Learner driver passes test

Theory Test FAQs

How many theory tests are there?

There are four separate driver theory test categories: Motorcycles and Mopeds (Category AM), Cars and Work vehicles and Land Tractors (Category BW), Heavy Goods Vehicles (Category C) and Buses (Category D).

In addition to the above specialised theory tests are delivered in the following test categories:

ADI (Approved Driving Instructor)
CPC (Certificate in Professional Competency) for professional Bus drivers (live 10th September 2008)

How do I apply to take the test?

Click on this link: How to Book / On-Line Booking or telephone 1890 606 106 (Lo Call Rate) or 1890 616 216 (Text Phone) or submit a postal application which can be downloaded here. For ADI theory tests specific pre-requisites apply before you can book a test. Please see visit the RSA’s ADI website for specific information about applying for an ADI theory test.

How much will the test cost?

The fee payable for a Driver Theory Test for Motorcycles and Mopeds (Category A), Cars and Work vehicles and Land Tractors (Category BW), Heavy Goods Vehicles (Category C) and Buses (Category D) is currently €45.00

How do I pay?

By credit / laser card, cheque or postal order or eVoucher available from Payzone outlets.

Is the test provided in the Irish Language?

Yes.

How many test centres are there?

There are of 41 locations around the country served by either permanent centres or mobile testing centres.

What happens when I get to the Centre?

The Test Centre staff will check your documentation to confirm your identity and driving licence details if required. You will then be signed in and a Test Centre Administrator (TCA) will explain the procedures and how the test works. They will then show you to your to your workstation where the you will take your test. View Test Experience video »

How long will the test take?

You will be given 45 minutes to answer 40 questions for theory tests in the following categories; Motorcycles and Mopeds (Category A), Cars and Work vehicles and Land Tractors (Category BW), Heavy Goods Vehicles (Category C) and Buses (Category D). The questions are selected randomly from the question bank for the relevant test sections.

Out of the 40 questions how many must I answer correctly?

35.

I am not very computer literate, will this be a problem?

The test is presented in a very easy to use format and usually poses no problems for candidates with limited experience using computers. A simple tutorial is presented at the beginning of the test which will explain how the test works. The test can be taken with an easy to use touch screen, or by using a mouse and keyboard.

I have difficulty with reading and writing, will this affect my ability to complete the exam?

There are various options to assist candidates with special reading needs in taking the test. We offer a voiceover option whereby the questions and answers are read out over headphones. In addition you can apply to have extra time to take your exam. We also offer a reader/recorder service where a staff member will read the questions and answers to the candidate and record their answer on screen. To apply for extra time or a reader / recorder test please write to us with evidence on official headed paper from a teacher, doctor or professional person confirming the assistance you require. The address you will need to write to is Driver Theory Test, Customer Care PO Box 788, Togher, Cork

Is there study material I can purchase and where can I get it?

The Official Driver Theory Test Questions and Answers, 5th edition, October 2011 (€17.99) should be studied. This publication is available to purchase on-line at www.theorytest.ie, from our information and booking line on 1890 606 106 (additional charge for postage and packing) or from good bookshops nationwide.

What happens if I miss my test appointment?

If you fail to arrive at the centre in time for your test appointment, or cancel in less than 5 business days (to include 3 complete business days) before the date of your appointment, you will lose your test fee.

If I make a mistake, can I change my mind and select another answer?

Yes, there is a simple way to cancel your answer and select another.

If I get stuck, can I miss questions out and go back to them?

Yes, you can skip questions and come back to them later.

If I finish the test early can I leave?

Yes.

When do I find out if I have passed?

You will be given a Driver Theory Test Certificate (if appropriate to your test) before you leave the Driver Theory Test centre when you have completed and passed the test.

If I fail, will I be told where I went wrong?

On the day of the test you will be provided with a written report (if appropriate to your test) showing the areas where you answered questions incorrectly.

If I fail, how soon can I take the test again?

You will have to wait at least three clear working days to resit your test.

Is there a limit on how many times I can take the test?

No.

What are the next steps when I pass?

You can apply for your learner permit to your local licencing authority - normally the Motor Taxation Office of your local authority.

What if I lose my pass certificate?

You can request a duplicate certificate by calling 1890 606 106 (Lo Call Rate) and the Customer Service Representative will ask you for you personal and exam details such as your name, address, date of birth and test confirmation number (provided in the Confirmation Letter / Email you received for your test). Payment of €15.00 is required and can be paid using Laser Card, Visa Card or Master Card.

When can I take my theory test?

In theory you can take the test at anytime, although your Pass Certificate is only valid for two years from the date of your test. If you have not submitted an application to a licencing authority within two years for a first learner permit and you will have to sit and pay for the test again.

What do I do if I wish to add another category to my current driving licence?

You are required to pass a driver theory test if it is your first provisional licence/learner permit in a specific category. You must apply to your local licencing authority and submit your driver theory test certificate in respect of that category. (Postal applications for a learner permit should be sent to the Motor Taxation Office in your city/county of residence).

Who operates the Driver Theory Test service?

The Driver Theory Test service is operated by Prometric Ireland Limited, part of the ETS Group, on behalf of the Road Safety Authority.

Can I reschedule my test appointment?

Yes – you can reschedule your appointment providing the request is made no later than 5 business days (to include 3 complete business days) before the date of your appointment. For example, to reschedule a test booked for a Friday you must inform us on the previous Monday, or for a test booked for a Saturday you must inform us on the previous Monday.

What happens if I am caught cheating?

Any attempt by a Candidate to cheat in the Driver Theory Test is taken seriously. Prometric are employed by the Road Safety Authority to deliver the Driver Theory Test in a secure environment, to protect the integrity of the test and to provide fair and equal opportunity to all candidates who sit the test. Any attempts to cheat that contravene this secure and fair environment are reported immediately to the Road Safety Authority for whom we deliver the Driver Theory Test. If an incident of cheating occurs, it will be reviewed on a case by case basis. On foot of the review, a non-testing period may be applied to a candidate. During this period, the candidate is not permitted to book or sit a Driver Theory Test for a set period of time. The candidate will be informed in writing if a non-testing period is to be applied and the duration of this period. Finally, we also wish to remind you that the test centre is video and audio monitored at all times.

A maximum non-testing period of 3 months is applied to candidates caught cheating.

What is the Driver Theory Test Anti-social behaviour policy?

In the interest of maintaining a quiet and professional testing environment for all candidates, we ask that all Driver Theory Test Candidates behave in a respectful and appropriate manner when attending the test centre. Abusive and anti –social behaviour will not be tolerated at the test centre. Should a Driver Theory Test Candidate behave in an unsatisfactory manner, it is possible that a candidate may not be permitted to test and may be asked to leave the test centre. The Gardai will be contacted if necessary. If an incident of abusive and/or anti –social behaviour occurs, it will be reviewed on a case by case basis. On foot of the review, a candidate may be asked to attend a different test centre should they wish to sit a test in the future. It is also possible that a non-testing period will be applied to the candidate. During this period, the candidate is not permitted to book or sit a Driver Theory Test for a set period of time. The candidate will be informed in writing of the outcome of the review. Finally, we also wish to remind you that the test centre is video and audio monitored at all times.

A maximum non-testing period of 3 months for candidates demonstrating anti-social behaviour may be applied.