Booking is compulsory
You cannot simply turn up for a CSDD exam. There are four ways to book, and they work for both the theory and the driving test:
- at any CSDD customer service centre
- through the e-CSDD portal
- through your driving school
- by phone
If your plans change, a no-show must be reported no later than the previous working day. You can cancel in e-CSDD, by phone or in person.
What must be in order before the theory exam
CSDD checks four things before letting you sit the exam:
- proof of identity: passport, eID card or learner permit
- a valid medical check, which you can verify yourself in e-CSDD
- completed first-aid training
- payment according to the CSDD price list
Get the first-aid course and the medical check out of the way early: without them you will not be admitted and the booking has to be moved. Our price list shows what each item costs and which money goes to the school and which to the state.
How the theory exam runs
The exam is computerised and starts with a demonstration part showing how to answer. Then:
- 30 questions, answered in order
- 30 minutes, timed by the computer
- passed with no more than 3 mistakes
- a retake no earlier than the next working day
Afterwards the mistakes appear on screen and the inspector will explain them on request. That is why practice needs an explanation after every answer rather than just a mark — road rules tests with explanations are open to the school's students in the cabinet.
The year people forget about
The driving test must be passed within a year of the theory exam. Once the year is up, the theory has to be taken again and paid for again. It is the most common reason training ends up costing more than planned.
The driving test: automatic and code 78
The driving test is taken in a CSDD car. By default it has a manual gearbox, but you may take it in an automatic — the licence then carries code 78, which allows automatics only. The code can be removed later by passing a driving test in a manual car, with no need to attend school courses again.
The exam car, the special manoeuvres and the inspector are assigned by a computer program, so you cannot arrange a particular inspector. What the inspector asks about the car before driving is collected on the technical questions page.
Sources
The booking procedure, the exam itself and the code 78 rules come from csdd.lv, section "Vieglā automobiļa vadītāja apliecība (B)", checked on 1 November 2026. Exam administration and marking are set by Cabinet Regulation No. 103 of 2 February 2010.