Licences, permits and documents: 38 theory test questions

All 38 questions, answers and sources

1. What must you hold before driving any motor vehicle in a public place?

   1. A current driving licence or learner permit
   2. A theory test pass certificate on its own
   3. An NCT certificate in your own name
   4. A completed EDT logbook with ADI stamps
   Show the answer

   A: A current driving licence or learner permit. You need a current licence or learner permit to drive any motor vehicle in a public place. A theory pass alone is not enough.

   “You must hold a current driving licence or a learner permit before driving any…”

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2. You hold a full category B licence. What is the heaviest trailer (MAM) you can tow, whatever the combined weight?

   1. 500kg
   2. 750kg
   3. 1,000kg
   4. 1,500kg
   Show the answer

   B: 750kg. A category B holder may tow a trailer whose maximum authorised mass is 750kg or less.

   “…the total maximum authorised mass (MAM) of the trailer is 750kg or less…”

3. With a full category B licence you want to tow a trailer over 750kg. What is the most the car and trailer together can weigh (MAM)?

   1. 2,500kg
   2. 5,000kg
   3. 7,000kg
   4. 3,500kg
   Show the answer

   D: 3,500kg. If the trailer is over 750kg, the car and trailer together must have a MAM of no more than 3,500kg.

   “…the combined MAM of the vehicle and trailer is no more than 3,500kg.”

4. You want to tow a trailer heavier than a category B licence allows. What licence do you need?

   1. Category C1
   2. Category W
   3. Category AM
   4. Category BE
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   D: Category BE. Towing a heavier trailer with a car requires a category BE licence.

   “When you use a car to tow a heavier trailer, you must hold a category BE…”

5. What must you pass before you apply for your learner permit?

   1. The driver theory test
   2. The practical driving test
   3. Twelve EDT lessons
   4. An eyesight test at the NCT
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   A: The driver theory test. The theory test comes first. You cannot apply for a learner permit until you pass it.

   “…for your learner permit you must pass your driver theory test (see pages 17–18).”

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6. You are booking your driving test. Which learner permit must you hold?

   1. Any learner permit, whatever the category
   2. A permit held for at least two years
   3. One for the same category as the test vehicle
   4. A permit for a higher category than the test
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   C: One for the same category as the test vehicle. Your learner permit must cover the same category of vehicle you will use on the test.

   “…test. Your permit must be for the same category of vehicle as the one you will…”

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7. Who must fill in your eyesight report form?

   1. Your Approved Driving Instructor (ADI)
   2. A Garda at your local Garda station
   3. A registered doctor or ophthalmic optician
   4. Any staff member at an NDLS centre
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   C: A registered doctor or ophthalmic optician. Only a registered doctor or ophthalmic optician can complete the eyesight report.

   “A registered doctor or ophthalmic optician must fill in the eyesight report form.”

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8. When must a category B applicant supply a medical report because of age?

   1. If under 18 on the day you apply
   2. If 70 or older when the permit is granted
   3. If 60 or older on the day you apply
   4. If 65 or older when the permit is granted
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   B: If 70 or older when the permit is granted. A medical report is needed if you will be 70 or more on the first day the learner permit is granted.

   “You will be 70 years of age or more on the first day the learner permit is…”

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9. You take a medication that is likely to affect your driving. What does this mean for your permit application?

   1. You must supply a medical report
   2. You must resit the theory test first
   3. You must take the EDT course twice
   4. You must hold a category W permit first
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   A: You must supply a medical report. Taking drugs or medication likely to affect driving is one of the cases where a medical report is required.

   “You are taking drugs or medications that are likely to affect your driving.”

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10. You hold your first category B learner permit. How soon can you take the driving test?

    1. Straight away, once you have the permit
    2. Three months after the permit start date
    3. Twelve months after the permit start date
    4. Six months after the permit start date
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    D: Six months after the permit start date. First-time learner permit holders must wait six months from the permit start date before taking the test.

    “…to take a driving test for a six-month period after the start date of your permit.”

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11. Who is exempt from the six-month rule if they send the right documents to the RSA?

    1. Anyone who has passed the theory test first time
    2. A full licence holder from abroad in the same category for over 6 months
    3. Anyone aged over 25 on the permit start date
    4. Anyone who has finished all 12 EDT lessons early
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    B: A full licence holder from abroad in the same category for over 6 months. Someone who has held a full licence in the same category from another country for more than 6 months does not have to wait.

    “…another country for more than 6 months, provided the holder forwards a…”

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12. You hold a category BE learner permit for car and trailer. Do you have to wait six months before the test?

    1. No, BE permit holders do not need to wait
    2. Yes, the full six months like a car permit
    3. Yes, but only three months
    4. Only if they are under 21 years old
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    A: No, BE permit holders do not need to wait. Category BE is an exception to the six-month rule.

    “…permit holders in category BE (car or van and trailer) do not need to wait…”

13. A driver on the Reduced EDT programme wants to sit the Irish test. Must they wait six months?

    1. Yes, six months from the permit start
    2. Yes, until all 12 EDT lessons are done
    3. Yes, unless they pay a higher fee
    4. No, they are not required to wait
    Show the answer

    D: No, they are not required to wait. Drivers eligible for Reduced EDT do not have to wait 6 months before the Irish driving test.

    “Drivers who are eligible for the Reduced EDT programme will not be required to…”

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14. You have just got your first full licence. For how long must you display N-plates?

    1. 6 months
    2. 1 year
    3. 3 years
    4. 2 years
    Show the answer

    D: 2 years. A novice driver must display N-plates for 2 years from getting their first full licence.

    “As a novice driver, you must display N-plates on your vehicle for 2 years.”

15. Your friend has had a full licence for one year. Can they act as your accompanying driver on your learner permit?

    1. No, a novice driver must not act as one
    2. Yes, any full licence holder can do it
    3. Yes, as long as they display N-plates
    4. Yes, but only on quiet rural roads
    Show the answer

    A: No, a novice driver must not act as one. A novice driver is not allowed to act as an accompanying driver for a learner.

    “…this is still the case for learner drivers). However, a novice driver must not act…”

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16. You held a car licence for over 2 years and now get a licence for another category. Are you a novice again?

    1. Yes, for another 2 years in the new category
    2. Yes, for 1 year in that category
    3. No, the novice period applies only once
    4. Only if the new category is a heavier one
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    C: No, the novice period applies only once. The novice period only applies once, so a later new category does not restart it.

    “This novice period applies only once. For example, if you hold a driving licence…”

17. As a novice driver, where must your N-plates be shown?

    1. On the rear window only
    2. At the front and rear of the vehicle
    3. On the front windscreen only
    4. On the driver's door and rear bumper
    Show the answer

    B: At the front and rear of the vehicle. Novice drivers must have an N-plate sign on both the front and the rear.

    “Is there an N-plate sign at the front and rear of your vehicle? (if you are a…”

18. Which passenger cars must have a valid NCT certificate?

    1. Cars over 4 years old
    2. Cars over 2 years old
    3. Cars over 6 years old
    4. Only cars over 10 years old
    Show the answer

    A: Cars over 4 years old. Passenger cars older than 4 years need a valid NCT certificate and must show the disc.

    “Passenger cars over 4 years old must have a valid NCT Certificate and…”

19. How often must a 7-year-old passenger car be tested?

    1. Every year
    2. Every 2 years
    3. Every 3 years
    4. Every 4 years
    Show the answer

    B: Every 2 years. Cars between 4 and 10 years old must be tested every 2 years.

    “Passenger cars between 4 and 10 years old must be tested every 2 years.”

20. How often must a 12-year-old passenger car be tested?

    1. Every 2 years
    2. Every 3 years
    3. Every year
    4. Every 6 months
    Show the answer

    C: Every year. Cars over 10 years old must have the NCT every year.

    “Passenger cars over 10 years old must be tested every year.”

21. By law, what must you tell your insurance company before you drive?

    1. Every journey you are planning to make
    2. The name of your driving instructor
    3. Relevant facts such as your penalty points
    4. The NCT centre where your car was tested
    Show the answer

    C: Relevant facts such as your penalty points. You must tell your insurer relevant information, such as penalty points and changes in medical fitness, before driving.

    “…such as penalty points and changes in your medical fitness to drive, before you…”

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22. Your car is insured but the insurance disc is not on display. Is that an offence?

    1. No, valid cover is enough
    2. Yes, the disc must be displayed
    3. Only if the car is over 4 years old
    4. Only on motorways
    Show the answer

    B: Yes, the disc must be displayed. You need to display a current insurance disc. Not having it on display is an offence.

    “You need to display an up-to-date insurance disc. It is an offence not to have the…”

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23. A trailer is parked on a public road and not being towed. Must it be insured?

    1. No, only while it is being towed
    2. No, trailers never need insurance cover
    3. Only if the trailer weighs over 750kg
    4. Yes, towed or parked it needs cover
    Show the answer

    D: Yes, towed or parked it needs cover. All trailers need third party insurance whether towed or parked in a public place.

    “…whether the trailer is being towed or parked in a public place.”

24. When must a motor vehicle be taxed?

    1. Before it is taken on the road
    2. Within 30 days of driving it
    3. Only once it is over 4 years old
    4. Only after it passes the NCT
    Show the answer

    A: Before it is taken on the road. All motor vehicles must be taxed before they go on the road.

    “All motor vehicles must be taxed before the vehicle is taken on the road.”

25. A visiting driver asks which side of the road to drive on in Ireland. What do you tell them?

    1. The left-hand side
    2. The right-hand side
    3. Either side on quiet roads
    4. The centre on single-lane roads
    Show the answer

    A: The left-hand side. In Ireland you must drive on the left.

    “You must drive on the left-hand side of the road in Ireland.”

26. You hold a category B learner permit. When must you be accompanied by a qualified driver?

    1. Only when driving at night
    2. At all times while driving
    3. Only when on national roads
    4. Only until EDT is finished
    Show the answer

    B: At all times while driving. Category B learners must be accompanied and supervised by a qualified driver at all times.

    “…and DE must be accompanied and supervised at all times by a qualified…”

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27. Who counts as a qualified accompanying driver for a car learner?

    1. Any adult who also holds a learner permit
    2. Anyone who has passed the driver theory test
    3. Someone who has held a full licence for 6 months
    4. Someone with a full B licence for 2 years in a row
    Show the answer

    D: Someone with a full B licence for 2 years in a row. A qualified driver has held a full licence in the same category for a continuous 2 years.

    “…same category for a continuous period of 2 years. A learner driver detected of…”

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28. A learner is caught driving alone. What can Gardaí do with the car?

    1. Fit a wheel clamp only
    2. Remove the L-plates
    3. Seize the vehicle
    4. Nothing, if the learner is insured
    Show the answer

    C: Seize the vehicle. Gardaí can seize a vehicle driven by an unaccompanied learner.

    “A vehicle being driven by an unaccompanied learner driver can be seized…”

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29. Where must a car learner display L-plates?

    1. On both the front and rear
    2. On the rear only
    3. On the front only
    4. Inside the rear window only
    Show the answer

    A: On both the front and rear. Learner permit holders (except category W) must show L-plates front and rear.

    “(except W) must display ‘L’ plates on both the…”

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30. What is the minimum height of the red L on an L-plate?

    1. 10cm
    2. 12cm
    3. 20cm
    4. 15cm
    Show the answer

    D: 15cm. The L must be at least 15cm high, with a border of at least 2cm.

    “…measuring at least 15cm in height and a…”

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31. How many one-hour sessions make up Essential Driver Training?

    1. 6
    2. 8
    3. 16
    4. 12
    Show the answer

    D: 12. EDT is a course of 12 separate one-hour sessions.

    “…drivers. The course is made up of 12 individual one-hour sessions.”

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32. Your neighbour offers to teach you to drive for money. They are not registered with the RSA. Is this allowed?

    1. Yes, if they have a full licence
    2. No, it is illegal
    3. Yes, for up to 12 lessons
    4. Yes, if you sign a contract
    Show the answer

    B: No, it is illegal. Only instructors registered with the RSA can give driving lessons for payment.

    “It is illegal to give driving instruction for payment or reward to learner drivers…”

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33. In EDT, what is a Sponsor?

    1. An instructor who stamps your logbook
    2. A company that pays for your lessons
    3. A qualified driver who supervises practice
    4. An RSA official who checks your progress
    Show the answer

    C: A qualified driver who supervises practice. A Sponsor is a qualified driver who supervises your driving outside formal lessons and tracks practice.

    “A Sponsor is a qualified driver who supervises any driving outside of formal…”

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34. You hold a learner permit. Can you drive on a motorway?

    1. Yes, if accompanied
    2. Yes, outside rush hour
    3. Yes, after EDT is complete
    4. No, it is an offence
    Show the answer

    D: No, it is an offence. Learner permit holders must not drive on a motorway at all.

    “As a learner permit holder, you must not drive on a motorway. It is an offence…”

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35. How early should you be at the test centre for your driving test?

    1. At least 30 minutes before
    2. At least 1 hour before
    3. At least 10 minutes before
    4. Exactly on time
    Show the answer

    C: At least 10 minutes before. Be in the test centre at least 10 minutes before your appointment.

    “Be in the test centre at least 10 minutes before your test appointment time.”

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36. At the car test you may be asked to work a secondary control. Which is one?

    1. The clutch pedal
    2. The windscreen wipers and washers
    3. The steering wheel
    4. The accelerator pedal and footbrake
    Show the answer

    B: The windscreen wipers and washers. Secondary controls include wipers, washers, de-misters, lights and air vents.

    “…work the secondary controls, such as windscreen wipers and washers…”

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37. You passed your test. Within what time must you exchange your Certificate of Competency for a full licence?

    1. Within two weeks of the test
    2. Six months from the cert date
    3. Two years from the cert date
    4. Five years
    Show the answer

    C: Two years from the cert date. Exchange it as soon as possible, and you must do so within two years of the cert date.

    “…must do this within two years of your cert date.”

38. You failed and believe the test was not conducted fairly. Where can you appeal?

    1. The local Garda station
    2. Your ADI
    3. The NCT centre
    4. The District Court
    Show the answer

    D: The District Court. Appeals against a tester's decision go to the District Court.

    “…properly or fairly, you may appeal the tester’s decision to the District Court. The…”