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United Kingdom · Theory test

The NI theory test and driving test

In Northern Ireland (NI) the theory test and driving test are run by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA), not DVSA, and you book, change or cancel them on nidirect rather than GOV.UK. The car theory test costs £23, the same as in Great Britain. From 1 October 2026 you need a Northern Ireland provisional licence: a GB provisional can’t be used to book or take car or motorcycle tests there.

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Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

Fees in Northern Ireland

TestFee
Car theory test£23
Car practical test, weekday£65
Car practical test, evening or weekend£95

These are the fees on nidirect as of October 2026. The practical test costs more than in Great Britain, where it’s £62 or £75.

How does the theory test in NI compare with GB?

It has the same two parts. nidirect’s practice tests for cars have 50 multiple-choice questions and say they’re like the real thing. For hazard perception, the pass mark is 44 out of 75, and clicking all the time or in a pattern scores zero for that clip.

The nidirect pages we read don’t give the multiple-choice pass mark or the time allowed, so check with the DVA booking line if you need them.

What to take

Arrive 15 minutes early. If you’re late or don’t have the right documents, you can’t sit the test and you lose the fee.

  • Both parts of your signed Northern Ireland licence, the photocard and the paper counterpart
  • A printed licence record summary dated within a week of your test
  • Originals only, no photocopies

Booking, changing and cancelling

Use nidirect’s online theory test service to book, and its Manage your theory test booking service to change or cancel. Driving tests in Northern Ireland are booked through nidirect too. If you pass the theory test in Northern Ireland and later take a driving test in Great Britain, bring your theory test certificate with you.

nidirect: Driving theory test ↗

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Everything else, in one place

OverviewUK driving theory testPass markTheory test pass mark: how many can you get wrong?BookingHow to book your theory test and driving testCostHow much is the theory test, and what else will it cost?What to bringWhat do you need to bring to your theory test?Online testCan you take the theory test online?Driving testThe DVSA practical driving testHow to passHow to pass your theory test first timePass rateDriving theory test pass rates: how many people pass?Hazard perceptionThe hazard perception part of the theory testCertificateYour theory test certificate and pass numberStopping distancesStopping distances for the theory testFaultsDriving test major faults, minors and how you passShow me, tell meShow me tell me questions for the driving testChange or cancelChange or cancel your driving test or theory testCancellationsDriving test cancellations: how to get an earlier testTest centresFind your nearest theory test centreRoad signsAll the road signs for the theory test, by shape and colourAge rulesWhat age can you take your theory test?RetakeFailed your theory test or driving test? What happens nextHighway CodeDriving theory test books: the Highway Code and two morePractice testFree theory test practice: 20 questionsWhere to learnChoosing a theory test app, and what else to study withStudy plannerTheory test revision planner
Sources: nidirect, GOV.UK and 2 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.