Theory Test In Ireland – What To Know

Theory Test Breakdown By Vehicle Type

Vehicle Category	Number of Questions	Time Limit	Pass Mark
A (Motorcycle) & B (Car)	40 questions	45 minutes	35/40
C (Truck) & D (Bus)	100 questions	120 minutes	74/100
CD (Combined Truck/Bus)	140 questions	180 minutes	104/140

Cones and a car in shot, symbolising a driving test.

Car Theory Test Ireland – Key Facts

40 multiple-choice questions
45 minutes
Pass mark: 35/40
Cost: €45
Certificate valid for 2 years
Must be passed before applying for a learner permit

What The Car Theory Test Covers

Summary: Questions test knowledge of the Rules of the Road, hazard perception, risk awareness, eco-driving techniques, and safe, responsible driving behaviour expected of competent drivers in Ireland.

As part of your car theory test, you’ll be asked 40 questions on topics ranging from:

Rules of the road.
Hazard perception.
Risk awareness.
Eco-driving.
Good driving behaviour.

These topics summarise all the requirements of a competent driver in Ireland, so passing the test is key to taking the next step towards a practical test.

(Source: Citizens Information)

A view of a car from behind, with a learner sticker in full view.

Do I Need To Pass The Theory Test Before Applying For A Learner Permit?

Summary: A theory test pass certificate is required before applying for a learner permit and can be used for applications for up to 2 years after passing.

You must pass your theory test before applying for a learner permit. When you pass your theory test, you’ll receive a pass certificate that is eligible for 2 years, in which you can submit it as part of an application for your learner permit.

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How To Prepare For Car Theory Test

Summary: Preparation involves studying the RSA Rules of the Road, learning road signs and correct driving behaviour, practising with theory test apps, and completing mock tests to assess readiness.

Study the RSA Rules of the Road, and take plenty of time to familiarise yourself with driving behaviour and road signage. Make the most of theory test apps, which can be a great way to practice from your phone. Once you’re familiar with the required content, you can then undertake mock theory tests. This is a great way to see if you’d pass the test without actually having to commit to it.

Support such as dyslexia assistance, Irish Sign Language videos, and translated or voiced questions can be requested when booking your test

Best Theory Test Apps Ireland

Summary: Preparation tools include the official RSA test app, Prometric Theory Test Ireland, Driving Theory 4 in 1 Kit, and practice websites such as TheoryTester.com, TheoryTest.ie, and DriveFlow.ie.

RSA test app.
Theory Test Ireland – Prometric.
Driving Theory 4 in 1 Kit – Kitaboo.

Alternatively, you can visit online websites to test your car theory knowledge:

TheoryTester.com
TheoryTest.ie
DriveFlow.ie

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How To Book A Car Theory Test

Summary: The theory test must be booked online through TheoryTest.ie, where candidates pay the test fee, select a test centre, and can cancel or reschedule up to five days before the test date.

You must book your car theory test via TheoryTest.ie, the official RSA booking portal. Simply visit their site and follow the steps to book. You’ll need to commit a fee and select a location in which to take your test. Once booked, you can cancel or rearrange your test up to five days before the day.

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How Much Does The Theory Test Cost In Ireland?

Summary: Each attempt at the car theory test costs €45, and the full fee must be paid again if the test is failed and re-taken.

It costs €45 to take the car theory test. If you then fail the test, you will have to commit another €45 to re-take the test.

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Theory Test Centres In Ireland

Summary: There are 40 theory test centres across Ireland, including four in Dublin, and candidates may book tests in other counties if local centres are fully booked.

There are 40 test centres across Ireland. The DTT Test Locator is a fantastic tool for finding a test centre near you: https://theorytest.ie/wp-content/uploads/theory-test-ireland-test-centre-location-map-051017.pdf .

As you can expect, Dublin has four test centres. From here though, it’s a case of one test centre per county, meaning you could face a drive across your county to get to the test centre. If the test centre near you is fully booked, you can always drive to a different county where the test centre is quieter.

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What To Bring On Theory Test Day

Summary: On the day of your theory test, make sure you bring ID, and arrive early.

You must bring valid ID to your theory test. Acceptable IDs include:

Public Services Card (PSC).
EU National Identity Card.

Make sure you arrive at least 15-30 minutes early, to ensure you are checked in and ready to go, as well as having a chance to settle yourself before starting the test.

Once you pass your test, your theory certificate will be valid for 2 years. Once this expires, you’ll need to re-take your theory test.

If you do not bring valid ID, you will not be allowed to sit the test.

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What Happens After You Pass The Theory Test?

Summary: After passing, candidates receive a certificate valid for 2 years, apply for a learner permit through the NDLS, and can then progress to the practical driving test.

Once you pass the theory test, you’ll receive a theory test certificate. This certificate needs to be presented in order to receive a learner permit. Once you have your permit, you can then take your practical driving test.

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FAQs

How many questions in car theory test?

There are 40 questions on your car theory test. To pass, you need to achieve a score of 35.

How much is the car theory test Ireland?

A car/bike theory test costs €45, and bus/truck tests cost €72.

How to book a car theory test Ireland?

Visit TheoryTest.ie to book your car theory test. Make sure you have either €45 (for car/bikes) or €72 (for bus/trucks) to pay for the test, and find a test centre to undertake to your test in.

What age can you do your theory test in Ireland?

You can technically take your driving test even as young as under 16, but can’t apply for a subsequent learner permit until you are 17. With a theory test pass certificate lasting 2 years before expiring, you should avoid taking you car theory test until you are at least 16.

How to reschedule theory test Ireland

You can reschedule your driving test online. Simply visit TheoryTest.ie and complete the steps necessary to reschedule. However, you can only reschedule until 5 days before your test. After this point, you can’t reschedule your test.

What do I need to bring to my driving test?

Bring a valid form of ID (Public Services Card, Passport, or EU National Identity Card).
Arrive at least 15 minutes early to your test.