Driver theory test
The theory test is the first of the two tests to a driving licence. This page covers the 40-question paper set for categories B and W, which is the only paper the Regulations themselves fix a size for. The pass mark the Regulations state is the operative one only for that paper — other categories sit outside what this page can source.
Scope
These figures cover categories B and W only
S.I. No. 486/2014 fixes a 40-question paper for categories B and W specifically. Regulation 6(1) lets the Minister set a different question count for other categories, and no instrument recording that determination was found — so this page does not state a paper size or pass mark for any category outside B and W.
- 40Questions on the paper
- 35Correct answers to pass
- 2 yearsA pass stays valid for
No time limit is fixed
Neither S.I. 52/2003 nor S.I. 486/2014 prescribes a time limit for the theoretical test. Regulation 4 fixes the number of questions and Regulation 6 the pass condition; neither states a duration, and no other provision does.
Retakes
Sitting the test again
Neither S.I. 52/2003 nor its amending instruments prescribe a minimum interval between theory-test attempts. The Regulations govern application, fee, conduct and certificate validity, and are silent on any waiting period.
No provision of S.I. 52/2003 or of S.I. 537/2006 caps the number of attempts at the theory test. Regulation 5(5) of S.I. 52/2003 presupposes repetition instead: a candidate who does not attend "shall not, subject to paragraph (6), be given a further test unless he or she makes a fresh application for a certificate" — a re-application rule, not a limit.