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The Irish drivers Theory Test ..

The irish drivers theory testThe driver theory test was introduced in Ireland in 2001 to precede the practical driving test.  Motorists in Ireland prior to this time were not legally required to do any form of test on their knowledge of either the rules of the road or motoring regulations on Irish roads  before they applied for an Irish Learners Permit, or completed their full  driving test.

You can obtain the official Theory Test Book or CD rom from us completly free of charge!! This is a local service (Belturbet Townlands Only), We are more than happy to give potential theory test candidates the chance to borrow this material from us for a few weeks.
We can get one delivered to you if transport is a problem.. call Paul on..087 - 6383195.

you must hold a learners permit for six (6) months in Ireland before sitting the Irish Driving Test

Revision of Driver Theory Test

The Transport Minister, Mr Martin Cullen T.D. has announced details of a revision of the Driver Theory Test, which comes into effect on Saturday, 21st October 2006.

Revised Test and New Category to be Introduced

The changes include:

A revision of existing questions in the Driver Theory Test Question Bank,
the introduction of a separate theory test for candidates seeking a licence for Motorcycles or Mopeds, and
an increase from 750 to 1,250 in the number of questions in the Driver Theory Test Question Bank.

The bank of questions for car drivers has been revised. The changes include questions dealing with correct behaviour in illustrated traffic situations, taking emergency / corrective action, and information related to pedestrians. The bank of questions for truck drivers and bus drivers has also been expanded.

The new Theory Test will include a wider variety of questions and answers, the pass mark for candidates will remain unchanged at 35 questions out of 40.

European legislation now requires that citizens undergo a practical test of their knowledge of the rules of the road and motoring legislation, before gaining their licence to learn. A Lerarners Permit in essence is only a licence to learn and motorists on L plates must be accompanied by a full licence holder at all times on the road.

Your theory test will check your knowledge in areas such as:
  • The rules of the road
  • Hazard awareness
  • Risk perception
  • Good driving behaviour

The Driver Theory Testing Service started on 11 June 2001, a theory test certificate must be obtained before a Learners Permit in a particular vehicle category is issued. The test is held at a nationwide network of 41 test locations and uses a user friendly computerised touch screen system. The Driver Theory Testing Service is operated on a basis similar to the basis on which the National Car Test (NCT) is run. The test can be offered in Irish and in English and candidates with special needs or disabilities are catered for.

Categories of Vehicles and Theory Tests

If you are applying for a Leraners Permit , you must sit the theory test for vehicle categories A, B, M, W, You must study all of these categories as you will be tested!!! . Its roughly two thirds of the official driver theory test book. You are then entitled to apply for a driving licence for category A1, A, B, M or W depending on your age. If you pass your car driving test category B, then you are entitled to go on for an EB licence, you are not required to sit the theory test again.

If you want to apply for a truck driving licence, you must sit the category C driver theory test. This will entitle you to apply for a Leraners Permit in categories C1 or C. If you want to apply for a bus driving licence category D, you must complete the category D theory test.

 

Test materials

The full list of test questions and answers are only available in the “Official Driver Test” book and CD-ROM  which are available from most bookshops throughout the country and from the Driver Theory Testing Service. This material is not free, its about 18 euro for the book and around 18 euro for the CD-ROM. Most public libraries in Ireland will stock this material. In 2004, the National Safety Council launched a sample online driver theory test  which  you can try on this page above. This online test consists of just 5 random questions taken from the question bank.

Questions or comments regarding the driver theory test materials and their unavailability online should be made directly to the Driver Theory Test Service by telephone at 1890 606 106.
Or if you prefer you can write to the Driver Theory Test Service about this issue at the address under 'Where to apply'.


The Test

There are three classes of test;

Motorcycles, cars, mopeds, tractors and work vehicles ,Licence Categories A, B, M and W

There are two others, one for heavy goods vehicles ,Licence Category C, and one for buses

  • There are 40 questions in this test and candidates must answer 35 questions correctly to pass the theory. Time allowed is 45 minutes you must answer the 40 questions in the test.
  • The test is taken using a touch screen computer. Candidates can select their answers by touching the computer screen. A practice session can be taken before you take the actual test so that you can get used to the system. You don't need to be computer literate in any way.
  • If you want to do your test in  Irish, this can be done no problem at your nominated test centre.
  • If you make a mistake or change your mind, you can cancel your answer. If you wish to skip a question, you can come back and answer it at a later time.. At the end of the test, you can check all your answers and make any changes if you wish.
  • If you have reading difficulities, this can be catered for using the 'voice over' option that will read out the questions to you. Appropriate pictures or colours will indicate the different answers on the screen and you select your answer by touching the picture or colour.

The test is scored automatically and results are made available to you straight away when completed. You will receive a pass certificate for your theory test at the test centre if you are successful.is scored automatically and results are made available to you straight away when completed. You will receive a pass certificate for your theory test at the test centre if you are successful.

Questions or comments regarding the driver theory test materials and their unavailability online should be made directly to the Driver Theory Test Service by telephone at 1890 606 106.
Or if you prefer you can write to the Driver Theory Test Service about this issue at the address under 'Where to apply'.

Test Questions

The questions you will be asked in your driver theory test are based on the Rules of the Road and current road traffic legislation in Ireland. The Driver Theory Testing Service has a bank of 1250 questions. For each test, a random selection of 40 questions will be taken from the question bank. This means for example that if you fail the test and have to re-sit, it is unlikely you will be asked the same questions again. From 25 April 2005 new test questions have been added to the question bank.

Questions or comments regarding the driver theory test materials and their unavailability online should be made directly to the Driver Theory Test Service by telephone at 1890 606 106.
Or if you prefer you can write to the Driver Theory Test Service about this issue at the address under 'Where to apply'.

Minimum age and driver theory test

In theory, you may take a driver theory test at any age. Although, you must submit your pass certificate to a Motor Tax Office with your application for a Learners Permit within two years of passing the theory test. This certificate expires after this time and you will have to resit the test. For example, if you want to apply for a Leraners Permit for Category B vehicles, you must be at least 15 years or and have passed your driver theory test in order to obtain a Leraners Permit when you reach 17 years.

There are specific minimum ages at which you may hold a Learners Permit for certain vehicles in Ireland. For example, drivers of Category A1 vehicles motorcycles must be at least 16 years old to obtain a Learners Permit. Drivers of Category B vehicles , for certain cars must be at least 17 years old to be able to hold a Learners Permit .

There is no maximum age at which you can complete a driver theory test.

Complaints procedures

If it emerges that the original marking was incorrect your fee will be refunded and your theory test certificate will be issued. You can read more about the Driver Theory Test Customer Charter here (pdf).

If you are unhappy with the result of your theory test, you have the right to appeal this decision. Speak to the Driver Theory Test supervisor before leaving the test centre. You may also fill out an appeal form, available at each of the Driver Theory Test Centres. Your application form requests that your test is re-marked. There are some rules regarding appeals; You must;

  1. Make your appeal within ten working days of your test
  2. Enclose the appropriatefee.
  3. When your appeal is received, your test will be re-marked and you will receive the result within five working days. Your test will not be re-marked by staff in the test cetnre where you conducted your test. Instead, the Theory Test Centre head office will review your test and conduct the re-marking.

Rules

You must bring with you a valid form of identification, passport, student ID card, travel card, etc. that has your photograph and name on it.

Anyone who applies for an Irish Learners Permit on or after 25 April 2001 has to do the theory test.

Replacing a lost driver theory test certificate

If you have lost or misplaced your driver theory test certificate, you can get a another copy.go to Theory Testing Service or here to apply' below to request a duplicate certificate.

You cannot request a duplicate certificate over the phone. Your request writing must include your name, address and PPS Number along with an 8 euro fee so your record can be identified. This fee must be included as a cheque, postal order or bank draft made out to Prometric Ltd.

Do not send cash!

Rates

Driver theory tests cost 34 euro.

If you wish to appeal the decision of a Driver Theory Test, there is an additional charge of 34 euro. This fee will be refunded to you if your appeal is successful.

A duplicate driver theory test certificate costs 8 euro.

 

How much is the irish drivers theory test to do in irelandHow & Where to apply

Download and complete an application form (pdf) for your driver theory test here. It is also possible to apply & pay for the driver theory test online.

You can also book a test by telephoning the call centre below. You will be asked for your PPS Number , known as your RSI number so remember to have this to hand. If you have a credit card, you can apply and pay for your test over the telephone. You cannot pay by Laser card. Alternatively, you can telephone and request an application form by post. Your completed application form together with the 34 euro fee should be forwarded to the address at the bottom of this page.

When your application has been received, you will receive notification of the date, location and time of your test in advance. If you wish to change your test, contact the call centre below.

When you arrive at your test centre, all your documentation will be checked. You must remember to bring with you some form of identification (i.e., a passport, a student identity card, or any other authorised identity issued by the State or a Bank (as long as they have a photograph attached). You will then be taken to a work station to complete the test.

 

Driver Theory Test HQ,
P.O. Box 144,
Drogheda,
Co. Louth

Tel: 1890 606 106 Monday-Friday 8.00am-6.00pm.
Irish Language 1890 606 806
Monday-Friday 8.00am-6.00pm.
Text phone 1890 616 216 Monday-Friday 8.00am-6.00pm.

buying a car for the first time in ireland hints and tips

A first time used car buyer’s guide ..

When it comes to buying your first car, there are a lot of things to consider. You want to choose wisely so that the car you buy is affordable, cheap to run, easy to handle, and won’t cost you an arm and a leg to insure. Take a look through our first time buyer’s guide for some helpful advice on selecting the best motor for you.

Do your research..

Remember that looks aren’t everything when it comes to buying your first car. It might sound like a chore, but doing some research before you go car shopping can save you money. The first thing you need to do is work out how much you can realistically afford to spend – this includes your car insurance, petrol, MOT and servicing, road tax and repairs.

With a figure in mind, you should take a look online or in car magazines like The Which Car Guide and Parkers which will give you invaluable reference material. Here you’ll be able to find out what insurance bracket each car will typically fall under, the price you should expect to pay for any particular model, as well as giving you detailed information about the reliability and handling and performance of a range of cars.

This way you can pinpoint the cars that will cost you less to run and less to repair, and if you’re armed with this information before you go car hunting, you’ll be better placed to negotiate with sellers. The better informed you are the more the more easily you will be able to spot any potential problems with cars you go to view too, especially when you’re thinking about buying a used car.

As a first-time driver, insurance can be expensive, but your choice of car can help reduce this yearly cost, so pay special attention to the insurance ratings given to vehicles in car magazines. Choosing a car within a lower cost insurance bracket will save you a lot of money, not to mention providing you with a safer choice of vehicle. The internet is a great tool for keeping your insurance costs down too. Many insurers offer discounts to online customers, while others like Kwik Fit Insurance offer useful perks such as 10% off at Kwik Fit repair centers.  Take a look at their site to see if you can benefit from their cheap car insurance.

Where to buy?

Once you have a preferred model and price range, you’re ready to shop. You have a range of options when it comes to choosing where to buy your first car.

Car auctions – car auctions can offer up some real bargains, but you often won’t get a chance to test drive the vehicle before you buy it. The quality of the cars on sale can vary dramatically, and if anything goes wrong with your motor, it’s unlikely that you’ll be entitled to any customer care. It’s definitely best to attend an auction with a friend or relative who knows their cars and can spot potential problems that you may well miss.

Independent dealer – you’ll find a wide range of used cars on sale through independent dealerships, but the quality of vehicles on sale and the quality of customer service can vary. Before buying from an independent dealer, do a bit of research and see if any of your friends or relatives have dealt with them before, to see if they’re as reliable as you’d like.

Franchised dealer - look for an established company with a good history behind it and you’ll find a selection of better quality second hand cars, albeit it with a slightly higher price tag. But buying from a franchised dealer usually means better after sales service and the maximum amount of buyer security.

Privately – buying a car privately means that you have fewer buyer rights, so it helps to know about cars, or to go for a test drive with someone who does. You need to be wary of anyone who has several cars listed privately, but separately, as private selling is often the method used to get rid of some dodgy and overpriced motors. Keep your wits about you, always take her for a spin, and if you feel at all uncomfortable with the car or the seller, simply walk away.

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Phone : (049) 95 22314 Mobile : 087 6383195

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