Ace Your Driving Theory Test On Your First Try

If you are of age and are looking for information on how to apply for your driving license, this is the right place to be. There is a proper procedure you follow to apply for a driving license. You should apply online and book your test on the official website of the Road Safety Authority (RSA).

Now, you must already have all the relevant material with you to apply for the test. Let us guide you and tell you what to expect in the theory paper.

Test Pattern – Know it to Ace it!

The theory test is the first step that leads you to a driver’s license. If you don’t pass this, you will not go to the second step of appearing in the practical test. So, it is very important to pass.

You will be presented with 40 MCQs. Some applicants get overconfident and think that multiple-choice questions are easy and can be done without studying. This is not the case. You need to study well to be able to attempt these questions.

Secondly, they are randomly selected by the computer. To pass the test, you need to get 87.5% marks i.e. 35 MCQs correct.

Your knowledge of road rules, vehicle control, hazard awareness, risk perception and other topics will be checked.

You will get 45 minutes to complete the test.

After you pass the theory, you will be called for the practical exam. Remember, the exam takers don’t comment on your driving during the test, so don’t worry if they seem quiet.

Initially, the exam taker might ask you a few general questions regarding driving. Next, you will drive for more or less five miles under different traffic and road conditions.

If you are looking for material to help you pass the exam, we recommend trying the free tests which are available on The Theory Test Ireland. We have mock tests which are the same as the real ones. You can take as many attempts for practice as you want!

Are you wondering how you can apply for your driving license in Ireland? No worries. This article covers all that you need to know. The NDS (National Driver Licensing Service) issues both the driver’s license and learner's permit.

Prerequisite to Getting Your Driver’s License

You need to meet the following prerequisites before you apply for a driver’s license in Ireland.

• Be a resident of Ireland.
• Live in Ireland for a minimum of 185 days a year.
• Have been living in Ireland for at least a year before you attempt the driving test.

4 Steps to Get Your Driving License

1. Pass the Theory Test: Even before you give the practical test, you need to pass the theory test. For this, you need to study from the official material provided. To be sure that you understand the test pattern, appearing for mock tests is a good idea. If you want to try free tests, you can always go and check out the number of free tests available on this website. Next, apply for the official test online on the RSA website.

2. Get a Learner Permit: Once you have passed the theory test, you can apply for your learner’s permit with the NDLS. This can be done online or by visiting them in person.

3. Practice: After you get the learner’s permit, practice with a professional. You can get essential driving training courses for learning to drive.

4. Pass the Test: When you are satisfied that you know how to drive properly and can pass the practical test, you are ready. You can go and give the test.

The last step in getting your driving license is to apply for a full license after you get your Certificate of Competency. This is given to you when you clear the test and is valid for 2 years.

Once you have passed the theory test (refer to our article How to Ace your Mock Theory Test), you will be required to pass the practical driving test. Don’t worry, breathe! First of all, relax! This article includes the top tips that will help you pass the test.

1. Study Well

The book is easily available for download online or can be purchased from any local bookshop. Along with the book, it is a good idea to get a good grasp on the offences and familiarise yourself with them. The better prepared you are, the better it is for you.

2. Complete all the Lessons and Pre-Tests

We always recommend being on the safe side. According to law, you are required to complete 2 dozen ETLs (essential training lessons) with an instructor. But, take as many as you want to.

3. Prepare like a Pro

Pre-preparation is essential. Keep all your documents in check a day before. Get your car checked too. Reach the center 10 minutes earlier than the reporting time.

4. Remain Confident, Focused and Calm

Self-confidence goes a long way. Even the best drivers are unable to perform well when they panic. Therefore, it is important to stay calm, focused and confident. Tell yourself “I am prepared for this, I can do it.” Breathe deep and slow.

5. Keep a Good Distance

Learn the golden 2-second rule. There should be a distance of at least 2 seconds between the car in front of you and your car. During training, keep a greater distance.

6. Observe your Surroundings

Keep an eye open and see every yield sign, red light etc. Be careful not to miss any. If you miss one, you will fail. Remember one thing: never speed up!

Are you about to apply for your Irish driving license? First of all, congratulations! When it comes to driving tests, it is not only about how you drive your vehicle. You need to understand the rules and regulations of driving. The theory is equally important. The basic things that you need to know are:

• The Rules of the road
• What do road signs stand for
• What are the risks that can occur on the road
• Road traffic and its characteristics
• Basic vehicle maintenance
• What to do in case of an emergency etc.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. If you are about to apply for your mock theory tests, practice will make you perfect. You can go through the book as many times as you want to, but attempting tests is the better option. You will know exactly where you stand.

3 Steps to Ace Your Mock Theory Test

1. Attempt a Mock Theory Test: By attempting test questions, you can know how well-prepared you are. For example, try the car theory test to check your understanding of the relevant material.

2. Pick a Topic: Go slow and go topic-wise. When it comes to the actual test, it is computerised. The computer will randomly pick 40 questions for you which will need to be attempted. No one can say for sure that the questions will come from a particular topic. So, it is important to understand and learn each topic thoroughly. Once you are done with a particular topic, attempt the mock test topic-wise.

3. Practice, Practice and Practice: Pick online tests that are just like the real ones. With Theory Test Ireland, you can practice tests day and night. Moreover, they are as good as the real ones.

With our mock tests, you can practice tests 24/7 for free. With a proper test, you will be able to ace your actual test with ease.

Did you just pass your theory and practical exam? Well Done! Surely, it is a time to celebrate. Undoubtedly, the first thing you might want to do is to get on the road and show off your driving skills. In fact, you don’t get the drive immediately but have to apply and get your driving license.

Certificate of Competency

Firstly, you are issued with a certificate of competency. This is not your driving license. Until you get an official driving license, you need to abide by the rules of the learner’s permit. This certificate will be liable for 2 years.

If you are unable to apply for your driving license during this time frame, you will have to go through the entire process again.

Drive Safe

Once you get the driving license, you need to be very responsible. Your life and the life of people around you depend on you. People who pass the automatic vehicle test can only drive an automatic vehicle.

Rules and Regulations for Novice Drivers

• The first two years you drive, you will drive in a vehicle that has N-plates.
• You can’t accompany or sponsor a B-category learner driver
• A 20 mg drug alcohol level applies to you.
• After 7 penalty points, you will be disqualified.

Remember: The learning process does not end with the driving test. Even the most experienced drivers can end up in accidents. Many factors affect driving ability. These are road and lighting conditions, weather, traffic conditions etc.

With time, you will gain experience and think you are a pro. This is dangerous. When you have years of experience behind you, you can become overconfident. This is not right.

Be vigilant, be prepared, be cautious. You can never be careful enough on the road. Lives depend on the way you drive. So, be careful and responsible on the road!