How to Pass Your Driver Theory Test

Preparation and practice for the theory test is key when it comes to passing first time. Use our tried and tested guide to prepare, study, book and pass your Driver Theory Test and get driving on Irish roads.

Choose Your Driver Theory Test Category

The theory test is split among the following categories:

• A – motorcycles and mopeds (Driving licence categories AM, A1, A2, A),
• B – cars, tractors and work vehicles (Driving licence categories B, BE, W)
• C – vans and trucks over 3,500kg (Driving licence categories C, C1, CE, C1E)
• D – buses (Driving licence categories D, D1, DE, D1E)
• CD – bus or truck (Driving licence categories C, C1, CE, C1E, D, D1, DE, D1E)
• TMT – truck module (must have passed D test)
• BMT – bus module (must have passed C test)

Category B is usually the option for most beginner drivers.

How Much does The Driver Theory Test Cost?

The cost of each Driver Theory Test is as follows:

• Category AM (Motorbike/Moped) or BW (Car/Tractor & Work Vehicles) – €45
• Category C or D – €72
• Category CD – €84
• Module TMT or BMT – €45
• A duplicate Driver Theory Test certificate costs €15.
• The fee for making an appeal is €15 which is refunded if successful.

Preparing for Your Theory Test

You can study online or with the actual book, but the handiest and most effective way is through the learning app. Please be aware that there are a number of unlicensed and unofficial revision material apps and websites on the market, these apps and websites are not licensed by the RSA and do not contain the official DTT questions.

Before booking your theory test slot, it’s best to obtain the available revision materials and begin your study to gauge how much time you need to prepare. Preparation time differs for everyone and you don’t want to put yourself under any unnecessary additional pressure.

The official revision material for the driver theory test is available as a book, CD-ROM, and as a smart phone app or you can visit the online learning portal. All contain the information required for the tested categories:

• The rules of the road
• Risk perception
• Eco-driving
• Hazard awareness
• Good driving behaviour

Complete Practice Theory Tests

Practice tests are a great way to get a feel for the types of questions asked, the language style and the overall structure of the exam and are the best way to prepare for the Driver Theory Test.

When completed with the CD-ROM or app you can instantly review your questions and answers. Incorrect answers will be marked, and the correct answer will be highlighted. Use these corrections to form topics for further revision and continue with the practice tests until you are passing them. The test comprises of 40 questions and a minimum score of 35 out of 40 is required to pass. You’ll have 45 minutes to complete it.

Find Your Local Yest Centre and Book Your Theory Test Online

Once you’ve completed the above steps it’s time to book your theory test. The Road Safety Authority’s booking system will take you through three steps to complete your booking:

Step 1 – Revise Official RSA Material. Using the official revision materials gives you the best chance of passing first time and we have mentioned above the best place to find all those materials.

Step 2 – Choose your test category and check location.  You’ll first be shown the various categories of vehicles and how much the test fees are. We’re concentrating on ‘BW’ category today which appears as ‘Car, Bike, Bus or Truck’ on the website. Please be advised that it is your responsibility to book the correct Theory Test category as this cannot be changed at the Test Centre or when sitting your Test online.

Theory Tests can be taken at 43 test centre locations around the country as part of the RSA’s driver testing and licensing process. There is also an option to take the test online, which you can find more information on below.

Step 3 – Check ID requirements. The only accepted forms of identity (hard copy only – photocopy/pictures of ID are not acceptable) are:

• Public Services Card (with photograph)
• Passports (valid for international use only or up to maximum 24 months expired)
• Irish Passport Cards (in good condition)
• National Identity Card from EU/EEA Member States or Switzerland
• Irish Category B (Car) or Category A (Motorcycle) Learner Permit or Full Driving Licence (valid and in good condition) to check the validity of your Licence or Learner Permit you can visit the NDLS page.

When you are ready to take your theory test you can book an appointment on the DTT website. And if you require more information on how to obtain a Public Services Card, you can visit the Department of Social Protection website.

Note: If you need to change the time of your test you must reschedule or cancel it no later than five business days before it. Otherwise you’ll lose your fee and must book a new test and pay again.

Online Testing

Now in limited availability pilot phase, with capacity increasing during 2021 you can take your Theory Test at home with the new ProProctor™ Online Testing option. A Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 PC with Google Chrome browser are required and a System Check will confirm your eligibility. Visit the official site to see if this is an option for you.

On The Day of Your Driver Theory Test

Each test centre offer test day assistance options for those who require extra support. These options include:

• Voiceover option – questions and answers are read to you over headphones
• Extra time allocation
• Reader recorder service – a staff member will read the questions and answers to the candidate and record their answers on screen
• Dyslexia Support Professional
• ISL Video Clips or ISL Interpreter

You can watch a video of the testing experience to get a good feel for how the day will go.

After Your Driver Theory Test

If you managed to pass the test the first time, you’ll be given a pass certificate that is valid for two years. You must take this certificate along with the necessary forms and ID to apply for a learner permit. If you don’t complete the application within two years, you’ll need to re-sit the Driver Theory Test. If you want help in preparing for your full driving test, check out our guide outlining all the steps and best tips for preparing for your full driving test.

If you fail your theory test you will have to wait at least 3 complete business days before you are able to re-sit your test. Before you leave the Test Centre, you will be handed a score report with your results. This report will show the specific category areas where you answered questions incorrectly, this will help you focus on what sections will require special attention next time.

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Visit our Content Hub for more tips for Young & First Time Drivers.