The Official RSA Driver Theory Test
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
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 reschedule or cancel your Test.
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.
Booking your Test
A person who is disqualified may undergo a driving theory test in respect of the categories AM or BW. Persons seeking a test in the higher categories (Truck, Bus, CPC, ADI) may only undergo the test when they hold a valid driving licence in category B and they thus cannot undergo the test when disqualified.
Persons who have passed the theory test in categories AM or BW while disqualified may subsequently have the certificate accepted if presented within the validity period and with a valid application for a learner permit.
For further clarification please visit the RSA website.
There are five separate Driver Theory Test categories:
| Category | Exam name | Respective Learner Permit/Driving Licence Category |
|---|---|---|
| AM | Motorcycle/Moped Theory Test | A, A1, A2 and AM |
| BW | Car/Tractor & Work Vehicles Theory Test | B, BE and W |
| C | Truck Theory Test | C, CE, C1 and C1E |
| D | Bus Theory Test | D, DE, D1 and D1E |
| CD | Bus & Truck Theory Test |
There are over 40 Driver Theory Test locations throughout the Republic of Ireland. You can choose a Test Centre that is most convenient to you. Please note that available appointment times may vary between Test Centres.
You will be able to select your test centre and view its current appointment times at the online booking service.
The official fees for the Driver Theory Test are detailed in the relevant booking page – please choose your test type from the Booking Page.
Accepted payment methods for All Driver Theory Test Categories are Mastercard, Visa Credit and Debit card, Revolut card and cheque or postal order.
Theory Tests are provided in the Irish language for Vehicle Categories A, B, C & D.
The new combined C & D Theory Test, Bus Module Test and Truck Module Test will only be provided in English until further notice.
A, B, C & D Test category names are displayed in English and Irish during the scheduling process – if displayed in Irish the test will be delivered in the Irish language.
If you have a disability and require our Test Day Assistance service you can contact us on 0818 606 106 or via our Contact Form.
Changing your Test
Rescheduling
You may reschedule your appointment free of charge, provided your request is received at least 7 calendar days before your scheduled test date.
If you reschedule your appointment within 6 calendar days before your scheduled test date, an administrative fee equal to 50% of the original exam fee will apply.
Rescheduling is not permitted on the day of your scheduled test date.
Cancellation
You may cancel your appointment free of charge provided your request is received at least 7 calendar days before your scheduled test date.
You may cancel your appointment within 3 to 6 calendar days before your scheduled test date, however an administrative fee equal to 50% of the original exam fee will apply. You will receive a refund of 50% of the original exam fee.
If you cancel your appointment 2 calendar days before your scheduled test date or on your test date, no refund will be issued and 100% of the exam fee will be forfeited.
If you fail to arrive at the Test Centre in time for your test appointment, or cancel your test in less than 5 business days (to include 3 complete business days) prior to your test date, you will lose your test fee.
Taking your Test
We ask that you please arrive 30 minutes ahead of your test time to allow for your check-in process.
Firstly, the Test Centre staff will check if you have the required Identification (ID).
Your ID will be scanned for security purposes. If you refuse the ID scan, you will not be permitted to test.
Please note that if you do not bring the required identification with you or you are late for your appointment you will not be allowed to test and you will lose your test fee.
Then, you will be signed in and a Test Centre Administrator (TCA) will explain the procedures and how the test works. They will then show you to the workstation where you will take your test.
During your check in process security wanding takes place to detect for any mobile or Bluetooth devices. You may also be asked for your trousers or sleeves to be rolled up or for your pockets to be turned out.
Your ID will be thoroughly checked for accuracy and validity. Your ID will be scanned for security purposes. If you refuse the ID scan, you will not be permitted to test.
Within the testing room your test session is monitored and recorded.
Theory Tests are provided in the Irish language for Vehicle Categories A, B, C & D.
You will be given a specific timeframe and number of questions depending on the your Driver Theory Test category. The questions are selected randomly from the question bank for the relevant test sections.
| Category | Time | Questions | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|
| AM or BW | 45 mins | 40 | 35 |
| C or D | 120 mins | 100 | 74 |
| CD | 180 mins | 140 | 104 |
| Bus Module Test | 45 mins | 40 | 30 |
| Truck Module Test | 45 mins | 40 | 30 |
Yes, you can skip or mark questions and then come back to them at any stage within your test time.
Yes, there is a simple way to cancel your answer and select another.
No – as part of the test there is the option to take a practice session so you can become familiar with how the test works. If you do have any concerns or problems our staff are trained to help.
Any attempt by a candidate to cheat in the Driver Theory Test is taken seriously.
Prometric Ireland Ltd. is 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 a 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.
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.
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 from the test date is applied to candidates caught cheating.
Yes, you can exit your test at any time you see fit.
No. Smart glasses are not permitted in the testing room under any circumstances.
Candidates wearing smart glasses will be asked to remove them before entering the testing room and store them in their locker with their other personal belongings.
Test Results
At the end of your exam a pass or fail result will be displayed on screen. You will also be sent a link to view your score