Driver Theory Test

Information

A driver theory test was introduced in Ireland in 2001 to supplement the practical driving test. You must pass the driver theory test before applying for a first learner permit (formerly called a provisional licence). Prior to this, motorists in Ireland were not required to undergo a test of their knowledge of either the rules of the road or motoring legislation in Ireland before they applied for a driving licence, or completed their driving test.

EU legislation governing this area requires that citizens undergo a practical test of their knowledge of the rules of the road and motoring legislation.

The driver theory test was updated in October 2011. The bank of test questions have been updated, revised or replaced, and updated learning materials (book and CD fifth editions) are available from book shops and theorytest.ie. The format of the test has not changed.

Your theory test will check your knowledge about areas such as:

• The rules of the road
• Risk perception
• Eco-driving
• Hazard awareness
• Good driving behaviour.

The test is conducted at a nation-wide network of 41 test locations and uses a user-friendly computerised system. The test can be offered in Irish and in English and candidates with special needs are catered for.

A theory test certificate must be obtained before a first learner permit in a particular vehicle category is granted.

The test

There are four classes of test:

• Motorcycles and mopeds (Licence Category A, M, A1),
• Cars, tractors and work vehicles (Licence Categories B, W, EB)
• Heavy goods vehicles (Licence Category C, C1, EC, EC1)
• Buses (Licence Category D, D1, ED, ED1).

There are 40 questions in the test and candidates have to answer 35 questions correctly to be successful. You have 45 minutes to answer the 40 questions in the test.

The test is computerised and can be taken using either a touch screen or a mouse and keyboard. The first part of the exam consists of a 15-minute tutorial, which includes instructions on how to navigate through the exam as well as allow you to practice answering two questions. You don't need to be computer literate.

If you have any difficulty with reading, there is a 'voice over' option that will read out the questions to you. Voiceovers are available in the following languages:

• English
• Irish
• Polish
• Russian
• Lithuanian

If you wish to complete your test in the Irish language, you should state that when booking your test.

Answers are marked with a square box beside them, where you tick one to choose the correct answer.

If you make a mistake or change your mind, you can cancel your answer. If you want to skip a question, you can and then go back and answer the question at the end of your test. Before you complete the exam, there is an option to review all your answers and if you wish, change them.

The test is scored automatically and results are made available to you immediately. You will receive a pass certificate for your theory test at the test centre.

Regardless of whether you pass or fail, you will also be provided with a score report listing the categories recommended for further study, based on your performance.

Test questions

The questions you will be asked in your driver theory test are based on the Rules of the Road and current road traffic legislation in Ireland. The Driver Theory Testing Service has a bank of questions. For each test, a random selection of 40 questions will be used from the question bank. The test is continually updated depending on new and revised legislation.

Learning materials

The full list of test questions and answers are available in book and CD formats. The CD-Rom includes practice tests, where you can sit a test and understand how the exam works.

The book and the CD are available from bookshops throughout the country, by phone and online from the Driver Theory Testing Service (Locall 1890 606 106). This material is not free (€17.99 for the book or €22.16 for the CD). Some public libraries in Ireland also stock this material. Contact your local public library to see if you can borrow these items.

Categories of vehicles and driver theory tests

If you are applying for a first learner permit, you must sit the approriate theory test for vehicle categories A and M, or B and W. If you are sucessful, you are then entitled to apply for a learner permit for category A1, A, M, B or W as appropriate (depending on your age).

If you wish to apply for a truck driving licence, you must sit the category C driver theory test. This will entitle you to apply for a learner permit in categories C1 or C providing you meet the other eligibility criteria. If you wish to apply for a bus driving licence (category D), you must complete the category D theory test. Read more about categories of vehicles and learner permits here.

Minimum age and driver theory test

There are specific minimum ages at which you may hold a learner permit for certain vehicles in Ireland. For example, drivers of Category A1 vehicles (i.e., certain motorcycles) must be at least 16 years of age to obtain a provisional licence. Drivers of Category B vehicles (i.e., certain cars) must be at least 17 years to hold a first provisional licence.

In theory, you may take a driver theory test at any age. However, you must submit your pass certificate to a Motor Tax Office with your application for a first learner permit within two years of passing the theory test. So for example, if you wish to apply for a learner permit for Category B vehicles, you must be at least 15 years of age or older when you pass your driver theory test in order to obtain a first learner permit when you reach 17 years.

Failure to submit your learner permit application to your Motor Tax office within 2 years of passing your theory test will mean the test certificate expires and you will have to do the test again.

There is no maximum age at which you can complete a driver theory test.

Complaints procedures

If you are unhappy with the result of your theory test, you have the right to appeal this decision. Speak to the Driver Theory Test supervisor before leaving the test centre. You may also fill out an appeal form, available at each of the Driver Theory Test Centres. Your application form requests that your test is re-marked. There are some rules regarding appeals.

You must make your appeal within ten working days of your test

When your appeal is received, your test will be re-marked and you will receive the result within five working days.

If it emerges that the original marking was incorrect you will be issued with your new theory test certificate. You can read more about the Driver Theory Test Customer Charter here.