Howth Sutton
School of Motoring
...driving for life!
Applying for theory test
Since the 11th June 2001 a driver theory test pass certificate must be obtained before a first provisional driving licence can be applied for. The Driver Theory Test is designed to help you be a safe, courteous and informed Driver.
Driver theory testing is designed for novice drivers in respect of the following vehicle categories:
It is designed to examine their driving knowledge. There are three different theory tests dependant on the vehicle categories, which the person wishes to have on their provisional licence or driving licence. These are set out in the following table:
| Theory test certificate category | Driving Licence/Provisional Licence Category |
| A, B, M and W | A, A1, B, EB, M and W |
| C | C, C1, EC and EC1 |
| D | D, D1, ED and ED1 |
The following table provides details of the vehicles covered by each driving licence category:
| Category | Details |
| A | Motorcycles |
| A1 | Motorcycles with an engine capacity not exceeding 125 cubic centimetres and with a power rating not exceeding 11 kilowatts |
| B | Cars (and other vehicles) having a design gross weight not exceeding 3,500kg and having passenger accommodation for 8 (or fewer) persons. Motorcycles, mopeds, work vehicles and land tractors are not included) |
| C | Trucks (or other vehicles) having a design gross weight exceeding 3,500kg, and having passenger accommodation for 8 (or fewer) persons. (Work vehicles and land tractors are not included). |
| C1 | (Trucks or other vehicles) in C having a design gross weight not exceeding 7,500kg |
| D | Buses having passenger accommodation for more than 8 persons |
| D1 | Buses in D having accommodation for not more than 16 persons |
| M | Mopeds |
| W | Work vehicles and land tractors |
The tests for categories B, C, C1, D, D1 and W also cover provisional licences for these categories with a drawing vehicle without having to undergo a separate theory test.
There are 41 Driver Theory Test locations throughout Ireland. You can choose where you want your test to take place. You can get information on current waiting times from each call centre. Waiting times for tests can vary from centre to centre.
The Dublin centres are:
Bookings can be made by post, telephone, and fax and the centres and you will receive the result of your test and a theory test certificate (if you passed) within 30 minutes of the end of the test.
If you have failed then you can book another test by contacting the booking help line. They can arrange a new test and inform you of the practice materials you can purchase.
If you pass your test you can apply for your first provisional licence. You will have to apply to your local Motor Taxation Office and send your pass certificate with your application.
Contact information:
General help and information about the Driver Theory Testing Service is available from their call centre. Information is also given on the test appointment confirmation notification. You can get information on booking and test fees from their 24 hour telephone line. The numbers are:
All calls are charged at a local rate. They have published a leaflet to help you, which they will post to you upon request. If you need special assistance, just let them know. Their Customer Services Team is available to assist.
Their operators are available Monday to Friday 8:00am to 6:00pm to book your test and immediately confirm your appointment. Just have a credit card and PPSN (formerly RSI number) to hand.
If you do not wish to book over the phone a postal application should be sent to PO Box 144 Drogheda, County Louth. (DO NOT send your application to them at a Driver Theory Test Centre.)
Postal applications for a provisional driver license should be sent to the Motor Taxation Office in your city/county of residence.
Application forms can be obtained from the booking help line, DTT test centres, and Motor Taxation Offices. Alternatively download the application form in pdf format here.
The booking help line can also give advice on practice materials you can purchase.