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THEORY - OVERVIEW

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A driver theory test was introduced in Ireland in 2001 to supplement the practical driving test. Prior to this, motorists in Ireland were not required to undergo a test of their knowledge of either the rules of the road or motoring legislation in Ireland before they applied for a driving licence, or completed their driving test.

  EU legislation governing this area now requires that citizens undergo a practical test of their knowledge of the rules of the road and motoring legislation.

Your theory test will check your knowledge about areas such as:
• the rules of the road,
• risk perception,
• hazard awareness, and
• good driving behaviour.

  The test is conducted at a nation-wide network of 41 test locations and uses a user-friendly computerised system. The Driver Theory Testing Service is operated on a basis similar to the basis on which the National Car Test (NCT) is run. The test can be offered in Irish and in English and candidates with special needs are catered for.

  Since the commencement of the Driver Theory Testing Service on 11 June 2001, a theory test certificate must be obtained before a first provisional licence in a particular vehicle category is granted. Anyone who has applied for a first provisional licence between 25 April and 10 June 2001 will have the validity period of their licence limited to 90 days and will have the balance of the normal period of two years granted when they submit the theory test certificate to the licensing authority. Anyone who has applied for a first provisional licence between 25 April and 10 June 2001 and passed the practical driving test must also pass the theory test before they can get a full driving licence.

The Test

There are three classes of test;
  One for motorcycles, cars, mopeds, tractors and work vehicles (Licence Categories A, B, M and W) and two others, one for heavy goods vehicles (Licence Category C) and one for buses (Licence Category D).

  There are 40 questions in the test and candidates have to answer 35 questions correctly to be successful. You have 45 minutes to answer the 40 questions in the test.

  The test is taken using a touch screen computerised system. Candidates select their answers by touching the computer screen. A practice session can be undertaken before you take the actual test so that you can get used to the system. You don't need to be computer literate in any way.

  If you have any difficulty with reading, there is a 'voice over' option that will read out the questions to you. Appropriate pictures or colours will indicate the different answers on the screen and you select your answer by touching the picture or colour.

  If you wish to complete your test through Irish, this can be facilitated at your test centre and during your test. If you make a mistake or change your mind, you can cancel your answer. If you want to skip a question, you can come back and answer it at the end of your test. At the end of the test, you can review all your answers and if you wish, change them.

  The test is scored automatically and results are made available to you immediately. You will receive a pass certificate for your theory test at the test centre.

Requirements/limitations on your driving with a provisional licence:

Accompaniment:
  You are required to be accompanied by a person holding a full driving licence for the category of vehicle being driven. The only exceptions to this are when:
• driving a car on the basis of a second provisional licence;
• driving a work vehicle, e.g. agricultural tractor;
• riding a motorcycle;
• you hold a current certificate of competency to drive for the category of vehicle being driven.

  You may not act as an accompanying driver, i.e. holder of a full licence, for a person driving with a provisional licence. It is not sufficient to have a certificate of competency to drive. Certain provisionally licensed motorcyclists should check carefully their entitlement to drive machines with an engine power output above 11kw. or 25kw. as the case may be or with a power/weight ratio above 0.16kw./kg.

"L" Plates:
  Your vehicle (unless it is a work vehicle or motorcycle) must display an "L" plate front and rear. The plate should be a red "L" on a white background.

Motorways:
  You may not drive on a motorway on the basis of a provisional licence even if you possess a certificate of competency.

Trailer:
  If you are provisionally licensed to drive vehicles of categories B, C1, C, D1 or D you may not drive any such vehicle when drawing a trailer.

Carrying a Passenger:
  You may not carry for reward any passenger; if a motorcyclist, you may not carry a pillion passenger; if driving a category "W" vehicle (e.g. work vehicle and land tractor), you may not carry a passenger, unless the vehicle is constructed to carry a passenger and the passenger holds a full driving licence for category W.

Further Provisional Licence:
  Eligibility for a third or subsequent Provisional Licence for any category of vehicle is dependent on you having undergone a driving test within the previous two years or providing medical evidence for not having undertaken it or providing evidence of a forthcoming driving test appointment in respect of the vehicle category in question. In the case of the latter, when applying for a driving test, applicants should submit a written request from their local Motor Taxation Office indicating the need for an early driving test appointment. If you have any doubt about your eligibility for a Provisional Licence you should enquire immediately with your local Motor Taxation Office. The telephone numbers of Motor Taxation Offices can be located under the "Local Authorities" heading of the Telephone Directory"

Where to Apply

Driver Theory Test HQ,
P.O. Box 144,
Drogheda,
Co. Louth

Tel: 1890 606 106/1890 616 216 Monday-Friday 8.00am-6.00pm.

Irish Language 1890 606 806 Monday-Friday 8.00am-6.00pm.

Text phone 1890 616 216 Monday-Friday 8.00am-6.00pm.

Please have your social security card (PPS number) to hand and your credit card, if you wish to book the test by calling the number above.