Ireland Bus Theory Test Practice 2026
You must pass the bus Driver Theory Test before you can get a learner permit for categories D, DE, D1 or D1E. The first practice set covers bus topics written from RSA guidance, Citizens Information and the EU drivers' hours rules. Later sets add general rules of the road, which also appear in the real test.
Quick answer
The Driver Theory Test for buses (Category D) has 100 questions. Pass mark: 74 of 100. Time limit: 120 minutes. It is run by Road Safety Authority (RSA); test booked through theorytest.ie. Minimum age: 21 for D1; 24 for D (21 with a Driver CPC), for the licence. Fee: €72. Practise here for free with 210 questions, each with the answer and an explanation. Checked against official sources on October 10, 2026.
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Question 1 of 25
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Answer: C. 100
The bus theory test has 100 questions in 120 minutes.
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Question 2 of 25
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Answer: A. 74 out of 100
You need 74 correct answers out of 100.
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Question 3 of 25
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Answer: B. D, DE, D1 and D1E
The Category D theory test covers D, DE, D1 and D1E.
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Question 4 of 25
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Answer: C. 120 minutes
You have 120 minutes to complete the bus theory test.
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Question 5 of 25
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Answer: D. The Bus Module test (40 questions, pass mark 30)
Drivers who passed a full truck test can sit the Bus Module test, which has 40 questions, 45 minutes and a pass mark of 30.
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Question 6 of 25
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Answer: C. A truck learner permit or a full Category C licence
The Bus Module test requires a current truck learner permit or a full Category C licence.
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Question 7 of 25
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Answer: B. The first part of the Driver CPC
Passing the full bus test gives you the bus certificate plus the first part of the CPC.
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Question 8 of 25
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Answer: D. €84
The combined CD test costs €84. The truck or bus test alone costs €72.
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Question 9 of 25
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Answer: B. Irish
The full Category D test is available in Irish. The Bus Module test is English only.
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Question 10 of 25
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Answer: B. Ask for a rescore by phone within 10 days
You can ask for a rescore within 10 days of the exam. A fee applies.
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Question 11 of 25
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Answer: C. Up to 16 passengers plus the driver, no more than 8 metres long
D1 covers vehicles designed for not more than 16 passengers plus the driver, up to 8 metres long.
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Question 12 of 25
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Answer: B. Vehicles for more than 8 passengers plus the driver
Category D covers buses designed for more than eight passengers plus the driver.
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Question 13 of 25
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Answer: C. Towing a trailer over 750 kg
DE covers a Category D vehicle towing a trailer with a MAM over 750 kg.
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Question 14 of 25
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Answer: B. 21
The minimum age for D1 and D1E is 21.
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Question 15 of 25
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Answer: D. 24
Category D needs you to be 24, or 21 with a Driver CPC.
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Question 16 of 25
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Answer: A. 21
With a Driver CPC, you can hold Category D and DE from 21.
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Question 17 of 25
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Answer: C. A Category B licence
You need a Category B licence (or D1) before getting a D learner permit.
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Question 18 of 25
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Answer: C. No
Learner permit holders must not carry passengers for reward.
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Question 19 of 25
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Answer: D. A person with at least two years' full licence in that category
Bus learners must be accompanied by a qualified driver with a continuous full licence in the category for at least two years.
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Question 20 of 25
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Answer: D. A D501 medical report
A D501 medical report is required for any truck or bus learner permit or licence.
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Question 21 of 25
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Answer: C. People who drive a bus or truck for a living
A Driver CPC is needed to drive a bus or truck professionally.
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Question 22 of 25
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Answer: A. The 30-minute CPC practical knowledge test
If you are taking CPC, you usually take the practical knowledge test on the same day as the driving test.
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Question 23 of 25
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Answer: D. 65 km/h on all roads
Buses carrying standing passengers are limited to 65 km/h on any road.
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Question 24 of 25
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Answer: A. 100 km/h
Coaches with seated passengers only may do 100 km/h on motorways and dual carriageways.
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Question 25 of 25
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Answer: C. 80 km/h
On roads other than motorways and dual carriageways, coaches are limited to 80 km/h.
Keyboard: 1–4 to answer, Enter for the next question.
The real test: 74 of 100
What to know before the test
- The bus theory test has 100 questions in 120 minutes, and the pass mark is 74. It covers categories D, DE, D1 and D1E.
- Passing the full bus theory test gives you the bus certificate plus the first part of the Driver CPC.
- The bus test costs €72, and the combined bus and truck test costs €84.
- Buses carrying standing passengers are limited to 65 km/h. Coaches with seated passengers only may do 100 km/h on motorways and dual carriageways and 80 km/h elsewhere.
- Bus learners must not carry passengers for reward and must be accompanied by a driver with at least two years' full licence in the category.
- Professional drivers have a lower drink-driving limit of 20 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the Irish bus theory test?
100 multiple-choice questions in 120 minutes. You need 74 correct to pass.
What is the minimum age for a bus licence in Ireland?
21 for D1. For Category D, it is 24, or 21 if you hold a Driver CPC.
I passed the truck theory test. Do I need the full bus test?
If you passed the full truck test, you can sit the shorter Bus Module test of 40 questions in 45 minutes, with a pass mark of 30.
Does the bus theory test count towards the Driver CPC?
Yes. Passing the full bus test gives you the first part of the CPC as well as the bus certificate.