Guides/Theory test

How to Book Your Driver Theory Test in Ireland (Step by Step)

Updated 22 September 2026 · 5 min read

Booking the Driver Theory Test (DTT) takes about ten minutes online — but small mistakes with ID, dates or third-party websites cost people real money every day. Here is exactly how to do it right in 2026.

Step 1: Book only on the official site

The only official booking channel is theorytest.ie (run by Prometric for the RSA), or phone 0818 606 106. Ignore ad-boosted "booking services" that appear above it in search results — they charge a markup for filling in the same form and are not connected to the RSA.

Step 2: Know your category and fee

Category	What it covers	Fee
BW	Car, tractor & work vehicles	€45
AM	Motorcycle & moped	€45
C	Truck	€72
D	Bus	€72
CD	Truck and bus combined	€84
TMT / BMT	Truck/bus module (if you passed the other)	€45
CPC case study	Professional drivers, Step 2	€72

You will need your PPS number and a debit or credit card. During booking you can also pick a language voiceover — the car (BW) test audio is available in 21 languages, including Polish, Romanian, Russian, Lithuanian, Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, French, Georgian, Arabic and Urdu.

Step 3: Pick a centre and date

There are 40+ test centres across Ireland. Book 2–4 weeks ahead: it gives you a realistic study runway and decent slot choice. From 5 May 2026 the RSA recommends candidates are at least 15 years old on the test date — check the current age guidance when booking for a teenager.

Step 4: Bring the right ID — or lose your fee

Arrive 30 minutes early with valid photo ID. Accepted documents include: a Public Services Card with photo, a passport (valid, or expired up to 12 months), an Irish Passport Card, a national identity card from an EU/EEA state or Switzerland, a valid Irish learner permit or full licence, Irish Travel Documents, or a current Ukrainian driving licence. No valid ID means no test and no refund.

Rescheduling and cancelling

Reschedule free of charge if you ask at least 7 calendar days before your test date.
Reschedule within 6 calendar days of the test: an admin fee of 50% of the exam fee applies.
Rescheduling on the day of the test is not permitted, so a no-show loses the full fee.
Cancelling 7 or more days before refunds 100%, 3 to 6 days before refunds 50%, and 2 days before or later refunds nothing.

Failed the test? You can rebook immediately, but the earliest new sitting is a few working days away — use that gap to drill the topics that caught you out, not to re-sit on hope.

Be ready before you book

Practise the full official question bank by topic, then sit unlimited mock exams in the real format.

Start practising free

Frequently asked questions

+How much does the theory test cost in Ireland?

The car or motorcycle theory test costs €45. Truck or bus tests cost €72 each, the combined truck-and-bus test €84, and the CPC case study test €72.

+What ID do I need for the theory test?

A valid photo ID: Public Services Card, passport (or one expired less than 12 months), EU/EEA national ID card, Irish learner permit or full licence, Irish Travel Document, or a current Ukrainian driving licence.

+Can I change my theory test date?

Yes, free of charge if you reschedule at least 7 calendar days before the test. Within 6 days a 50% admin fee applies, and same-day rescheduling is not allowed.

+How far in advance should I book?

Two to four weeks is the sweet spot: enough time to study seriously, and most centres still have good slot availability at that range.

+Can I book the theory test if I am not an Irish citizen?

Yes. Residency, not citizenship, is what matters. You need a PPS number and one of the accepted photo IDs.