Is the process for booking a theory test in Ireland different to the UK? Is the theory exam the same? In part one of this series, Book Theory Test Today provides some facts about the Irish driving theory test.
The driving theory test was not introduced in the Republic of Ireland until 2001, five years after the UK version. Before 2001, Irish motorists were not subjected to a test of their road knowledge before applying for a driving licence or completing a practical driving test.
Now, a learner driver must pass a driving theory test before even being allowed to learn to drive. A very different rule to the UK, where you can apply for a provisional driving licence and get some practical lessons under your belt before making an online driving theory test booking.
For Irish learner drivers, passing a theory test earns them a learner’s permit, which is valid for five years. Should the permit expire prior to a learner passing a driving theory test, candidates are required to retake the theory exam before the learning permit is renewed.
What to expect when booking a theory test in Ireland
After booking a theory test in Ireland, and you come to sit the exam, your knowledge of…
- The rules of the road
- Eco-driving
- Hazard awareness
- Good driving behaviour
- Risk perception
…will all be put to the test.
When booking a theory test in Ireland, you can choose from 41 test centres across the country. You can take the theory exam in Irish or English and like the UK, they’re computerised. Any special needs are also catered for when booking a theory test in Ireland.
For a learner permit to be granted for a particular vehicle category in Ireland, you must obtain a theory test certificate relevant to that vehicle category first. The categories of test include:
- 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 – trucks and buses (Driving licence categories C, C1, CE, C1E, D, D1, DE, D1E)
- TMT – truck module (must have passed D test since 30 September 2014)
- BMT – bus module (must have passed C since 30 September 2014)
If you already have a driving licence for a particular category and you want to get a driving licence for a different category for which a different theory test is required, you have to pass the theory test for that category before you can apply for a learner permit.
For example, if you have a driving licence for category B and you want to get a driving licence for category C1, you have to pass the category C theory test and then apply for a category C1 learner permit.
If you passed a category C or D theory test on or after 30 September 2014, there is an option to sit a TMT or BMT module test to obtain the other category (D or C as appropriate) provided this is done within 2 years of the first test.
That concludes part one of what to expect when booking a theory test in Ireland. Lookout for part two, coming soon.
Get help booking a theory test in Ireland
Book Theory Test Today offers an intermediary service assisting clients with booking a theory test, or practical test, at a test centre of your choosing. The service also supplies resources to help you prepare for your theory test – Ready to take your theory test? Book your theory test online today…
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