There is no limit on attempts. theorytest.ie advises waiting at least three complete business days before you resit, which is also a sensible time to go back over the questions you got wrong.

How long does a pass last?

Two years from the test date. Apply to NDLS for your first learner permit within that time, or you sit and pay for the theory test again. See learner permit in Ireland for the application.

How should you prepare?

1. Read the Rules of the Road. The RSA publishes it free. The theory test and the questions at the start of your driving test both come from it.
2. Learn the road signs by group. Shape and colour tell you most of the meaning before you read the symbol. All 215 are on Irish road signs, with the road markings in their own guide.
3. Do timed mock tests. 40 questions in 45 minutes leaves just over a minute each. Practise at that pace until you score 35 or more every time. Our free Rules of the Road questions and road signs quiz cover the material; the official practice is at theorytest.ie.
4. Read every option. Multiple-choice answers often differ by one word.

The theory test is the start. What follows is the learner permit, 12 EDT lessons and the six-month rule before your driving test; the EDT guide explains that part.