Photo: ThisIsEngineering / Pexels. Illustrative photograph.
The Irish Driver Theory Test for a car has 40 multiple-choice questions. You need 35 correct to pass, you have 45 minutes, and it costs €45 as of November 2026. This guide covers who can sit it, how to book, what to bring, and what happens with the result.
Key facts
| Item | Car or bike test |
|---|---|
| Questions | 40 |
| Pass mark | 35 |
| Time | 45 minutes |
| Fee (car BW and moped AM) | €45 |
| Minimum age from 1 November 2026 | 15 on the test date |
| Certificate valid for | 2 years from the test date |
| Attempts | No limit |
Who needs to sit the Driver Theory Test in Ireland?
Anyone applying for a first learner permit in any category. You must pass before you apply for the permit. The car test (category BW) also covers tractors and work vehicles. From 1 November 2026, a learner permit that expired 2 years or more ago cannot be renewed. You start the learning process again, which means a new theory certificate.
What is the minimum age for the theory test?
From 1 November 2026 you must be at least 15 on the date of your test. If you will be under 15 on your appointment date, cancel or reschedule. You cannot sit the test and the fee is not refunded. Checking your age is your responsibility, not the test centre’s.
The certificate lasts 2 years and the minimum age for a car learner permit is 17. Book so that your certificate will still be valid when you apply for the permit. If it runs out, you must sit and pay for the test again.
What does the theory test cover?
The Rules of the Road says the test checks your knowledge of:
- Rules of the Road
- Risk perception
- Eco-driving
- Hazard awareness
- Good driving behaviour
Revise from the official RSA material, available from theorytest.ie and the official learning app, and from the Rules of the Road. Make sure you have the current edition. See Irish theory test topics for the question bank areas.
How to book the Irish theory test
- Book online at theorytest.ie. There are over 40 test centres around the State, and appointment times vary by centre.
- Choose the correct category. It cannot be changed at the test centre.
- Use your name exactly as it appears on your ID.
- Pay by Mastercard, Visa, Revolut card, cheque or postal order.
Rescheduling and cancelling
| Notice given | What happens |
|---|---|
| 7 or more calendar days | Free to reschedule or cancel |
| 3 to 6 calendar days | 50% fee to reschedule, or 50% refund if you cancel |
| 2 days or less | No refund. Rescheduling on the test day is not allowed. |
Name changes are free before the test day, but a €15 fee applies if the change is needed on the day.
What ID do I need for the theory test?
Bring an original hard copy. Photocopies and photos on your phone are not accepted. Accepted ID includes:
- Public Services Card (with photo)
- Passport (valid, or expired by no more than 12 months)
- Irish Passport Card
- National identity card from an EU or EEA state or Switzerland
- Irish learner permit or full driving licence (category A or B)
- Irish Travel Document
Arrive 30 minutes before your test time. Your ID is scanned at check-in. If you are late, have no valid ID, or do not have an Irish address on your booking, you cannot sit the test and you lose the fee.
On test day
- You can skip or flag questions and come back to them within the 45 minutes.
- You can change an answer before you finish.
- Support is available if you ask for it when booking: a voiceover option, extra time, and a reader/recorder service where staff read the questions and record your answers.
- Tests in Irish are available for categories A, B, C and D.
Results and retakes
- Your pass or fail result appears on screen at the end.
- A score report is emailed to you. It shows which topic areas you got right or wrong, but not the individual questions.
- If you fail, theorytest.ie advises waiting at least 3 full business days before you retake. There is no limit on attempts.
- If you pass, you can apply for your learner permit online from the next working day. The NDLS already has your result, so you do not upload the certificate. See how to get a learner permit.
Common questions
How many questions can I get wrong on the Irish theory test?
Five. You need 35 out of 40.
How long is the theory certificate valid?
Two years from the test date. You must apply for your first learner permit within that time.
Can I sit the theory test at 16?
Yes. From 1 November 2026 the minimum age is 15 on the test date.
Is there a hazard perception clip test in Ireland?
No separate clip test is listed for the car test. Hazard awareness and risk perception are covered in the questions. See hazard perception for Irish learners.
Can I take the theory test in Irish?
Yes. Irish-language tests are provided for categories A, B, C and D.
What if I have dyslexia or a reading difficulty?
Ask for support when you book. Options include a voiceover, extra time and a reader/recorder.
Next steps: the full guide to learning to drive in Ireland, and the November 2026 learner permit rules.
Sources
- RSA Driver Theory Test Service, “Frequently Asked Questions” (theorytest.ie)
- RSA Driver Theory Test Service, “Driver Theory Test: Car or Bike” (theorytest.ie)
- RSA Driver Theory Test Service, “The official RSA Theory Test” (theorytest.ie)
- Road Safety Authority, “Rules of the Road” (Revision 5, hosted on garda.ie)
- National Driver Licence Service, “Frequently Asked Questions” (ndls.ie)