Questions, answered
Irish driver theory test: frequently asked questions
The facts about the test itself, and how PassMonkey fits in. Figures come from the Road Safety Authority and theorytest.ie; check there before you book, in case anything has changed.
- How many questions are in the Irish driver theory test?
- The car (category B) and motorcycle (category A) test has 40 questions, all multiple choice. Each question has one correct answer; some include a picture of a road sign or a traffic situation.
- What is the pass mark for the theory test?
- You need 35 correct answers out of 40 to pass. That is a 35 out of 40 pass mark, so you can get at most 5 wrong.
- How long does the theory test take?
- You have 45 minutes for the 40 questions. Most people finish early; the time pressure comes from second-guessing, which is why PassMonkey mock tests run to the same 45-minute clock.
- How much does the driver theory test cost in Ireland?
- The fee is €45 for a car or motorcycle test (categories A and B). Truck and bus categories cost more. If you fail, you pay the full fee again to re-sit, so a little extra practice is cheaper than a second attempt.
- How do I book the theory test?
- Book online at theorytest.ie, the company that runs the test on behalf of the Road Safety Authority. You need your PPS number and accepted photo ID, and you choose a test centre and time slot. Check the current ID policy on theorytest.ie before you go: if your ID does not match the booking you are turned away and lose the fee.
- How long is the theory test certificate valid?
- Your pass certificate is valid for two years. You must apply for your first learner permit within that time, or you sit the test again. If you are adding a motorcycle category later, the two-year rule applies to that too.
- Can I take the theory test in a language other than English?
- The test can be taken in English or Irish, and audio headphones are available in English, Irish and Polish. For other languages a translator can be arranged at some centres. PassMonkey shows every question bilingually in Polish, Romanian, Ukrainian, Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, Lithuanian or Irish next to the English, so you can learn the material in the language you think in and still recognise the English wording on the day.
- What topics does the theory test cover?
- Questions are drawn from the Rules of the Road: braking and vehicle control, vehicle safety, vehicle maintenance, road signs and markings, traffic rules and speed limits, driving in bad weather, and general knowledge such as alcohol limits, documents and what to do at a collision. PassMonkey groups its questions into the same seven categories so you can see which ones need work.
- How should I study for the theory test?
- Work through the questions category by category and read the explanation for every answer, including the ones you got right. When your category accuracy is consistently high, switch to timed mock tests and do not book the real test until you are scoring 36 or more every time. Most learners who practise this way for one to two weeks pass first time.
- Is PassMonkey free?
- Yes to start: the first 100 practice questions and 3 mock tests a day are free with an account. Premium unlocks all 805 questions, unlimited mock tests and explanations in your own words, from €4.99 for a week to €29.99 for life. Every plan is a one-time payment; there is no subscription.
- Is PassMonkey run by the RSA?
- No. PassMonkey is an independent study aid and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Road Safety Authority. The questions here are written in the style of the real test to prepare you for it; the test itself is set and run through theorytest.ie.
- Is there a PassMonkey app for my phone?
- An Android app is on the way. In the meantime the web app works on any phone: open passmonkey.ie, add it to your home screen, and your progress, streak and purchases stay in sync with your account wherever you sign in.