Ireland Driving Theory Test
Learning to drive and passing the Ireland Driving Theory Test is an important aspect and personal achievement. In this article you will discover more information on obtaining the Irish Driving License.
Steps to obtain an Irish Driving License:
- Pass the driver theory test
- Get a learner permit
- Practice driving
- Pass driving test
The driver testing in Ireland is conducted by the Road Safety Authority (RSA). The National Driver Licencing Service (NDLS) has the authority to issue learner permits and driving licences.
About the Ireland Driving Theory Test
The first step towards learning driving is to pass the Ireland Driving Theory Test. The Ireland Driving Theory Test is a computerized exam of driving theory appropriate to the category of the vehicle you want to be licensed.
The Irish Driver Theory Test includes –
- The rules of the road
- Risk perception
- Eco-driving
- Hazard awareness
- Good driving behaviour.
The Ireland Driving Theory Test can be taken in Irish and English, and it also caters candidates with special needs. Your pass certificate is valid only for 2 years. In Ireland, the minimum age to drive any kind of vehicle in public areas and to get any learner’s permit is 17 years. You can take Ireland Driving Theory Test at any age.
Questions Expected in the Ireland Driving Theory Test
The questions in the Ireland Driving Theory Test are based on the rules of the road and current road traffic legislation. The Driver Theory Testing Service has a set of questions. For each test, questions selected randomly will be taken from the Driver’s Handbook. The test is constantly updated depending on the new and revised legislation.
The format of the Ireland Driving Theory Test includes multiple-choice questions. Category A and B tests consists of 40 questions and 35 questions must be correctly answered. The duration of the test is 45 minutes, and you need to answer 40 questions in the Irish Driver Theory Test. Category C and D tests consists of 100 questions, out of which 74 questions must be correctly answered. The duration of the Ireland Driving Theory Test is 120 minutes.
CD theory test consists of 140 questions and 104 must be answered correctly; the duration of the test is 180 minutes. To pass a truck (TMT) or bus (BMT) module, theory test consists of 40 questions and 30 questions must be answered correctly; the duration of the test is 45 minutes.
Steps to obtain a Driving License in Ireland
1.Take your Ireland Driving Theory Test – The Ireland Driving Theory Test is designed to assess your knowledge on road signs, rules and regulations, and ability to identify potential hazards.
2. Apply for your learner permit – The minimum age to apply for learner permit is 17 years and should have a valid passport or identification. You should also complete an eye test and pass an Irish Driver Theory Test.
3. Find a Driving Instructor or School – Finding the right driving instructor or school plays a crucial role in obtaining the driving licence.
4. Essential Driver Training (EDT) – EDT is a mandatory 12-lesson program designed to develop the skills that you need to be a safe and responsible driver.
5. Choose a Test Centre – Once you have passed your Ireland Driving Theory Test, you can book your driving test at a test center near you.
6. Practice Your Driving Skills – Before you take the driving test, make sure you practice well on different roads and in different situations.
7. Take Your Driving Test – The driving test is a practical test of driving skills which includes a range of maneuvers, driving on roads, turning at junctions, and reversing, depending on what the instructor asks you to do.
8. Get Your Full Driving Licence –Once you have completed your driving test, you will receive your full driving licence and then you are a qualified driver.
Driving License Categories and Eligibility for taking the Ireland Driving Theory Test
1. The eligibility for an AM – mopeds and light quadricycles is 16 years.
2. The eligibility for an A1 – motorcycles with an engine capacity not exceeding 125 cc, with a power rating not exceeding 11 kW and with a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.1 kW/kg. Motor tricycles with a power rating not exceeding 15kW is 16 years.
3. The eligibility for A2 is 18 years. A2 category includes motorcycles with a power rating not exceeding 35kW, with a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.2 kW/kg and not derived from a vehicle of more than double its power.
4. The eligibility for category A – motorcycles is between 20 – 24 years and 21 years for motor tricycles.
5. The eligibility for B – vehicles having a maximum authorized mass not exceeding 3,500 kg is 17 years; these vehicles are designed and constructed for the carriage of not more than eight passengers, in addition to the driver.
6. The eligibility for BE is 17years – combination of drawing vehicles in category B and trailer where the maximum authorized mass of the trailer is not greater than 3,500 kg.
7. The eligibility for W – work vehicles (other than land tractors) are vehicles which have a maximum design speed not exceeding 40 kilometers per hour and which are constructed primarily for any work other than the conveyance by road of goods or burden of any other description is 16 years.
8. The eligibility for C – vehicles having a maximum authorized mass exceeding 3,500 kg, designed and constructed for the carriage of no more than eight passengers in addition to the driver and where the maximum authorized mass of the trailer is not greater than 750 kg is 21 years or 18 years with CPC.
9. The eligibility for CE – combination of drawing vehicles in category C and trailer where the maximum authorized mass of the trailer is greater than 750 kg is 21 years or 18 years with CPC.
10. The eligibility for C1 – vehicles in category C having a maximum authorized mass weight not exceeding 7,500 kg, designed and constructed for the carriage of no more than eight passengers in addition to the driver and where the maximum authorized mass of the trailer is not greater than 750 kg is 18 years.
11. The eligibility for C1E – combination of drawing vehicles in category C1 and trailer where the maximum authorized mass of the trailer is greater than 750 kg and where the maximum authorized mass of the drawing vehicle and trailer combined does not exceed 12,000 kg is 18 years.
12. The eligibility for D b>is 24 years or 21 years with CPC where vehicles are designed and constructed for the carriage of more than 16 passengers in addition to the driver and where the maximum authorized mass of the trailer is not greater than 750 kg.
13. The eligibility for DE – combination of drawing vehicles in category D and trailer where the maximum authorized mass of the trailer is greater than 750 kg is 24 years or 21 years with CPC.
14. The eligibility of D1 – vehicles in category D designed and constructed for the carriage of not more than 16 passengers in addition to the driver with a maximum length not exceeding 8 meters and where the maximum authorized mass of the trailer is not greater than 750 kg is 21 years.
15. The eligibility of D1E is 21 years- D1E is a combination of drawing vehicles and trailer where the maximum authorized mass of the trailer is >750kg.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How to obtain driving licence in Ireland?
First, book an appointment for the Ireland Driving Theory Test at NDLS center. To apply in person, you must successfully pass the driving test in the applied category within the last two years.
- How long is the theory test valid for?
The theory test is valid for 2 years.
- How many driving lessons are needed in Ireland?
12 driving lessons are needed in Ireland.
- Can I drive in Ireland without lessons?
You must complete compulsory lessons with an RSA Approved Driving Instructor before you take a test.
- Can I straight drive after passing driving test in Ireland?
Once you pass the driving test, you are issued with certificate of competency. This certificate does not allow you to drive as full licence holder. You must follow the rules of learner’s permit until you receive your full driving licence.
- What is the pass percentage for theory test?
The pass percentage for theory test is 86%.
- What is the purpose of taking our test?
The purpose of taking our test is, it boosts your self confidence in preparing for the theory test.
- What is the advantage of unlocking our premium plan?
The advantage of unlocking our premium plan gives you the access of in-depth information on specific topics, such as, Safe Driving, Prohibitory Signs, Warning Signs and so on.
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