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.
You must supply a trailer for the driving test, which must:
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 numerous 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. This includes uncoupling and recoupling a trailer as well as reversing from the left or right.
The driving test checks if you're ready to drive safely by yourself on public roads in a car or light van with a trailer.
The driving test checks a few main things:
Read more about your driving test and how to prepare for it.
Watch some tips about preparing for your driving test.
The driving test fee for category BE (car & light van with trailer) is currently €85.00.
You can pay with a valid debit or credit card (Visa or Mastercard).
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. Remember, you have to be accompanied by a holder of a valid full driving licence 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:
While waiting to take your driving test it's a good idea to keep learning and practicing with an Approved Driving Instructor or an accompanying driver who has held a full, valid category BE licence for two years or more. Not only will this help you pass first time, but it will make you a better, safer driver.
Watch our driving with a trailer videos. These explain more about doing your test and becoming a safe, socially responsible driver of a car or light van with trailer.
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.
No. There are certain standards your trailer must meet before you can use it for your test.
Your trailer must be: