Does Ireland have a theory test 2026?

The first step to learning to drive in Ireland is to pass the driver theory test. The theory test is a computer-based exam of motoring theory appropriate to the category of vehicle you want to be licenced to drive.

Is the theory test hard in Ireland 2026?

According to the Road Safety Authority, pass rates at test centres across Ireland range from 36% to 73%. That's a big difference, but also a large amount of people not passing their theory test, even at the test centres with the higher pass rates!

How many questions are on the theory test in Ireland in 2026?

Key Takeaways. The driver theory test in Ireland consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, requiring at least 35 correct answers to pass, emphasising the need for thorough preparation.

Can you do your theory test online in Ireland?

The online testing service was launched in 2021 as a pilot project. The pilot phase is now complete and the Driver Theory Test Service will review the findings of this project. No further bookings are available for online testing.

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Technical matters with a bearing on road safety

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Technical matters with a bearing on road safety

In general, how should children under 3 years of age be secured in a vehicle?

They should always be carried in an adult's lap.
They should always sit on the rear passenger seat.
They should always be secured in the correct child seat.
They should always be placed in the front passenger seat wearing a seat belt.

What is the most common cause of heavy steering?

Over-inflated tyres.
Badly worn brakes.
Poorly oiled steering.
Under-inflated tyres.

Under what circumstances could both cross-ply and radial tyres be fitted to a vehicle?

When heavy loads are being carried.
When each type is fitted on a different axle.
When driving in slippery road conditions.
When towing a trailer in snow.

Whilst driving, why might a driver suspect that the brake fluid level in their vehicle is low?

The brakes feel spongy and soft.
The brakes feel hard to press.
The brakes are unusually sharp.
The brakes take longer than usual to release.

What is an effect of under-inflated tyres on a vehicle?

Improved fuel economy and braking.
Improved braking and steering.
Impaired braking and steering.
Increased wear on the vehicle's engine.

What does this light mean?

The gear box is over-heating.
The engine is over-heating.
The oil level is too low.
The battery is not charging.

When a driver operates the indicator switch and hears a more rapid clicking noise than normal, what could this mean?

An indicator bulb may have blown.
The hazard warning lights are on.
The hazard warning light switch is faulty.
The voltage regulator is not functioning properly.

What should a driver do to secure the vehicle before leaving it?

Leave the engine running with the parking brake on.
Apply the parking brake and switch off the engine.
Leave the engine running with the exhaust brake on.
Apply the exhaust brake and switch off the engine.

What effect could incorrectly aligned headlights have?

They could cause a fire.
They could wear out the bulbs prematurely.
They could reduce the vehicle's fuel efficiency.
They could dazzle oncoming drivers.

When is it recommended to use coolant?

Summer only.
Winter only.
In petrol engines only.
All year round.

What safety precaution should a driver take when getting out of their vehicle?

Check all around for approaching traffic and pedestrians before opening the door.
Ensure all valuables are secured and out of sight.
Ensure the gear lever is in neutral.
Open the door and try to get out as speedily as possible.

What should a driver do if the fuel system becomes air-locked?

Loosen the fuel pump.
Drain the fuel filter.
Tighten the injector pipes.
Bleed the air out of the fuel system.

When should a driver use the vehicle side lights?

When driving in foggy conditions.
When driving in an unlit area at night.
When parking on an unlit road.
When parking at all times.

Who is responsible for ensuring that a passenger over 17 years of age is wearing a seat belt while travelling in a car?

The driver only.
The driver when the passenger is in the front seat.
The passenger only.
Both the driver and the passenger.

What does the load index of a tyre indicate?

The maximum load of the vehicle.
The maximum air pressure of the tyre.
The maximum load per axle.
The maximum load a tyre can carry.

When must a tractor or works vehicle be fitted with a rear-view mirror?

A rear-view mirror must be fitted only when towing a trailer.
A rear-view mirror must be fitted only when towing a trailer over 8 metres long.
A rear-view mirror must always be fitted.
A rear-view mirror is not required in a tractor or works vehicle.

Which of the following is a driver required to keep in good condition?

Radio.
Seatbelts.
Upholstery.
Paintwork.

In general, how frequently should a vehicle's lights be checked?

At minor service intervals.
Daily before driving.
When wintertime approaches.
At major service intervals.

Why is it important to ensure that the vehicle headlights are correctly aligned?

To enable the driver to see properly.
To increase the lifespan of the headlights.
To enable the driver to drive faster in the dark.
To reduce battery consumption.

If, when driving along, the driver notices that the engine power is lower than normal, what should they do?

Adjust the fuel mixture control mechanism.
Switch to a different fuel.
Have the vehicle checked by a competent person.
Replace the engine oil filter.

What does worn tread along the edge of the inside of a tyre suggest?

Air pressure is low.
Steering alignment may be faulty.
Air pressure is high.
The vehicle has been driven too fast around corners.

What may indicate a problem with the vehicle's braking system?

The vehicle's parking brake is more effective.
The vehicle's stopping ability is affected.
The vehicle's fuel consumption is reduced.
The vehicle's suspension is affected.

What type of noise might fast cornering create?

Exhaust backfire.
Engine backfire.
Tyre squeal.
Brake squeal.

What should the driver be able to see in the vehicle mirrors when they are properly adjusted?

The passenger area of the vehicle.
The position of the left-side wheels.
The area behind and to each side of the vehicle.
The position of all the wheels.

What is the recommended method of driving a car with automatic transmission?

Use the handbrake to bring the vehicle to a halt.
Operate the accelerator and brake with the left foot.
Operate the accelerator with the right foot and the brake with the left foot.
Operate the accelerator and brake with the right foot.

In general, how often should a driver check the tyre pressure of a vehicle?

Annually.
Six monthly.
Monthly.
Regularly.

What effect can a faulty exhaust system have?

It can increase the vehicle's noise and pollution levels.
It can improve the vehicle's fuel consumption.
It can reduce the vehicle's engine noise.
It can increase wear on the vehicle's engine.

When should a driver use their vehicle's hazard warning lights?

When a following vehicle is too close.
When double parking.
When the brake lights are not working.
When causing an unavoidable obstruction.

What should the driver do to secure the vehicle when changing a front nearside (left-hand side) wheel?

Point the front wheels towards the kerb.
Point the front wheels away from the kerb.
Ensure that the vehicle cannot roll when jacked up.
Ensure the gear lever is in neutral.

Is a driver allowed to use rebated (green) diesel fuel in a car on a public road?

Green diesel may never be used in a car
Green diesel may be used in a car only if the car is a taxis.
Green diesel may be used in a car only in summer months.
Green diesel may be used in a car only in winter months.

What does the speed rating of a tyre indicate?

The maximum speed the vehicle can overtake at
The maximum speed for which the tyre is designed.
The minimum speed for which the tyre is designed.
The maximum speed the vehicle can be driven at.

Under what circumstances would a driver increase the air pressure in the tyres?

When taking a journey with additional passengers.
When the journey exceeds 200 km.
When higher speeds are anticipated on motorway driving.
When the tread depth on the tyres is below 2 mm.

With regard to tyres, what should a driver do before starting a long journey?

Reduce the air pressure in the tyres.
Increase the air pressure in the tyres
Reduce front tyre air pressure and increase rear tyre air pressure.
Check the tyres are inflated to normal air pressure.

On a busy road, how should a driver allow passengers out of a vehicle?

Signal to following traffic to overtake before allowing the passengers to get out.
Stop and allow them to get out on the side nearest the kerb.
Stop and allow them to get out from whichever side of the vehicle they are sitting.
Stop and encourage them to get out as quickly as possible.

What is the effect of a worn exhaust?

Fuel efficiency is increased as the fumes escape more quickly.
The filtering of fumes is reduced and engine noise is louder.
The engine overheats.
Gear-changing is more difficult.

A driver wishes to drive at night, but the off-side (right-hand side) headlight bulb is blown. What should the driver do?

Drive with the hazard lights on.
Not drive until the bulb is replaced.
Replace it temporarily with the near-side (left-hand side) bulb.
Replace it temporarily with the brake-light bulb.

What should be considered when reversing out of a parking space?

Avoid switching on your rear wiper.
Check behind using interior rear view mirror only.
Always reverse quickly to get out of space.
Check for pedestrians and vehicles all around.

When should a driver use their hazard warning lights?

When the brake lights are not working.
When about to pull in and stop.
When the vehicle has broken down.
When parking for a short time on a single yellow line.

When driving, where should a driver rest their left foot?

Under the clutch pedal.
Under the brake pedal.
On the clutch pedal.
On the floor or foot rest.

Who is responsible for ensuring that a passenger under 17 years of age is wearing a seat belt while travelling in a car?

The driver, but only when the passenger is in the front seat.
The passenger's parents.
The passenger only.
The driver only.

The parking brake (hand brake) generally works on which wheels?

The rear wheels.
The rear right-hand wheel.
The front wheels.
All the wheels.

What effect can a worn shock absorber have on a vehicle?

It can trigger the release of the airbags.
It can increase fuel consumption.
It can cause an electrical short-circuit.
It can cause the vehicle to ‰Û÷bounce' in an unstable manner.

What effect does low tyre-pressure have on a vehicle?

The brakes can overheat.
The vehicle accelerates faster.
The engine noise increases.
Braking and cornering are impaired.

If driving a vehicle with automatic transmission, what in particular should a driver be aware of?

That driving on a motorway is not permitted.
That engine braking power is reduced.
That the gear box may overheat while being driven in low gear.
That wheel-spin occurs more often.

What effect can a broken lens have on headlights?

It can cause other bulbs to blow if not fixed immediately.
It can reduce and distort the beam.
It can increase the brightness of the beam in the other headlight.
It can cause the bulb to overheat.

What effect does automatic transmission have on engine braking power?

It increases it.
It transfers the braking ability to the handbrake.
It reduces it.
Its transfers the braking ability to all the wheels.

When should tyre pressure be checked?

At service intervals only.
When the tyres are part-worn.
When the tyres are cold.
When the tyres are hot.

What is the purpose of engine oil?

It lubricates the braking system.
It lubricates the exhaust system.
It lubricates the wheel bearings.
It lubricates the engine.

When a wiper blade fails to clear the windscreen what should the driver do?

Have the wiper blades replaced as soon as possible.
Bend the wiper arm to apply more pressure on the windscreen.
Apply a light film of oil to both of the wiper blades.
Switch the wiper control from high speed to low speed repeatedly.

What does Anti-lock braking system (ABS) do?

ABS locks the brakes to prevent skidding during harsh braking.
ABS deploys the airbags during a collision.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking under harsh braking conditions.
ABS displays the name of the radio station playing on the car radio.

While driving, the driver notices the vehicle temperature gauge showing red. What should they do?

Drive to the nearest service depot and top-up the water in the radiator.
Stop in a safe place and have the problem investigated.
Remove the filler cap from the radiator and check for leakage.
Do not drive until an anti-waxing agent is added to the coolant.

What should the driver be able to see in the exterior mirrors of a vehicle when they are properly adjusted?

The back of the vehicle only.
60% angled to the vehicle and 40% to the road.
The sides of the vehicle only.
The area to each side of the vehicle.

What lighting must be on a tractors trailer during lighting-up hours?

An unloading light.
Brake lights and indicators only.
Indicators, two white or yellow headlamps and rear number plate lights only.
Indicators, brake lights, rear number plate light, red reflectors and rear tail lights.

What happens if the vehicle has a flat battery?

The engine will not start.
The head light bulbs will have to be replaced.
The battery will have to be replaced.
The battery will leak acid into the engine.

How should a child restraint system be fitted in a vehicle?

It should be fitted in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.
It should be placed on the floor.
It should be left unsecured.
It should be placed on a front passenger seat only.

During a weekly check, a driver notices a badly worn front tyre. What should the driver do?

Fit the worn tyre on one of the rear wheels.
Have the worn tyre replaced.
Check the tyre pressure to ensure it remains constant.
Reduce speed when driving on wet roads.

If a vehicle is driven with low oil pressure, what effect does this have on its engine?

It increases fuel consumption.
It increases fuel efficiency.
It increases wear and tear on the engine.
It increases exhaust emissions.

What does a rev counter provide information on?

Engine revolutions.
Heater-fan revolutions.
Wheel revolutions.
Road speed in km/h.

What does this light mean?

Low battery fluid level.
Low brake fluid level.
Low engine coolant level.
Low engine oil level.

What effect could hitting or mounting the kerb have on a vehicle's tyres?

It could wear the tread.
It could strengthen the sidewalls.
It could damage the sidewalls.
It could increase the air pressure.

How would a driver know that a brake-light bulb is not working?

They would notice the brake pedal getting softer under pressure.
They would notice the brake pedal become firmer under pressure.
By standing at the rear of the vehicle and getting another person to turn on side lights.
By standing at the rear of the vehicle and checking as another person presses the brake pedal.

What is the primary purpose of the battery fitted to a petrol - or diesel - powered motor vehicle?

To provide braking.
To reduce fuel consumption.
To provide heat to the engine.
To start the engine.

What does the warning light and/or red zone on a fuel gauge mean?

There is a leak in the fuel system.
The fuel tank has been over-filled.
There is leaded fuel in the tank.
The level of fuel in the tank is low.

What can be affected by driving on under-inflated tyres?

The coolant system.
The exhaust system.
Oil pressure.
Fuel consumption.

When should a driver use their vehicle's hazard warning lights?

When moving slowly in traffic.
When parked at a bend or corner.
When reversing onto a narrow road.
When broken down and causing an obstruction.

What should a driver do before getting out of the vehicle?

Open the door part way and then look behind.
Check their side mirror and look behind before opening the door.
Open the door and exit the vehicle without delay.
Check the interior mirror before opening the door.

On a motorway, when should a driver use the hazard warning lights?

When driving on the hard shoulder.
When slowing down quickly because of danger ahead.
When another vehicle is following too closely.
When towing another vehicle.

If a vehicle breaks down on a motorway, what should a person do?

Turn on the full beam headlights to alert other drivers.
Place a red warning triangle on the motorway to warn other drivers.
Ask a passenger to stand on the road to warn other traffic.
Use a roadside phone to contact GardaÌ_ and never try to carry out repairs yourself.

What is the purpose of a catalytic converter?

To curb exhaust noise levels only on diesel-powered vehicles.
To curb exhaust noise levels only on petrol-powered vehicles.
To allow the exhaust system to be reconditioned.
To reduce harmful exhaust emissions.

While driving at higher speeds, what does a continuous vibration in the steering indicate?

The shock absorbers are worn.
Weight distribution is uneven.
The wheel balance is uneven.
The steering is out of alignment.

A fault in which component may lead to uneven or excessive tyre wear?

Suspension.
Clutch.
Accelerator.
Gearbox.

How should a driver secure their vehicle before getting out of it?

Angle the wheels towards the kerb and stop the engine.
Engage a low gear and stop the engine.
Apply the parking brake, stop the engine and engage a low gear.
Angle the wheels away from the kerb and stop the engine.

In general how regularly should a vehicle be serviced?

Every 30,000 kilometres.
Once every year.
Every 30 months.
As per the manufacturer's recommendation.

What does blue smoke coming from the vehicle's exhaust generally mean?

The air filter needs to be replaced.
The catalytic converter is worn out.
The engine is burning oil.
The engine is overheating.

What is the purpose of the red reflectors at the rear of a vehicle?

They are a substitute in case of brake-light failure.
They warn the driver behind to switch to main beam.
They warn pedestrians of the vehicle's location.
They reflect light at night to make other road users aware of the vehicle.

What advice should a driver give to passengers before opening doors?

Check all around and open door with caution.
Make sure that you have proper clothing protection on.
Remove seat belt and exit vehicle immediately.
Leave windows slightly open to allow circulation of air.

Why should the valve be replaced when having a tubeless tyre fitted?

To ensure the tyre will remain inflated.
To ensure the wheel remains aligned.
To ensure the wheel nuts remain tight.
To ensure the wheel remains balanced.

Where safety belts are fitted to a car when must adult occupants wear them?

Only on journeys exceeding 10 kilometres.
Only on journeys outside built-up areas.
Only on long journeys.
At all times.

What should a driver do if a system warning light lights up on the dashboard of their vehicle whilst driving?

Stop and check the problem.
Continue to drive and listen for any unusual sounds.
Continue for a distance to see if the light goes out.
Carry on and check the problem later.

After changing a wheel on a vehicle, which of the following should be checked soon afterwards?

The brake pad clearance.
The tyre tread depth
The air valve.
The wheel nuts.

What is a possible effect of over-filling the engine with oil?

It could burst the oil filter.
It could damage the catalytic converter.
It could reduce the oil pressure.
It could damage the oil pump.

After changing a wheel on a vehicle, which of the following should be checked after a short distance?

The tyre air valve.
The brake pad clearance.
The wheel nut tightness.
The tyre tread depth.

What does this light mean?

Brake light bulb blown.
Right-hand fog light on.
Headlight bulb blown.
Directional indicator on.

If a driver notices that structural parts of their vehicle's body have been affected by rust, what should they do?

Have paint sprayed over it of the same colour.
Treat the area with grease and paint over it.
Have it sandpapered and keep the affected area dry.
Have it repaired by a competent repair shop.

If the brake pedal of a vehicle feels soft or spongy when applied, what does this mean?

Worn brake pads.
The parking brake is on.
A fault in the hand-brake cable.
A fault in the brake fluid system.

What does this dial provide information on?

Gearbox revolution.
Engine revolution.
Oil Level.
Fuel level.

What could a driver do in order to avoid excessive exhaust pollution from their vehicle?

Have the vehicle's air filters changed regularly.
Drive at a higher speed in order to reduce the time spent on the road.
Drive a diesel powered vehicle.
Use a fuel additive to increase the fuel octane rating.

What is the minimum legal tread depth for tyres on cars?

0.6 millimetres
2.6 millimetres
1 millimetre
1.6 millimetres

On a motorway, when should a driver use the hazard warning lights?

When towing another vehicle.
When another vehicle is following too closely.
When parked in the hard shoulder to take a phone call.
When the vehicle has broken down.

If the oil pressure gauge shows little or no pressure, or the warning light comes on, what could the problem be?

The oil level is too low.
The oil level is too high.
The oil is too cold.
The oil is too thick.

When a driver is making a left-hand turn, what mirrors should they particularly concentrate on?

The interior and right exterior mirror.
The interior and left exterior mirror.
The right exterior mirror.
The interior mirror.

What lighting must be on a two-axle car-trailer?

Flashing rear tail lights.
Indicators, brake lights, rear number plate light, red reflectors and rear tail lights.
Brake lights and indicators only.
Indicators and rear number plate lights only.

Is it permissible to drive a vehicle on a public road when the brake lights are not working?

Yes, during lighting-up times
Yes, outside of lighting-up times.
No, it is never permitted to be driven.
No, unless driving in a built-up area.

What is the purpose of a catalytic converter?

It increases engine power.
It decreases engine power.
It filters exhaust gases and reduces air pollution.
It allows the engine to quickly reach its normal operating temperature.

What is the main reason for maintaining the correct tyre pressures?

To help provide optimum road holding.
To help maintain the correct ground clearance.
To stop the vehicle from sloping to the left.
To reduce engine wear.

What should a driver do if a red system warning light lights up on the dashboard of their vehicle?

Stop and investigate the cause.
Drive to the nearest garage and have it checked.
Continue on and see if it goes out.
Continue on and listen for any unusual sounds.

What effect do the hazard warning lights have on the brake lights?

They cause the left and right brake lights to flash alternately.
They cause the brake lights to switch off completely.
They have no effect.
They cause the brake lights to flash repeatedly.

If a driver applies the foot brake and hears a scraping noise, what is the most likely cause?

One of the front tyres is flat.
The brake-pads are wet.
One of the rear tyres is flat.
The brake linings or pads are worn.

What can be affected by driving on under-inflated tyres?

The exhaust system.
Braking ability.
Climate control system.
Engine temperature.

While driving, a driver notices a strong smell of fuel. What should they do?

Open the windows and continue on.
Turn on the fan to clear the air.
Stop where safe and investigate.
Drive at a reduced speed.

The vehicle's exterior mirrors are covered by a film of mud and dust. What should the driver do?

Drive in the slip stream of other traffic, as this will eventually clean the mirrors.
Angle the mirrors towards the front for a distance in order to clean them.
Clean them with a cloth or tissue before starting their journey.
Continue on and clean them after reaching the destination.

Who is responsible for ensuring that a child wears a child restraint system in a vehicle?

The driver only.
Any adult passenger.
The parents of the child only.
The child, if over 12 years of age.

What effect can wet weather have on a vehicle's exterior mirrors?

Water can cause a short-circuit in the electrically heated mirrors.
Water droplets can obscure the reflected image.
Water droplets can make the reflected object appear closer than it really is.
Water droplets help to keep them clean.

In general, above what gross vehicle weight must a trailer have brakes fitted?

850 kg
750 kg
900 kg
500 kg

What does this light mean?

The headlight beam should be dipped.
The number plate light is faulty.
The high-beam headlights are switched on.
The reversing light is switched on.

A driver notices that the wiper blades are worn. What should they do?

Have the blades replaced as soon as possible.
Wipe the windscreen with newspaper.
Use the windscreen washer system while it is raining.
Roll down the window and drive slowly.

What is the effect of an incorrectly adjusted driver's seat?

It improves the driver's ability to operate the clutch.
It enables the driver to relax more on a long journey.
It gives the driver a better view in the rear-view mirror.
It can delay the driver from operating a control.

What may happen if the vehicle's engine oil is not changed as required?

The vehicle's fuel consumption may decrease.
The vehicle's fuel consumption may increase.
The engine may overheat.
Parts of the engine may suffer increased wear.

Can a child under the age of 3 years be carried unrestrained in the vehicle's front passenger seat.

No, unless the child is using a child booster seat.
No, an infant must always be restrained in the correct child seat.
Yes, but only if the vehicle is fitted with active airbags
Yes, provided the infant is held securely by an adult.

If the vehicle's oil-pressure gauge is reading low or the red oil-pressure warning light comes on, what should a driver do?

Drive at a faster pace to reach the destination before the oil runs out.
Drive in a low gear until the oil level is topped up.
Drive at lower speeds until the oil level is topped up.
Drive to a safe place, stop the vehicle and check the oil level.

What should a driver do before checking the engine oil level on a vehicle?

Make sure that the engine is switched on and hot.
Make sure that the engine is switched off and cold.
Make sure that the vehicle is in a low gear.
Make sure that the engine is running.

What effect would a weak battery have on a vehicle's driving performance?

It would have no effect.
The headlights would not function.
The fuel would burn less efficiently.
Uphill acceleration would be reduced.

How do you make sure your vehicle is parked safely?

Avoid reversing your vehicle into a space.
Don't park it where it may endanger other road users.
Park your vehicle opposite another vehicle on a narrow road.
Drive into parking space as quickly as possible.

What should a driver do if they notice steam rising from the engine compartment?

Top up with anti-freeze immediately.
Stop where safe and investigate the cause.
Increase speed to increase the air flow into the engine compartment.
Remove the filler cap from the coolant bottle.

What should a driver do to reduce the risk of neck injury in the event of a rear-end collision?

Use a properly adjusted head restraint.
Use a properly adjusted seat belt.
Ensure the vehicle has anti-lock brakes.
Ensure the vehicle has a rear spoiler.

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