How to Book a Theory Test NI
Important change from 1 October 2026
From 1 October 2026, holders of a GB provisional licence will not be able to book or take a Category A, A1, A2 (motorcycle) or Category B (car) theory or practical test in Northern Ireland. The residency declaration process has been withdrawn for these categories.
To sit one of these tests in Northern Ireland you must hold a Northern Ireland provisional driving licence.
If you currently hold a GB provisional licence and a valid residency check, you can continue to take the test in Northern Ireland until 30 September 2026, provided you meet the eligibility requirements on the date of your test. Full details are on the nidirect guide to booking your test.
Book Your Theory Test Online
The Northern Ireland theory test is run by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA), part of the Department for Infrastructure, rather than by DVSA. It is booked through nidirect rather than gov.uk.
We advise booking direct with nidirect. When you book through the official service you pay only the cost of the test, with no booking fee added. Third party sites charge extra for something you can do yourself in a few minutes.
What you need to book online
- Your Northern Ireland provisional driving licence
- A valid debit or credit card for payment
- A valid email address to receive your booking confirmation
Need to change your booking?
As well as booking online, the nidirect service lets you change the date of your booking, cancel the theory test, and check your theory test assessment.
Booking by phone
If you cannot book online, you can book by phone on 0345 600 6700. Lines are open 8:00am to 4:00pm, Monday to Friday.
What Is the NI Theory Test?
The theory test assesses your knowledge of the Highway Code and how you apply it. If you put in the effort, you should be able to pass fairly easily.
The test is made up of two parts. Part one is a set of multiple choice questions testing your knowledge of the rules of the road and related material. Part two is the hazard perception test. Like all tests of this type, practice is rewarded with a pass.
When you pass both sections you are awarded an official certificate, valid for two years. Note that Northern Ireland has its own Highway Code, so a handful of Great Britain questions are marked as not applying here.
How Much Does the Theory Test Cost?
The theory test fee for a car or motorcycle is £23, paid at the time of booking. Fees are set by the Department for Infrastructure. Check the current fee on nidirect before you book, as fees are reviewed from time to time.
Who can take the test in Northern Ireland
You must be normally resident in Northern Ireland and hold a Northern Ireland provisional driving licence. The rules differ from Great Britain, where a 185 day residency test applies instead.
What Do I Bring to the Test Centre?
Bring your provisional licence. Without it you will not be permitted to sit the theory test.
If you will be taking the practical driving test in your own car, you will also need proof of insurance for the day of the test. If you need it, one day driving test insurance is available through our partner GoShorty.
NI Theory Test Centres
Waiting times vary by centre. Belfast is usually the busiest, so it is worth checking availability at a smaller centre if you are flexible on location.
Booking Your Practical Driving Test
Once you have passed the theory test, you can book the practical driving test. Your theory pass is valid for two years, so there is no need to rush.
When the big day arrives, make sure you have one day driving test insurance in place if you are using your own car.
Theory Test NI Questions
Only until 30 September 2026, and only if you hold a valid residency check. From 1 October 2026 a GB provisional licence will not allow you to book or take a Category A, A1, A2 or Category B theory or practical test in Northern Ireland.
After that date you need a Northern Ireland provisional driving licence. If you are planning to test in Northern Ireland, apply for one in good time.
The fee for a car or motorcycle theory test is £23, the same as in Great Britain. It is paid when you book.
Book through nidirect and that is all you pay. Third party booking sites add their own fee on top for the same appointment.
Two years. If you have not passed your practical test within that period, you will need to sit the theory test again.
Almost. The format is the same, multiple choice questions followed by hazard perception, and both draw on the same published question bank.
The difference is that Northern Ireland has its own Highway Code, so a small number of Great Britain questions do not apply here. Revision material usually flags these.
Yes. Call 0345 600 6700, Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm. Online is quicker and lets you see available dates across all test centres.
No. The theory test is taken at a test centre and does not involve driving.
You do need insurance for the practical test if you are using your own car rather than your instructor’s. One day cover is available for exactly this.
Learner Driver Guides
Everything else you need on the way to a full licence in Northern Ireland
Young Driver Car Insurance NI
Cover for newly qualified and under 25 drivers in Northern Ireland
How to Apply for an NI Provisional Driving Licence
What you need and how long it takes, now required for tests in NI
Booking Your NI Driving Test
When to book the practical, and what to have ready on the day
One Day Driving Test Insurance
Short term cover for using your own car on the practical test