Guides/Theory test
Taking the Irish Theory Test in Your Own Language: Every Option in 2026
Updated 14 August 2026 · 5 min read
English is not your first language and the theory test is standing between you and an Irish licence? Good news: since December 2025 the official car theory test can be taken with a full audio voiceover in 21 languages — and there are more options beyond that. Here is everything available in 2026.
Option 1: Official voiceover in 21 languages (car test)
The Driver Theory Test (BW — cars, tractors and work vehicles) offers a headphone voiceover that reads every question and answer aloud in your chosen language. The questions stay in English on screen; the audio translates them. It is available at all 40+ test centres.
| English | Polish | Lithuanian |
| Russian | Romanian | Brazilian Portuguese |
| Pashto | Dari | Urdu |
| Vietnamese | Arabic | Albanian |
| French | Georgian | Somali |
| Slovak | Turkish | Spanish |
| Simplified Chinese | Bengali | Malayalam |
To get it, simply select the voiceover language from the dropdown when booking on theorytest.ie (or tell the agent at the start of the call if booking by phone). It costs nothing extra, and the 45-minute time limit stays the same.
Option 2: Irish language
Categories A, B, C and D are all available in Irish — indicate it when booking.
Option 3: A translator at the test centre
If your language is not on the voiceover list (Ukrainian, for example), you can request an in-person translator. You must complete an official declaration form, have it signed by an approved signatory, and request the translator well in advance of your test date — allow several weeks.
The catch: the exam screen is still in English
Voiceover or not, the questions appear in English on the test screen. Candidates who prepared only in their own language often stumble on the English wording of familiar rules. The fix is to study bilingually: learn the material in your language so you truly understand it, but see the official English text of every question alongside — so nothing on exam day looks new.
Practise bilingually, pass in English
The full official-style question bank in your language with the English original alongside. Free to start.
Pick your language & startFrequently asked questions
+Can I take the Irish theory test in Russian?
Yes. The car (BW) theory test offers a Russian audio voiceover — select it when booking on theorytest.ie. The on-screen text remains in English, so bilingual practice is strongly recommended.
+Can I take the Irish theory test in Ukrainian?
Ukrainian is not currently on the 21-language voiceover list, but you can request an in-person translator using the official declaration form, arranged in advance. Practising bilingually in Ukrainian and English is the most reliable preparation.
+Does the language voiceover cost extra?
No. The voiceover is free — just select your language when booking your test.
+Is the voiceover available for truck and bus tests?
The 21-language voiceover applies to the car (BW) test. Truck and bus candidates should check current options on theorytest.ie when booking; Irish is available for A, B, C and D, and translator support can be requested.
+Do I get extra time if I use a voiceover?
No — the time limit stays the same (45 minutes for the car test). With practice, that is still plenty.