The Driving Test
The Driving Test
When you start driving you should be planning when you will take your test so that you can have a useful training programme.
Learners, who learn to drive, practice and take regular Progress /Development lessons and planned pre-tests, are more successful in their first test and if they do it within a year of starting to drive as they do not develop bad habits and are long term safer drivers than those who delay the test.
You must have your learner permit for a minimum of 6 months before you can take a driving test.
The average waiting time for the Driving Test from application is 10 weeks.
Before applying for your test do take a lesson and get an assessment from your instructor to check if it is sufficient time for you to prepare. Take a lesson every month until you get the test appointment.
Contact the instructor and book your first pre-test lesson as soon as you receive the appointment, on that lesson you can plan with your instructor what you need to do to be well prepared for the test.
Arrange the car for the test, either the Driving School Car or that car you have been using for practice is available
Applying for the Test
The easiest way to apply for your driving test is on line your credit / laser card.
http://www.drivingtest.ie
Your application will normally be acknowledged by post within 5 days. If you do not receive an acknowledgement of your application within 10 days, please contact:
Driver Testing Section
Road Safety Authority,
Moy Valley Business Park,
Primrose Hill,
Dublin Road,
Ballina,
Co. Mayo.
You may also apply by posting a completed form to the address above with a cheque or Postal Order, made payable to the Road Safety Authority
You will be notified of your test date 4 to 5 weeks ahead of the date.
If the test date is not suitable you may cancel by writing to the above address or by calling (LoCall) 1890 40 60 40. You must give at least 10 days notice and have not previously cancelled more than one appointment on foot of the application or test fee will be forfeited.
As your test date approaches you should take extra lessons with your ADI.
You should check that your Learner Permit is valid for your test date
If you are using your own or family car check that the
- Motor Tax,
- Insurance Disc and
- NCT Disc
are valid for the date of your test.
Double check the test centre, date and time of your test!
Check the information sent by the RSA and ensure that you and your vehicle are prepared for the test.
Get as much accompanied practice as possible.
You should again revise the Rules of the Road including the road signs and hand signals and familiarise yourself with the engine checks requirements
If you are using your own or family car check that the brake and indicator lights are working properly. Make sure that white light doesn’t show through the red or orange covers – a small crack that shows white through the coloured lens will be considered broken
When you pass your Driving test, while you can continue to drive on your Learner Permit until it expires, it will remain illegal for you to drive on Motorways even with your Certificate of Competency.
You must be in Possession of a Full Driving Licence to use Motorways.
A Provisional Driving Licence/Learners Permit with a Certificate of Competency has no validity Outside the State (including Northern Ireland)
You should get your Full Driving Licence as soon as possible
The Certificate of competency is valid for two years and if you do not get the Licence in that time you must repeat the test
Failing the TEST
If you fail the test, do apply again as soon as possible so that you do not waste the work already done. See your instructor as soon as possible and get advice on the points marked and plan to pass next time