Learning for a Test on Shabbat?

Greetings,
 
According to the letter of the law, it is permitted to learn secular studies on Shabbat; however, if it is possible to avoid doing so, it is better to be stringent. If the learning involves something that is prohibited on Shabbat (such as learning driving theory), it is strictly forbidden.
 
Sources: Refer to the Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim (Siman 277, Seif 17), which cites a dispute among the Rishonim regarding the permissibility of studying books of wisdom on Shabbat. The Mishna Berura (S.K. 65) writes that the custom is to be lenient, although he quotes the Eliyah Rabbah, who states that someone God-fearing should be stringent in this matter. Additionally, see the book Hazon Ovadia, Shabbat part 6 (pages 574-576), where it is written that it is permissible to learn medical books and the like. It seems from his words that it is still good to be stringent in this regard.
 
Even though the study is for a test that takes place on a weekday, there is no prohibition of preparing from Shabbat for the weekday, especially if you derive pleasure from the knowledge gained during the study, as discussed in the book Shmirat Shabbat Kehilchata, part 1 (chapter 28, Seif 172) and in the responsa V'darash'ta V'hakerta, part 1 (Orach Chaim, Siman 44).
 
However, it is prohibited to study things that are forbidden to do on Shabbat, for example, it is forbidden to study driving theory on Shabbat, since driving itself is prohibited on Shabbat, as stated in Hazon Ovadia there (at the beginning of page 576).
 
Wishing you great success,

Hillel Meirs