The driving test checks your knowledge of the Rules of the Road and your ability to drive competently and safely in accordance with those rules and with regard for other road users and road conditions.
In order to take the driving test, you must meet a number of requirements.
You must have:
You must:
The vehicle must meet the minimum requirements for the category, be roadworthy and, if applicable, display a valid National Car Testing (NCT) certificate.
Remember, when driving as a learner permit holder, you must be accompanied at all times by a qualified driver who has held a full, valid licence in the same category for at least two years. This includes to and from the test centre on the day of your test, even after you have passed.
The driving test is conducted at one of many driving test centres across Ireland. It takes about 50 minutes. It is a practical test of your driving skills and awareness, and also includes questions to test your knowledge of the Rules of the Road, road signs, vehicle safety and maintenance.
Everything you have learned will help make our roads safer for you and everyone else. Alongside driving practice and theory revision, your Essential Driver Training will improve your chances of passing your driving test first time.
Your next step is your driving test.
The driving test checks if you're properly trained and ready to drive safely by yourself on public roads. It checks:
Read more about your driving test and how to prepare for it.
Watch some tips about preparing for your driving test.
When booking your driving test online you will need the following:
If you're ready, you can book your driving test here
There are numerous driving test centres across Ireland.
View all the test centres and choose the one that's right for you.
View the latest test centre pass rates.
The driving test fee for category B (car & light van) is currently €85.00.
You can pay with a valid debit or credit card (Visa or Mastercard).
If you urgently need to take your driving test we will do what we can to help you.
When other applicants cancel their test booking we can make that slot available. When booking your driving test, you can request to be notified if an earlier slot becomes available. You will then receive notification of any earlier available test slot. You can then reschedule your existing test booking if you wish.
You should notify the RSA's Driver Testing Section in advance if you:
This will ensure you don't face any delays on the day of your test.
You should also note that if the vehicle you use for the test is adapted to suit a disability (eg, it has additional controls), this will be recorded on your full driving licence.
You can bring an interpreter to the first (oral) part of the test if:
This person cannot be an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). They cannot accompany you on the second (practical) part of the test.
Now that you've booked your driving test, it's time to prepare.
In the days and weeks before your test appointment you should get as much driving practice as possible, but only when accompanied by someone who has held a valid full driving licence for at least two years at all times. You should also revise what you have learned, including safety, car maintenance, and the Rules of the Road
Now is also a good time to prepare what you need on the day of your driving test. You will need to bring:
These two documents will give you more detail on what you need for your driving test:
You should also find these RSA videos helpful when preparing for your driving test:
While waiting to take your driving test it's a good idea to keep learning and practicing. Not only will this help you pass first time, but it will make you a better, safer driver.
Revise the Rules of the Road. Even though you've passed your theory test, they play a part in your driving test and safe driving too.
Watch our learning to drive videos. These explain more about doing your test and becoming a safe, socially responsible driver.
It's natural to be a bit apprehensive about taking your driving test. You've prepared for it, trained for it and revised for it. Of course you want it to go well.
But if you are worried or unclear about any particular part of the driving test, we can help reassure you. Just get in touch.
Some medical conditions and disabilities require a medical report form to be produced before a learner permit or driving licence can be issued.
If you have a disability which could require specific arrangements on the day of the test, let us know in advance of your driving test date. We can then make any necessary arrangements for you.
You can bring an interpreter to the first (oral) part of the test if:
This person cannot be an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). They cannot accompany you on the second (practical) part of the test.
You can cancel or reschedule your driving test for any reason. You will not have to forfeit your driving test fee unless:
If cancelling or rescheduling your driving test you will need to provide the following information:
You can cancel the test yourself. You may be able to choose another more suitable date. This depends on availability.
Sometimes local and national weather conditions make it unsafe for driving tests to take place. This could be caused by flooding, ice, snow and high winds.
If you think your test centre might be affected, check here.
We will also send a text or email to all affected customers. However, sometimes this message may not arrive before you have set out for the test centre.
You may judge your local road conditions to be too dangerous for you to travel. If this happens please let us know using the test cancellation webform. If we confirm that the conditions are unsafe, your test will be cancelled, you will not be charged, and you can book another driving test.
You've passed your driving test! You're well on your way to being a safe, qualified and fully licensed driver.
After passing your test, you can apply for a full driving licence online at ndls.ie or in person at your local National Driver Licence Service centre (NDLS). You must abide by the rules of your learner permit until you have been issued with a full driving licence. You should apply within two years of the date you passed your test. If not you will have to re-sit and pass the driving test.
Learning to drive safely and competently is a life-long journey. Now that you've passed your driving test you should practice driving safely in different environments, such as motorways, urban settings and a variety of road, traffic, light and weather conditions.
Pay particular attention to any areas of faults recorded in your driving test report sheet which will be sent to you after your driving test. The better a driver you become, the safer our roads become for you and everyone.
You've failed your driving test. Of course that's disappointing, but don't be disheartened. You will have plenty of time and opportunity to practice and prepare to resit your driving test.
What's more, you can learn from what went wrong in your driving test and put it right next time. You should pay particular attention to the faults outlined in the driving test report sheet sent to you after you completed the driving test.
You will have received a certificate indicating that you failed your driving test. You should keep your certificate safe. You may need it if you have to renew your learner permit.
Note that you will not be able to book another driving test that is within 21 days of your failed test.
RSA policy is that you should not be scheduled with the same tester as your previous test. However, this may sometimes happen, but not when you are offered a test after 21 days have elapsed.
If you are unhappy with how your driving test was conducted or feel you were unfairly treated, please complete the online form .
There are many reasons why people fail the driving test. The following are the most common reasons:
These common reasons for failure may help you identify areas for you to focus on for your repeat test.
On the day of the test you should arrive at your chosen driving test centre in plenty of time. Remember, if you drive there yourself you must at all times be accompanied by someone who has held a full, valid driving licence in the same category for at least two years.
These videos will show you what happens at the driving test.
The driving test is straightforward and takes about 50 minutes to complete.
Your tester will ask you to sign a statement to confirm that:
You will have to produce your valid learner permit before the driving test can begin.
The oral part of the test will test your knowledge of:
The practical part of the test will test your knowledge and ability in a number of areas:
While driving approximately eight kilometers in a variety of road and traffic conditions, your driving will be assessed in these situations:
Aspects of your driving assessed will include:
If you fail your driving test your tester will give you a certificate of failure. They will also quickly go through the main points on which you failed your test. This will help you identify areas to practice and improve on before you re-sit the driving test.
If you pass your driving test your tester will give you a certificate of competence. They will also quickly go through the parts of your test which you should still look to improve upon. This will help you become a safer, more competent driver. You should submit your certificate of competence for a full driving licence within two years of your test pass date.
Remember, until you hold your full driving licence, you can only drive when accompanied by someone who has held a full, valid licence in the same category for at least two years.
Update your driving test booking details here.
If you're having problems with your online booking, check the following:
Yes, you can use an automatic transmission car for your driving test. You don't need to tell the RSA that you will be taking your driving test in an automatic car. However, if you take and pass your test in an automatic car, your driving licence will only allow you to drive an automatic car. You would need to take and pass another driving test in a manual car to be qualified to drive a manual car. Taking and passing your test in a manual car licenses you to drive manual and automatic cars.
Yes, you can use a left-hand drive car for your driving test. It must meet the other normal criteria for use in a driving test, as follows
Use a vehicle:
Yes. You will be evaluated on your competency in using whatever handbrake or parking brake is fitted to your vehicle.
No. Vehicles registered outside the State are not accepted for driving test purpose
Yes. But only in the following circumstances.
Read more about window tinting.
Yes. However, relying on the reversing camera alone will not satisfy the tester of your ability to use the vehicle's mirrors and direct observations when reversing.
Yes, provided the vehicle gross weight does not exceed 3,500 kg with passenger accommodation for not more than eight persons and capable of a speed of at least 100km per hour.
More information about vehicles accepted for the driving test.
You can cancel or reschedule your driving test for any reason. You will not have to forfeit your driving test fee unless:
If cancelling or rescheduling your driving test you will need to provide the following information:
Cancel or reschedule your test
You may be able to choose another more suitable date. This depends on availability.
You are only entitled to a refund if:
You are not entitled to a refund if you cancel a third test appointment on the same application.
Read more about cancelling your driving test.
You do not need a medical certificate for your driving test if you already possess a valid learner permit for the relevant driving category.
If you urgently need to take your driving test we will do what we can to help you..
When other applicants cancel their test appointment we can make that slot available. We would let you know of availability at short notice, typically from a few hours to a few days.
If this would suit you, simply mark the appropriate field on yourdriving test application.
You can bring an interpreter to the first (oral) part of the test if:
This person cannot be an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). They cannot accompany you on the second (practical) part of the test.
If you have lost your certificate of competence you can request a duplicate copy.
Your driver number is unique to you for all your licence records. This number can be found at 4d on the plastic licence or 5 on the paper licence.
For further information on your driving licence contact the National Driver Service (NDLS).
On the day of your driving test you must have held a valid learner permit for at least six months.
This is to give you enough time to practice safe driving. It also allows you to complete your Essential Driver Training with an Approved Driving Instructor.
Exceptions to the six-months rule.
There are exceptions, but only under the following conditions: