Ireland · RSA Driver Theory Test, car and motorcycle
Irish driver theory test pass mark: 35 out of 40, explained
You need 35 correct answers out of 40, so you can afford 5 mistakes. The test costs €45.
The Irish Driver Theory Test for a car or motorcycle has 40 multiple-choice questions in 45 minutes, and the pass mark is 35 correct answers (87.5%) [1]. You can afford at most 5 mistakes. The test costs €45 per attempt, and since 1 November 2026 you must be at least 15 to sit it [2].
Irish driver theory test format
| Item | Car (BW) or motorcycle (AM) test |
|---|---|
| Questions | 40 multiple-choice |
| Pass mark | 35 correct (87.5%) |
| Time | 45 minutes |
| Fee | €45 |
| Minimum age | 15 on the test date, from 1 November 2026 |
Sources: the RSA booking page on theorytest.ie [1] and its notice on the minimum age [2]. The 2024 update of the question bank brought new images and questions but did not change the number of questions or the pass mark [1].
What is the pass mark for the Irish theory test?
You need 35 correct answers out of 40, which is 87.5%. Put the other way round, you can get at most 5 questions wrong. That is a high bar, so "nearly ready" is not ready.
| Correct answers | Wrong | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 out of 40 | 0 | 100% | Pass |
| 36 out of 40 | 4 | 90% | Pass |
| 35 out of 40 | 5 | 87.5% | Pass: the minimum |
| 34 out of 40 | 6 | 85% | Fail |
| 30 out of 40 | 10 | 75% | Fail |
With 45 minutes for 40 questions you have about 67.5 seconds per question, so time is rarely the problem. Accuracy is: use the spare minutes to reread every question with a number in it (speed limits, distances, alcohol limits, penalty points).
The trap: training only until you pass practice tests. If you score 35 or 36 at home, one bad question on the day fails you. Aim for 38 or more out of 40 on full timed mocks before you book.
Train on full mock tests. The book explains the Rules of the Road for category B and gives 200 practice questions in 5 full mock tests, with explanations: Pass the Irish Driver Theory Test 2027.
How much does it cost if you fail?
Each sitting of the car or motorcycle test costs €45 [1]. Passing first time costs €45; one fail and a pass costs €90; two fails and a pass €135.
What changed on 1 November 2026
Minimum age. All candidates must be at least 15 on the date of the test appointment [2]. Candidates who sat the test younger (for a tractor or moped permit) may need to sit it again when they add the car or a bigger motorcycle, if their certificate is more than two years old [2].
Retaking the theory test. From 1 November 2026 you must sit the theory test again if [3]:
- you apply for a third or fourth learner permit without having taken a driving test in the previous two years;
- you already hold four learner permits (no fifth permit is issued, unless you were medically restricted);
- your learner permit has been expired for two years or more.
The RSA's learner permit page confirms the first rule: booking a driving test is no longer enough to get a further permit, you must have taken one [4].
What to bring on the day
One original, hard-copy photo ID, in the exact name you booked with: for example a Public Services Card with photo, a passport, an Irish Passport Card, an EU/EEA or Swiss national identity card, or an Irish learner permit or driving licence. Photocopies and photos on a phone are refused, and you should arrive 30 minutes early [1].
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are in the Irish driver theory test?
40 multiple-choice questions in 45 minutes for the car (BW) and motorcycle (AM) test.
What is the pass mark for the Irish theory test?
35 correct answers out of 40, or 87.5%. You can get at most 5 questions wrong.
How much is the theory test in Ireland?
€45 for the car (BW) or motorcycle (AM) test, paid again for each attempt.
What is the minimum age for the Irish theory test?
From 1 November 2026, all candidates must be at least 15 years old on the date of their test appointment.
Do I have to resit the theory test for a new learner permit?
From 1 November 2026, yes if you apply for a third or fourth permit without having taken a driving test in the previous two years, if you already hold four permits, or if your permit has been expired for two years or more.
The book
Pass the Irish Driver Theory Test 2027
The Rules of the Road for category B explained for learners, expats and returning residents, with 200 original practice questions in 5 full mock tests of 40, every answer explained.
Ebook. Also on other Apple Books and Google Play Books stores.
Sources
- RSA, theorytest.ie, « Driver Theory Test: Car or Bike » (questions, pass mark, time, fees, ID), page modified 27 October 2026, consulted 10 November 2026.
- RSA, theorytest.ie, « Minimum Age for Driver Theory Test Changing to 15 years old from 1st November 2026 », consulted 10 November 2026.
- RSA, theorytest.ie, notice on when the Driver Theory Test must be taken again from 1 November 2026, published 14 November 2025, consulted 10 November 2026.
- RSA, « Learner permit: what it is » (validity, rules from 1 November 2026), consulted 10 November 2026.
Figures checked on 10 November 2026. Independent guide: not produced or approved by the Road Safety Authority or Prometric. Always check theorytest.ie before you book.