Anyone who paused lessons, switched instructors, or landed in a long practical queue can quietly run past the expiry on their theory certificate without noticing. The clock starts on a date that is not the one most learners assume, which is what turns this into an expensive surprise rather than a minor one.
Yes, but only for eighteen months from the day you pass, not from when you registered for the exam or started lessons. If your practical exam falls outside that window, the theory result simply expires — there's no extension, no grace period, and you'll need to sit and pay for the theory exam again (about €50.50) before booking another practical attempt. CBR does let you retake the theory exam up to three months before your current result lapses, so if your practical keeps getting pushed back, it's worth refreshing early rather than gambling on timing. This trips up more people than you'd expect, especially anyone who paused lessons for a few months or got caught in a long practical-exam queue — check your pass date against your booked practical date now rather than assuming you have time.