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Ireland Driver Theory Test Practice 2026

Practise for the Irish Driver Theory Test for cars, which you must pass before you can get your first learner permit. The questions are written from the RSA's Rules of the Road and cover rules of the road, risk, safe driving, vehicle checks and Irish road signs.

Read before you practiseStart with the Ireland Driver Theory Test Study Guide: plain-language notes, diagrams and the numbers to remember.

  1. Question 1 of 25

    How many questions are in the Driver Theory Test for a car in Ireland?
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    Answer: A. 40

    The car and motorcycle Driver Theory Test has 40 multiple-choice questions.

  2. Question 2 of 25

    What is the pass mark for the car Driver Theory Test in Ireland?
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    Answer: D. 35 out of 40

    You must answer at least 35 of the 40 questions correctly to pass.

  3. Question 3 of 25

    How long do you have to complete the car Driver Theory Test?
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    Answer: A. 45 minutes

    The car and motorcycle Driver Theory Test lasts 45 minutes.

  4. Question 4 of 25

    How long is a Driver Theory Test pass certificate valid?
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    Answer: D. Two years from the test date

    The certificate lasts two years. If you do not apply for your first learner permit within that time, you must sit and pay for the test again.

  5. Question 5 of 25

    Can you take the car Driver Theory Test in Irish?
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    Answer: C. Yes, the test is available in Irish

    Tests for categories A, B, C and D are available in Irish. If you pick the Irish version when booking, the test is delivered in Irish.

  6. Question 6 of 25

    What must you pass before you can apply for your first learner permit?
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    Answer: B. The Driver Theory Test

    You must pass the Driver Theory Test for a category before you can get your first learner permit in that category.

  7. Question 7 of 25

    Besides your theory test certificate, what must you send with your first learner permit application?
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    Answer: B. An eyesight report dated within one month

    Your first application needs an eyesight report, dated within one month, from a registered optometrist or medical practitioner.

  8. Question 8 of 25

    What is the minimum age for a car (category B) learner permit in Ireland?
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    Answer: C. 17

    The minimum age for a category B (car) learner permit is 17.

  9. Question 9 of 25

    What do you receive when you pass your driving test?
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    Answer: A. A Certificate of Competency to apply for your licence

    Passing gives you a Certificate of Competency. You use it to apply to the NDLS for your full driving licence.

  10. Question 10 of 25

    How long is a Certificate of Competency from the driving test valid?
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    Answer: C. Two years

    The Certificate of Competency is valid for two years, so apply for your full licence as soon as possible.

  11. Question 11 of 25

    What must you bring with you on the day of your car driving test?
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    Answer: C. Your completed EDT logbook

    You must bring your completed Essential Driver Training (EDT) logbook on the test day.

  12. Question 12 of 25

    Who may accompany a learner driving a car?
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    Answer: C. An ADI, or someone with a full car licence for at least two years

    Learners must always be accompanied by an Approved Driving Instructor or by someone who has held a full licence in the same category for at least two years.

  13. Question 13 of 25

    Your friend passed the car driving test one year ago. Can they accompany you while you drive on your learner permit?
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    Answer: C. No, novice drivers cannot accompany a learner

    A novice has not held a full licence for two years, so they cannot act as the accompanying driver for a car learner.

  14. Question 14 of 25

    Where must a learner car driver display L plates?
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    Answer: C. On the front and rear of the car

    L plates must be shown in clearly visible positions at the front and rear of the car.

  15. Question 15 of 25

    What does an L plate look like in Ireland?
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    Answer: D. A red L on a white background

    An L plate shows a red letter L on a white background.

  16. Question 16 of 25

    Can a learner permit holder drive on a motorway?
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    Answer: C. No, it is an offence for learners to drive on a motorway

    Learner permit holders must not drive on a motorway in their learner category. It is an offence to do so.

  17. Question 17 of 25

    A learner driver is asked to carry a passenger who will pay for the trip. Is this allowed?
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    Answer: A. No, learners may not carry passengers for payment

    Learner permit holders may not carry passengers for reward (payment).

  18. Question 18 of 25

    What is Essential Driver Training (EDT)?
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    Answer: A. 12 one-hour lessons with an Approved Driving Instructor

    EDT is a course of 12 one-hour sessions with an ADI that car learners must complete.

  19. Question 19 of 25

    Which car learners must complete Essential Driver Training (EDT)?
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    Answer: A. Those whose first car learner permit was issued on or after 4 April 2011

    EDT is required if your first car learner permit was issued on or after 4 April 2011.

  20. Question 20 of 25

    In what order must Essential Driver Training sessions be taken?
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    Answer: D. Session 1 first, then sessions 2 to 8 in any order, then sessions 9 to 12

    Session 1 comes first. Sessions 2 to 8 can be in any order, and sessions 9 to 12 follow once 2 to 8 are done.

  21. Question 21 of 25

    How long does the RSA recommend leaving between Essential Driver Training sessions?
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    Answer: D. Two weeks

    The RSA recommends about two weeks between sessions, so you have time to practise what you learned.

  22. Question 22 of 25

    How is each Essential Driver Training session recorded?
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    Answer: A. Your ADI stamps and signs your logbook and uploads it

    Each ADI must stamp, date and sign your EDT logbook and upload the session to MyEDT.

  23. Question 23 of 25

    How long must you hold your first learner permit before you can sit the car driving test?
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    Answer: A. At least six months

    In most cases you must have held your first learner permit for at least six months before you sit the driving test.

  24. Question 24 of 25

    Your learner permit has lapsed for five years or more. What must you do?
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    Answer: C. Start again: new theory test, first learner permit and full EDT

    After a lapse of five years or more you start again: new theory test, first learner permit and all EDT sessions.

  25. Question 25 of 25

    For how long is a learner permit generally issued?
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    Answer: B. Two years

    Learner permits are generally issued for two years.

What to know before the test

  • The car Driver Theory Test has 40 multiple-choice questions. You have 45 minutes and need 35 correct answers to pass.
  • The test fee for the car or motorcycle test is €45. You book it on theorytest.ie.
  • Your pass certificate is valid for two years. Apply for your first learner permit within that time, or you must sit the test again.
  • The test is available in English and Irish. Voiceover, extra time and a reader service can be arranged through Test Day Assistance.
  • From 1 November 2026, you must be at least 15 years old on the day of your theory test.
  • You see your pass or fail result on screen at the end of the test, and a score report is emailed to you.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the Irish Driver Theory Test?

The car test has 40 multiple-choice questions. You have 45 minutes and must get at least 35 right to pass.

How much does the Driver Theory Test cost?

The car (BW) and motorcycle (AM) theory test costs €45. Check theorytest.ie before you book, as fees can change.

How long is the theory test certificate valid?

Two years from the test date. If you do not apply for your first learner permit in that time, you have to sit and pay for the test again.

Can I take the theory test in Irish?

Yes. The car test is available in Irish. Choose the Irish version when you book and the test will be delivered in Irish.

What happens if I fail the theory test?

There is no limit on how many times you can sit the test. The test provider advises waiting at least three business days before trying again so you have time to revise.

What do I do after passing the theory test?

Apply to the NDLS for your first learner permit with your pass certificate and an eyesight report. Then complete 12 EDT lessons and hold your permit for at least six months before the driving test.

Sources

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