The driving test checks your knowledge of the Rules of the Road, 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 Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (CVRT) certificate
Remember, when driving as a learner permit holder, only drive your work vehicle or tractor with a passenger if your vehicle has been designed to carry a passenger and your passenger is someone who has held a full, valid driving licence in the same category for at least two years. This includes to and from the test location on the day of your test, even after you have passed.
You can book your driving test through one of the many driving test centres in Ireland. The driving test will be conducted at an appropriate location convenient to you where test manoeuvres can be safely undertaken. The test takes about 60 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.
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 you will need the following:
You can book your driving test through one of the many driving test centres in Ireland.
There are numerous driving test centres across Ireland. Before booking your test, check that your chosen centre can provide you with a test in the category required. If not you should choose another.
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 W (work vehicles and tractors) 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, 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. Although the testing scenario and setting are unlike what you can expect, the testing standards and expectations are similar to what you will experience on the day.
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.
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.
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.
On the day of the test you should arrive at your chosen driving test centre in plenty of time.
Athough the testing setting and scenario may be different to what you will experience, 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.
Yes, you can use an automatic transmission vehicle for your driving test. You don’t need to tell the RSA that you will be taking your driving test in an automatic vehicle. However, if you take and pass your test in an automatic vehicle, your driving licence will only allow you to drive an automatic vehicle. You would need to take and pass another driving test in a manual vehicle to be qualified to drive a manual vehicle. Taking and passing your test in a manual vehicle licenses you to drive manual and automatic vehicles.
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 can use a left-hand drive vehicle 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.
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.
You will find information on the braking laws for agricultural vehicles in this short document, by watching this video about braking regulations and by reading about our Revised Standards for Agricultural Vehicles.
There is a range of information about different types of agricultural tractors to be found in this leaflet which answers typical FAQs on the subject. There is also more information, advice and guidance to found in our dedicated video series, and in our Revised Standards for Agricultural Vehicles.
You will find comprehensive information about the relevant towing rules in this short document and in this video
You will find information on the relevant braking laws in this short document, and in our Revised Standards for Agricultural Vehicles.
There is more information to be found about agricultural trailers in this short document and in our Revised Standards for Agricultural Vehicles.
You can find plenty of information about these couplings in this short document, in this video and in our Revised Standards for Agricultural Vehicles.
This short document will tell you much of what you need to know. You should also read our Revised Standards for Agricultural Vehicles and watch this video.
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You will find information about vintage tractors in this leaflet where the information is set out as helpful FAQs.
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