We would like to inform customers of the proposed change to the minimum age requirement for sitting the (BW) & (AM) Driver Theory Test.
From 1st November 2026, all candidates must be at least 15 years old on the date of their Test appointment. This is in line with forthcoming changes to regulations from 1st November 2026 prohibiting people from sitting the Driver Theory Test before their 15th birthday.
This change means that candidates who are under the age of 15 will not be permitted to sit the Test on or after this date and will need to cancel or reschedule their booking.
Please note: While candidates can currently sit the (BW) Theory Test from age 14 to obtain a (W) Tractor Learner Permit at 15, they will be required to retake the Theory Test at age 17 if they wish to add the (B) Car after 1 November 2026.
While candidates can currently sit the (AM) Theory Test from age 14, to obtain a learner permit for a moped or A1 you must be 16. Therefore you may be required to retake the Theory Test again after 1 November 2026 when adding an A2 or A, if it is over two years since you obtained the Theory Test certificate.
If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact our customer support team.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.
Driver Theory Test – Minimum Age Change FAQs
From 1st November 2026, the minimum age to sit the Driver Theory Test will be 15 years old.
This update aligns with the latest Driver Licensing Regulations to ensure candidates have reached the appropriate age before beginning the licensing process.
The new minimum age requirement will apply to all Test appointments from 1st November 2026.
You may schedule a Test, but please note: While candidates can currently schedule the (BW) Theory Test from age 14 to obtain a (W) Tractor Learner Permit at 15, they will be required to retake the Theory Test at age 17+ if they wish to add the (B) Car after 1 November 2026.
While candidates can currently schedule the (AM) Theory Test from age 14, to obtain a learner permit for a moped or A1 you must be 16. Therefore you may be required to retake the Theory Test again after 1st November 2026 when adding an A2 or A, if it is over 2 years since you obtained the Theory Test certificate.
The Test Centre cannot verify your age at the time of the Test.
The responsibility lies entirely with the candidate to ensure they meet the minimum age requirement.
Currently, you can take the Test before you turn 15, but please note:
While candidates can currently sit the (BW) Theory Test from age 14 to obtain a (W) Tractor Learner Permit at 15, they will be required to retake the Theory Test at age 17+ if they wish to add the (B) Car after 1 November 2026 if it is over 2 years since you obtained the Theory Test certificate.
While candidates can currently sit the (AM) Theory Test from age 14 to obtain a Learner Permit for a moped or A1 you must be 16, therefore you may be required to retake the Theory Test again after 1st November 2026 when adding an A2 or A, if it is over 2 years since you obtained the Theory Test certificate.
If you have already booked a Driver Theory Test and will be under 15 on the test date, if you choose to, you can athsceidealú nó cealaigh do Thástáil.
Please check your date of birth carefully before scheduling your test.
All communication channels will highlight this requirement, but the responsibility remains with the candidate.