Theory test guide
The Irish Driver Theory Test: cost, pass mark and what to expect
What you need to know before you book the car theory test: what it costs, how it works, what to bring on the day, and what comes next.
Checked against theorytest.ie on 11 October 2026. Fees and rules can change, so confirm there before you book.
Key facts
- Cost
- €45 for the car test (category BW)
- Questions
- 40 multiple-choice questions
- Pass mark
- 35 correct answers out of 40 (87.5%)
- Time
- 45 minutes
- Result
- Pass or fail on screen as soon as you finish
- Certificate
- Valid for 2 years from the test date
- Minimum age
- 15 on the test day, from 1 November 2026
- Language
- English or Irish
How to book
- Book online at theorytest.ie. You get confirmation on screen and by email.
- Choose category BW for a car. The category can’t be changed at the test centre.
- Enter your full name exactly as it appears on your ID.
- You need an Irish address to book.
- There are over 40 test centres across the Republic of Ireland.
- Pay by Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card, or by Revolut card.
Changing or cancelling
- 7 days or more before
- Change or cancel free of charge.
- 3 to 6 days before
- Changing costs half the fee. Cancelling refunds half.
- 1 or 2 days before
- Changing costs half the fee. Cancelling refunds nothing.
- On the test day
- No changes and no refund.
On the test day
- Arrive 30 minutes early to check in. If you’re late, you can’t sit the test and you lose the fee.
- Bring one original photo ID; photocopies and photos of ID aren’t accepted. Without it you lose the fee. The name must match your booking exactly, and correcting it on the day costs €15.
- Staff check for phones and Bluetooth devices at check-in, and smart glasses aren’t allowed in the test room.
- You can take a short practice session first to see how the test works, and you can change an answer before you finish.
Accepted ID
- Public Services Card with a photo
- Passport, valid or expired for no more than 12 months
- Irish Passport Card, in date
- National identity card from an EU or EEA country or Switzerland
- Irish car or motorcycle learner permit or full driving licence
- Irish Travel Document
- Current Ukrainian driving licence
If you fail
- Your score report, sent by email, shows the topics where you lost marks, so you know what to revise.
- There’s no limit on how many times you can sit the test.
- theorytest.ie advises waiting at least 3 full working days before you sit it again.
After you pass
- Your certificate is valid for 2 years from the test date. Apply for your learner permit within that time.
- Apply online with the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS). You need a Public Services Card and a verified MyGovID.
How to prepare
You need 35 out of 40, so there is little room for mistakes. Read the questions and answers by topic, learn the road signs, and practise until you answer nearly every question correctly.
Try a free mock test
Answer 40 questions in 45 minutes, as in the real test, and see whether you reach the pass mark of 35.
Start a mock test