Driving tests

Driver testing in Ireland is carried out by the Road Safety Authority (RSA). You must successfully complete a driving test to get a full Irish driving licence.

Learning to drive and passing your test can be a significant milestone. However, the driving test can also cause stress and anxiety, and many people are uncertain about what the test involves and how they should prepare.

This page aims to give practical guidance and advice on driving tests in Ireland.

It includes information on:

• What you need to take a test
• Applying for a test
• Preparing for a test
• What you will be tested on
• Appealing a test result

Covid-19 has caused delays, so it may take some time before you are offered an appointment. The RSA has an driving test action plan to help reduce wait times.

You will be sent an invitation to book your driving test. You can use the RSA’s online driving test waiting time estimator to check wait times.

Appointments are prioritised as follows:

1. Critical frontline workers: priority people whose request for an emergency test has been accepted.
2. Re-tests: people who have failed their test and reapplied. There’s a 10 week gap between failing your test and being invited for a retest.
3. Eligibility and application date: the earlier you applied, the sooner you will get an appointment, provided you were eligible to sit a test when you applied.

When you get your booking invitation you will have 10 days to select an appointment. If you're not ready to sit a test, you can hold off booking and re-join yourself to the invitation queue at a later stage.

You can get more information on how to book your driving test from the RSA website.

Before applying for a driving test, you need to ensure you are eligible to be tested. To undergo driver testing in Ireland, you must:

Complete all mandatory training

For car tests, this means you will need to have completed all 12 Essential Driver Training (EDT) sessions with an RSA Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). You can access details of ADIs located across the country. If you hold a foreign driver’s licence you may be eligible for reduced EDT lessons. Similarly, to sit a motorcycle test, you must have completed all the Initial Basic Training (IBT) modules appropriate to the category of motorcycle you want to drive. You can read about these requirements in the RSA’s ‘Learning to Drive’ handbook.

Hold a learner permit

You must hold a learner permit appropriate to the category of vehicle you want to drive. In the case of cars, motorcycles and work vehicles, you generally cannot take a driving test for at least 6 months after getting your first learner permit. However, there are exceptions to this rule, notably for people who hold a full licence in a country (jurisdiction) with which Ireland does not have a licence exchange agreement.

Have access to a representative vehicle

The law requires that any person attending for a driving test presents with a vehicle that is representative of the Licensing Category in which they want to get a licence to drive. The RSA has published information on representative vehicles for the driving test (PDF). Your vehicle must also be in order. Your vehicle must be roadworthy, displaying valid L-plates front and rear, valid insurance and motor tax discs, and valid original NCT disc if applicable. You can get information on vehicle requirements in RSA’s ‘Checklist for Your Driving Test’ publication.

You can apply and pay for your test online at RSA.ie. You will need a debit or credit card and a valid email address.

Alternatively, you can download an application form for a driving test (pdf) and apply by post. You can also get a copy of the relevant form from your local Motor Taxation Office.

You must send the correct fee with your completed application form. Payment should be made online or by cheque, postal order or money order. These should be crossed and made payable to the RSA. Fees are non-refundable.

Testing takes place at test centres throughout the country. Where possible, your test will be arranged for the centre you nominate on your application form.

Waiting times vary from county to county, so it is advisable to apply for a test about 6 months before the expiry of your second learner permit. The test is standard and all test centres use the same testing procedures. See - driving tests waiting times above.

If you need to cancel your driving test, you must give 10 days’ notice to get a refund of your fee. You can cancel your test online using the RSA website. If you cancel more than 2 tests, you will not be entitled to a refund and must make a new application.

If there is adverse weather or the tester is unavailable, your test may be cancelled. You can also cancel the test yourself if you think it’s unsafe to drive due to bad weather. You can get more information about test cancellations due to weather or other issues on the RSA website.

A driving test is designed to ensure that you:

• Know the Rules of the Road
• Possess the knowledge and skill to drive competently by those rules
• Drive with proper regard for the safety and convenience of other road users

The test lasts about 50 to 100 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. At the beginning of the test, you will be asked technical questions about the rules of the road.

You will then drive in a variety of road and traffic conditions. You will be examined on your practical skills.

Preparing for your test

To prepare for your test you should:

• Study the RSA’s Rules of the Road booklet (pdf). This publication can also be bought in hardcopy from bookshops.
• Read the RSA’s guidance on preparing for your driving test.
• Study the RSA’s learning to drive for car, bike, buses and trucks.
• Practice driving as much as possible on all types of roads and in all types of traffic situations with an ADI.

The RSA has a website, theorytest.ie, which provides supporting information and instructional videos.

The RSA have also published a useful ‘checklist for your practical driving test’ booklet (pdf) to help you prepare for the day of your test. It provides practical details about what to expect on the day of your test and what you must take with you to the testing centre. You can also watch a video of what happens during the driving test itself.

Technical checks

First you will be asked some questions about the Rules of the Road. Next, if you are taking a driving test for a car (category B), or a car with a trailer (category EB) or a work vehicle (category W), you must explain some technical checks.

The instructor will take you out to your vehicle and will ask how you would carry out a technical check on three of the following: steering, horn, brakes, tyres, lights, reflectors, indicators, engine oil, coolant, and windscreen washer fluid. To get access to some of these parts, you will have to show how to open the bonnet and close it securely. The RSA has more information on technical checks for all motor vehicles.

If you are doing a test for a truck and trucks with trailers, for (categories C1, C, EC1 and EC) you will be asked how you would carry out a technical check on three of the same items above.

To access some of these parts, you may have to open and securely close the bonnet and certain panels. You can get information about getting a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) for buses and trucks on the RSA website.

Practical test of skills

The practical part of your test will take approximately 40 minutes to complete. The examiner will give you clear instructions throughout the test, but if you don’t understand something, ask them to repeat it.

Do not panic if you make a mistake during the test. It may not be as serious as you think, and it may not mean you have failed.

You will be assessed in the following situations:

• Moving off
• Driving in traffic
• Stopping
• Reversing around a corner
• Performing a turnabout
• Performing a hill start

The aspects of your driving that will be assessed include:

• Road positioning
• Overtaking and passing
• Anticipation and observation
• Use of mirrors and signals
• Progress
• Speed
• Compliance with traffic lights
• Road signs and road markings
• Proper use of your vehicle controls (accelerator, clutch, gears, brakes and steering)

You can also expect to make several left and right turns, encounter a roundabout and stop at traffic lights. At some point during your test, the examiner will ask you to demonstrate hand signals.

Getting your result

When you return to the test centre, your examiner will take you back into the examination room to give you the result. If you pass, you will be given a Certificate of Competency, which is valid for 2 years. Once you have this certificate, you can apply for a full driving licence. If you do not apply for a full licence during the 2 year period, you must take your driving test again.

It is important to note, however, that a Certificate of Competency is not a licence, and a driver holding one cannot drive on a motorway, remove their ‘L’ plates or drive unaccompanied until they possess their full licence. A person granted a first full driving licence must also display ‘N’ plates on their vehicle for a period of 2 years.

If you fail your driving test, you will be given a detailed list of your mistakes. You should study the list and work on the mistakes before you sit another driving test. You will automatically get an invitation for another test in 10 weeks. This may take longer in some centres with high demand.

The motorcycle test is similar to the one for cars and work vehicles. The RSA recommend that you prepare for your motorcycle test by studying the Rules of the Road booklet (pdf) and by practicing riding as much as possible on all types of roads and in all types of traffic situations.

You can access information on the motorcycle test on the RSA website. The RSA has also produced several instructional videos to support learner riders in preparing for a test.

Technical checks

Before you begin the practical test of skills, the examiner will check your technical knowledge of the motorcycle. You will be asked how a technical check on 3 parts of your motorcycle would be performed. This can include, tyres, steering, brakes, chain, reflectors, indicators, lights (including dipping the headlight), oil level and emergency stop switch (if fitted).

You will also be asked to turn the motorcycle on and off (and back on) its stand (or side-stand). You will also be asked to move the motorcycle approximately 5 metres forward or backwards with the engine off.

Practical test of skills

You will be given clear instructions before your test on the route to take. The driver tester will be following you in a car or motorcycle. In exceptional circumstances, i.e., very heavy traffic congestion, the tester may observe you on foot.

Motorcycle tests will be carried out using radio controls. You must bring an earpiece with you. If you arrive for your motorcycle test with the wrong earpiece or no earpiece at all, you will have to book and pay for a new test. Learn more about Earpieces for Motorcycle Testing.

You will be assessed in the following situations:

• Moving off
• Riding in traffic
• Riding left-hand circuits
• Riding right-hand circuits

You will also be required to do a U-turn within the width of the road to demonstrate that you have good control of your motorcycle in a confined space.

You will then be asked to ride slowly, at "walking pace" for around 50 metres to demonstrate that you have adequate control of your vehicle.

Getting your result

When you return to the test centre, your examiner will bring you back into the examination room to give you the result. If you fail your motorcycle test, you will be given a detailed list of your mistakes and must apply to take the test again at a later date.

If you pass, you will be given a Certificate of Competency, which is valid for 2 years. A Certificate of Competency is not a full licence and it does not entitle you to drive on a motorway or to carry a pillion passenger. If you fail to apply for a full licence during this 2 year period, you will have to take your driving test again.

Tests in the Irish language

You can apply for your driving test to be conducted through Irish. To do this:

• Indicate this when you book online
• Complete the Irish language version of the application form (pdf) if applying by post

Tests for non-English speakers

If English is not your first language, you may have an interpreter go with you for the first part of the test where you answer questions on the Rules of the Road and carry out technical checks. However, your interpreter cannot be your driving instructor, and they cannot go with you to the practical part of the test.

You should notify the RSA’s Driver Testing Section in advance if you:

• Have a severe hearing problem
• Are restricted in your movements or have any disability that could affect your driving
• Drive an adapted vehicle

This will ensure you don’t face any delays on the day of your test. Most driving test centres in Ireland are wheelchair accessible, but you should contact your selected centre before of your test to confirm this. You should also note that if the vehicle you use for the test is adapted to suit a disability (for example, it has additional controls), this will be recorded on your full driving licence.

Drivers with a disability are tested to the same standard and in the same way as other drivers, but the test is conducted by a specially trained examiner familiar with the techniques of disabled driving. You can access useful information on driver assessment and instruction from the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland (DDAI) website.

You can request to be tested on your knowledge of the Rules of the Road in your vehicle, rather than in the test centre, if you want. If you have a hearing impairment, an interpreter can assist you with answering questions on the Rules of the Road. However, your interpreter must not be your driving instructor and they cannot go with you on the practical part of your test.

If you have a disability, or if you are deaf or hard of hearing, you will be given a little longer to go through the practical test of skills. However, this does not mean you are allowed to drive more slowly during your test; you need to maintain the same progress on the road as all other drivers in line with speed limits.

If you're unhappy with how your driving test was conducted or feel you were unfairly treated and want to make a formal complaint to the RSA, you can complete an online complaint form.

If you are not satisfied with the results of your driving test, it is possible to appeal. Appeals against driving test results are heard in the District Court by a judge sitting alone, without a jury.

To begin appeal proceedings, you must lodge your appeal with your local District Court Office for a fee of €25.

No financial compensation is available in driving test appeal cases. You will not get any compensation for any costs associated with either failing your test or in taking the appeal. A District Court judge can only make one of 2 decisions in a driving test appeal case:

• Your appeal is refused. The judge agrees with the decision of the driving tester that you failed your test.

Or

• Your appeal is upheld. The judge is satisfied that your driving test was not conducted properly. You will then be offered another driving test, free of charge. If the judge directs another test to be carried out, the RSA must arrange to have it conducted by another tester.

You can apply for your driving test online (see ‘How to apply’ above) or send your completed application form and fee to the Driver Testing Section of the RSA at the address below.