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In Ireland you can take the car Driver Theory Test (BW) with a voiceover in 21 languages, sit it entirely in Irish, or use Irish Sign Language (ISL) videos. Dyslexia support, an in-person reader, a translator, a recorder and extra time are also available. Some options you just tick when booking. Others must be arranged with the Theory Test Service up to 25 business days ahead. This guide lists each option and how to request it.
Key facts (as of November 2026)
- The car test is 40 questions in 45 minutes, with a pass mark of 35.
- Voiceover in 21 languages has been available on the BW test since December 2025. Questions stay on screen in English.
- The full test is available in Irish for categories A, B, C and D.
- ISL videos can be switched on at booking at any centre. An ISL interpreter must be arranged in advance.
- Theory Test Service contact for support: 0818 606 106, or the Support Request Form on theorytest.ie.
- From 1 November 2026 you must be at least 15 on the test date.
Which languages is the Irish theory test voiceover available in?
theorytest.ie lists 21 voiceover languages for the BW test (cars, tractors and work vehicles):
- English
- Polish
- Lithuanian
- Russian
- Romanian
- Brazilian Portuguese
- Pashto
- Dari
- Urdu
- Vietnamese
- Arabic
- Albanian
- French
- Georgian
- Somali
- Slovak
- Turkish
- Spanish
- Simplified Chinese
- Bengali
- Malayalam
Some older pages mention 22 languages or a shorter list. Use the list on the booking screen, which is the one that applies to your test.
How to choose a voiceover
- Online: when booking you are asked whether you need a voiceover. Pick the language from the dropdown and it is saved to your test.
- By phone: tell the agent at the start of the call.
- On the day: questions appear on screen in English and you hear them through headphones in your chosen language.
The translation voiceover is offered at all 40 test centres.
Can you take the theory test in Irish?
Yes. Theory tests are provided in Irish for categories A, B, C and D. When you book, category names appear in English and in Irish; if you choose the Irish version, the test is delivered in Irish. The combined C and D test and the Bus and Truck module tests are English only for now.
Irish Sign Language (ISL)
| Option | How to get it |
|---|---|
| ISL videos | Select “Irish Sign Language Videos Enabled” when booking. Available at all centres. |
| ISL interpreter | Request through the Support Request Form or on 0818 606 106. The team contacts you to arrange payment and confirm. |
Dyslexia and reading support
| Option | What you get | How to arrange it |
|---|---|---|
| English voiceover (automated reader) | Questions and answers read out through headphones | Select “English Voiceover” when booking. Any centre, no need to contact anyone. |
| Dyslexia Support (self-service) | English voiceover plus an on-screen Lexicon beside each question, and a Lexicon PDF you can download to study | Select “Dyslexia Support” when booking. No need to contact anyone. |
| In-person dyslexia support | Questions read aloud in a separate room, with a printed Lexicon | Selected centres. Up to 20 business days to arrange. |
| In-person reader | A staff member reads the questions and answers in a separate room and records your answer. No other help is given. | Selected centres. Up to 20 business days to arrange. |
| Extra time or a separate room | Not stated on theorytest.ie how much | Call 0818 606 106. |
| Recorder | Someone selects answers for you if you cannot use a touchscreen or standard computer | Call 0818 606 106. |
What if my language is not on the list?
You can request an in-person translator. The translator translates the questions and answer options only and gives no other help, in a separate room at selected centres. You need a completed Declaration Form and the Driver Theory Test Request Form, and it can take up to 25 business days to arrange. Book well ahead, especially if you need the pass certificate for a learner permit application.
How to request support: step by step
- Decide which option you need. Voiceover, Irish, ISL videos and self-service dyslexia support are selected during online booking.
- For anything in person (reader, translator, ISL interpreter, recorder, extra time, separate room), use the Support Request Form on theorytest.ie or call 0818 606 106 before you book a date.
- Allow 20 business days for a reader or in-person dyslexia support, and 25 for a translator.
- Bring the required ID on the day. Without it, or if you are late, you will not be allowed to test.
Common questions
Does the voiceover cost extra?
theorytest.ie does not mention any extra charge for the voiceover. For an ISL interpreter, the team contacts you to arrange payment.
Are the questions translated on screen?
No. With a voiceover the questions stay on screen in English and the audio is in your language. Only the Irish-language test is fully in Irish on screen.
Can I bring my own translator?
theorytest.ie describes a translator arranged through its request process, with a Declaration Form. Contact the Theory Test Service before assuming you can bring someone yourself.
Does the support change the pass mark?
No. The car test is still 40 questions with a pass mark of 35.
What if I fail?
There is no limit on attempts. theorytest.ie strongly advises waiting at least three complete business days before resitting. You can appeal a result within 10 days of the exam.
How long is the certificate valid?
Two years from the test date. You must apply to NDLS for your first learner permit within that time.
Back to the complete guide to learning to drive in Ireland. See also the Irish driver theory test, Irish theory test topics, learning to drive in Ireland with a disability and new to Ireland and learning from scratch.
Sources
- Theory Test Service, “Driver Theory Test (BW) Now Available With Voiceover in 21 Languages” (theorytest.ie)
- Theory Test Service, “Test Day Assistance/Support” (theorytest.ie)
- Theory Test Service, “Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)” (theorytest.ie)