Overview
The Driver Theory Test is the computer-based test you must pass before applying for a first learner permit in Ireland. It is set by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and delivered by Prometric Ireland Ltd, which the RSA employs to run it. The theorytest.ie site is the RSA's official booking page.
There are five test categories, each tied to the permits it leads to:
| Category | Test | Leads to |
|---|---|---|
| AM | Motorcycle or moped | A, A1, A2 and AM |
| BW | Car, tractor and work vehicles | B, BE and W |
| C | Truck | C, CE, C1 and C1E |
| D | Bus | D, DE, D1 and D1E |
| CD | Bus and truck combined | Both of the above |
Booking the correct category is your responsibility, since it cannot be changed at the test centre.
Who can apply
From 1 November 2026, you must be at least 15 years old on the date of your test. The site had been recommending this age from 5 May 2026. The site says anyone already booked who would be under 15 on the test date can reschedule or cancel, and that the test centre cannot check your age, so it is up to you to meet the requirement.
You must book with an Irish address.
To apply for a learner permit or licence later, you must show a place of birth or nationality in the EU, EEA, Switzerland or the UK (including Northern Ireland), or leave to remain in Ireland.
For truck, bus and combined tests, you must also bring a full current category B licence (or a category C or D learner permit where applicable).
Exam pattern
| Category | Time | Questions | Pass mark |
|---|---|---|---|
| AM or BW | 45 minutes | 40 | 35 |
| C or D | 120 minutes | 100 | 74 |
| CD | 180 minutes | 140 | 104 |
| Bus module | 45 minutes | 40 | 30 |
| Truck module | 45 minutes | 40 | 30 |
Questions are chosen at random from the question bank for the relevant sections. You can skip or mark questions and return to them, and change an answer. A practice session is available at the start. Tests in the Irish language are offered for categories A, B, C and D, while the combined CD test and the bus and truck module tests are in English only.
Marking and results
A pass or fail result appears on screen at the end of the test. A score report showing the areas you got right or wrong is sent to the email on your booking and can be looked up on Prometric's report lookup with your confirmation number and last name. The site does not give feedback on individual wrong answers.
You can ask for a rescore by phone within 10 days of the exam. The fee is EUR 15.
Fees
| Test | Fee |
|---|---|
| BW (car, tractor and work vehicles) | EUR 45 |
| AM (motorcycle or moped) | EUR 45 |
| C (truck) | EUR 72 |
| D (bus) | EUR 72 |
| CD (truck and bus) | EUR 84 |
Rescheduling or cancelling at least 7 calendar days before the test is free. Within 6 calendar days, an administrative fee of 50 percent of the exam fee applies. Cancelling 3 to 6 calendar days before earns a 50 percent refund, and cancelling 2 days before or on the day forfeits the whole fee.
How to apply
Book online through theorytest.ie, choosing a category and one of more than forty test centres across the Republic of Ireland.
Use your full name exactly as it appears on the identification you will bring.
Arrive 30 minutes before your test time with accepted photo identification, in hard copy only. Accepted documents include a Public Services Card, a valid passport, an Irish passport card, an EU or EEA national identity card, or an Irish learner permit or licence. Without it you cannot test and you lose the fee.
Test day assistance, including dyslexia support and Irish Sign Language, is available through the site.
After the exam
If you pass, you can apply online for your learner permit through the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) with your Public Services Card and verified MyGovID.
Your theory test certificate is valid for 2 years from the test date. If you have not applied for your first learner permit in that time, you must sit and pay for the test again.
If you fail, the site strongly advises waiting at least 3 complete business days before resitting. There is no limit on the number of attempts.
Preparation tips
The official RSA revision material, learning app and online subscriptions are sold through the Official Driver Theory Test Store linked from the site. The question bank was revised in June 2024 with updated images and questions, while the test length and pass marks stayed the same.
FAQs
Can I take the test if I am disqualified from driving?
For categories AM and BW, yes. For truck, bus, CPC and ADI tests you must hold a valid category B licence, so you cannot sit them while disqualified.
What happens if I cheat?
Attempts are reported to the RSA and reviewed case by case. A non-testing period of up to 3 months from the test date can be applied.
Are smart glasses allowed in the test room?
No. You must remove them and store them in your locker with your other belongings.