Driving Test Ireland Tips
by Carla Simpson | 2 min read October 2023
So, you’ve completed your 12 Essential Driver Training (EDT) sessions and are ready to take the next step in getting your full drivers licence. Passing your driving test is a big achievement and there are many benefits to holding your full licence, especially when it comes to your car insurance policy.
I'm sure a lot of you are wondering how to pass your driving test in Ireland and are feeling the pressures that come with it. While unfortunately we can't guarantee you'll pass your driving test first time around, we can give you some driving test tips that might put you at ease and help you drive away with your full drivers licence sooner rather than later!
Book your test early
Try to book your test as soon as possible after you’ve completed your EDT lessons. It’s important that everything you’ve learnt is fresh in your head and you don’t pick up any bad habits on the road. There can be a long waiting list for a driving test, so the sooner you take the leap and book your test, the better.
Practice
Practice makes perfect! Sure, you may have completed your 12 lessons but the more you practice and get comfortable driving, the less nervous you will be on the day of your test. It’s a good idea to practice reversing around corners, three point turns and hill starts.
Rules of the Road
Although you have already passed your theory test to gain your provisional licence, you must have a satisfactory knowledge of the rules of the road to obtain a full drivers licence. You will be asked theory questions at the driving test centre, so make sure to brush up on your knowledge. You can download the rules of the road booklet from the RSA Website.
Check your car
Before heading to the test centre, make sure your vehicle is in order, ie: it’s roadworthy, displaying valid L-plates front and rear, valid insurance disc and motor tax disc, and valid original NCT certificate if applicable.
Under the bonnet
As part of the driving test, you will be asked to open the bonnet of your car and show you understand what is under there. The main aspects you’ll need to point out are the engine coolant reservoir, the engine oil level, the brake fluid reservoir and the windscreen washer fluid level. Ahead of your test make sure you know what is what under your bonnet!
Main things to remember
- Maintain proper control over the vehicle at all times. Ensure proper use of accelerator, clutch, gears, footbrake, handbrake or secondary controls.
- Show anticipation and awareness.
- Observe any hazards.
- Take proper precautions when moving off, stopping, overtaking, changing direction and meeting other traffic.
- Make safe and reasonable progress when driving and when meeting and crossing the path of other vehicles.
- Comply with road and traffic signs at all times.
- Maintain proper positioning on the roads.
- Avoid coasting (driving with the clutch pedal held down).
On the day
To avoid any unnecessary added stress on the day of your test, make sure you leave plenty of time to arrive at the test centre. It is advised to arrive before your appointed time. If you are late, the test cannot be conducted and your fee will be forfeit.
You will need someone with a full, valid driver’s licence to accompany you to and from the test centre.
Ensure you have your learner permit with you and it is in date.
Make sure to wear suitable footwear for your test - flip-flops, sandals, backless footwear or barefoot driving are not acceptable.
And don’t forget to relax! You’ve put in the hard work so don’t let your nerves get the better of you on the day.
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