The Driving Test

The Driving Test

‘Learning to Drive’

The Theory Test

The learner driver theory test was introduced in 2001. By law, before applying for a learner permit, candidates must complete and pass a test of their general road safety knowledge and motoring legislation. It applies to anyone applying for a first learner permit in any vehicle category.

The test is designed to check knowledge of topics such as:

• Rules of the Road
• Risk perception
• Eco-driving
• Hazard awareness
• Good driving behaviour

The test is computer-based but, like the fast check-in kiosks at airports, is designed for those who have little or no experience of using computers as well as those who do.

You will have a chance to take a practice session on the day before starting on the actual test. If you have special needs please contact the Driver Theory Service and explain your requirements.

Driver Theory Service contact:
1890 606 106 (English language)
1890 606 806 (Irish language)
1890 616 216 (text phone – for the hearing-impaired)

There is a separate theory test for driving instructors:
Approved Driving Instructors (ADI)

For all information on the Driver Theory Test and to book your test, go to the official RSA site at theorytest.ie.

Study Material

There are two books:

‘The Official Driver Theory Test Questions and Answers, Motorcycles, Cars and Work Vehicles – June 2019 Edition, which covers all learning material for Car/Work Vehicles and Motorcycles (Note: You can still study The Official Driver Theory Test Book and CD-Rom 5th Edition for the Car/Work Vehicle and Motorcycle categories.) and;

‘The Official Driver Theory Test Questions and Answers, Truck & Buses (including Step 1 and Step 2 of Driver CPC) – June 2019 Edition’, which covers all learning material for Bus and Truck Theory Tests and Driver CPC Case Study Test.

There are two study CD-Rom’s:

‘The Official Driver Theory Test Questions and Answers, Motorcycles, Cars and Work Vehicles – June 2019 Edition’, which covers all learning material for Car/Work Vehicles and Motorcycles and;

‘The Official Driver Theory Test Questions and Answers, Truck & Buses (including Step 1 and Step 2 of Driver CPC) – June 2019 Edition’, which covers all learning material for Bus and Truck Theory Tests and Driver CPC Case Study Tests (including the combined and modular tests).

The supporting learning materials are currently widely available from all good bookshops across the country or to purchase online at www.theorytest.ie The CD provides ‘Practice Tests’ which simulate the real exam experience and allows candidates to gauge their learning progress.

There is one Online Learning Resource:

We are delighted to announce a new product; The Official Driver Theory Test Online is a web-based training solution that combines all the latest tools and resources to help you, PASS FIRST TIME! The online app has been launched by Prometric on behalf of the RSA. The web-based training solution offers you unlimited access to the Official Driver Theory Test learning material, and also tracks your progress as you learn. In addition, you will be able to complete Official Driver Theory Test sample tests ensuring you are fully prepared and confident on the day of your theory test. To try it out go to www.officialdttonline.ie and register today! The app works on pcs, tablets & smartphones.

Rules of the Road

The purpose of the Rules of the Road is to save lives and prevent injury on our roads. The rules apply to all road users:

• Drivers
• Pedestrians
• Motorcyclists
• Horse-riders
• Cyclists

You must have a satisfactory knowledge of these rules to get a driving licence (as assessed by the Driver Theory Test), but learning about road safety doesn’t stop once you pass a driving test. It’s an ongoing requirement; you need to constantly update your skills and knowledge and be aware of changes to road traffic laws.

The current Rules of the Road comply with and reflect the road traffic law as at 1st March 2007. It is important to check this website for updates in case of rule changes. Link to rules of the road

Remember: driving is a life skill that requires lifelong learning.

Finding an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI)

What is an ADI?

Since 30th April 2009, driving instruction in Ireland has been a regulated industry. The regulations cover standard of instruction, examinations to be passed as well as penalties for breaches of the law.

To work as a driving instructor in Ireland, an instructor must be on the RSA’s Register of Approved Driving Instructors (ADI) and must display an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) permit. To become registered and get an ADI full permit, each instructor is assessed by the RSA to ensure they have the necessary:

• Knowledge of rules of the road and road safety
• Driving ability
• Ability to teach a learner driver

For your protection, ADIs also undergo Garda vetting.
What this means for you, as a learner driver, is better, more consistent standards and therefore better instruction.

Finding an instructor

So far, over 1,500 instructors nationwide have been approved by the RSA and are now listed on the RSA Register. The RSA maintains a list of full ADI permit holders across the country, which learner drivers can use to select an ADI close to where they live.

Resources for Accessibility

Learning to drive videos

Compulsory Training Sessions – Essential Driver Training (EDT)

What is Essential Driver Training?
Essential Driver Training (EDT) is a mandatory training course that teaches fundamental driving skills to learner car drivers. It is part of the RSA’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) scheme and is intended to improve road safety. EDT is only part of the learning process, you will need lots of practice and may need more lessons to become a safe driver.

Why do I need EDT?
Studies show that young drivers and inexperienced drivers are more likely to die or be seriously injured in collisions, and EDT is one of several measures introduced by the RSA to help improve critical driving knowledge, skills and behaviours of new drivers.

If the issue date of your first B category (Car) learner permit is on or after 4 April 2011, in order to be able to sit your full driving test, you must first complete all EDT sessions.

If you are not required to complete EDT, you may still choose to take an EDT course, as it can help increase your chances of passing the driving test and will help make you a better safer driver.

What does EDT involve?
EDT is a course of 12 one-hour sessions. These sessions are designed to cover certain critical driving skills and improve your practical driving skills.

As you complete each session, your Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) will record your progress in a specially issued logbook.

You should also have a Sponsor, an experienced driver (many learner drivers choose a family member) who will supervise your driving practice outside of sessions, and will also track your progress in your logbook.

After you finish your EDT course, you may still need additional lessons with an ADI to improve your driving skills. Additionally, you should practice with your Sponsor as much as possible to get comfortable behind the wheel.

What does EDT cost?

There is no set charge for EDT sessions and each ADI sets their own fees. The RSA recommends that you ring several ADI’s to enquire about the fees and also to see if the ADI is right for you. Recommendations from family and friends may also prove useful in helping you to make your choice. The EDT logbook has a cover price of €5 which may be payable to your ADI for either an original or replacement logbook.

IMPORTANT NOTE – many learners avoid paying for driving sessions in advance to avoid any problems such as changing driving instructors or being unable to book further lessons to suit their own availability.

Find an ADI

EDT can only be delivered by an RSA-approved instructor, an ADI. To find an available ADI, look on the ADI register. You may switch ADIs during the EDT course, but remember to get your current ADI to sign off on your completed lessons before you make any changes.

Benefits of EDT

Completing your essential driver training course will help you to:

• understand what it means to be a better safer driver.
• practice your driving skills in a structured way that is focussed on your own learning needs.
• develop lifelong skills that will make you a better safer driver.

The Driving Test

Driver testing in Ireland is carried out directly by the Road Safety Authority to a standard that complies with the EU Directive on Driving Licences

Cost

You can now book and pay for your driving test online. Given the demand for driving tests and in the interests of fairness, for the foreseeable future we are prioritising customers in order of application date as well as applications from essential workers.

When you log onto MyRoadSafety.ie you can set your driving goal. If no suitable test dates are available you will be presented with a facility to be placed on a waiting list. When new driving test slots become available you will be contacted to advise you of this and invite you to log onto MyRoadSafety.ie to make your driving test booking. 

Please note there is no need to contact us to schedule a test as we are unable to schedule test over the phone or by email request. You will need a credit card (Visa/Mastercard) or debit card plus a valid email address. Alternatively, you can download a driving test booking form here, or obtain a form from any motor tax office.

The correct fee must accompany your completed booking form. Fees are non-transferable. If, after booking your driving test, you do not wish to proceed with the test, you may apply within 14 days of payment for a refund of the test fee.

What must I do?

To do the test, you must have held a valid learner permit for at least six months on the day of the test for cars, motorcyclists and works vehicles (in the case of a first time learner permit holders, the code 991 will be printed under the restrictions/information section on your learner permit opposite the vehicle category) . You must also have the use of a suitable vehicle. Also mandatory car lessons may apply to you, see information on Initial Basic Training (IBT) for Motorcyclists and Essential Driver Training (EDT) for car drivers.

Preparing for your driving test

Do:

• Study the Rules of the Road booklet
• Study the Preparing for your test booklet
• Use the services of an approved driving instructor (ADI)
• Practise driving on all types of road and in all types of traffic situations, including driving at night
• Build up your driving experience and confidence before applying for your test
• Study the “Learning to Drive” suite of manuals for car, bike, bus and truck, available at book shops nationwide
• Study the Checklist for your driving test leaflet

Don’t:

• Unnecessarily obstruct traffic or annoy other road users
• Practise on driving test routes for the most part; congestion on these routes causes inconvenience to residents and test applicants alike

Your appointment

Given the demand for driving tests and in the interests of fairness, for the foreseeable future we are prioritising customers in order of application date as well as applications from essential workers.

When you register with MyRoadSafety.ie you can set your driving goal.  If no suitable test dates are available you will be presented with a facility to be placed on a waiting list. When new driving test slots become available you will be contacted to advise you of this and invite you to log onto MyRoadSafety.ie to make your driving test booking. 

Please note there is no need to contact us to schedule a test as we are unable to schedule test over the phone or by email request.

You can book a driving test at a time, date and test centre convenient to you. Confirmation of your test booking indicating the time, date and venue for the test, together with conditions which must be met, will be sent to you by your preferred method of communication. Please read this notice carefully as it may help avoid problems on the day of the test.

Testing is conducted in many test centres throughout the country. When making your test booking by post we will arrange a test for you at your chosen driving test centre.

If you would like your driving test to be conducted through Irish please indicate this when you book online.  If you are booking your test by post, complete the Irish language version of the driving test booking form, indicating on the form that you wish to have your test conducted through Irish.

How to book a driving test

Driving Test Booking Requirements
You can book a driving test online or by post.
Please note you cannot book your driving test by phone.

 Before booking your driving test online:

• Verify that you are eligible to sit your test — 6 month rule.
• You are required to have completed the mandatory lessons for certain motorcyclists (IBT) or car drivers (EDT) before you can sit the driving test.
• Know your current, valid driver number.
• Know your PPS number—this can be found on tax documents or your pay slip and it is often on correspondence from a social welfare or tax office.
• You must have a valid debit or credit card (Visa and Mastercard are currently accepted).
• If you are booking a driving test by post, payments can be made by cheque, postal order or bank draft.

Book online now

Contact

Having problems applying online? Click here to view our Frequently Asked Questions.

Your driver number is unique to you for all your licence records and can be obtained from the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS).

You can contact the NDLS online here, or by phone at 076 – 1087880.

If you are still having problems applying for your test online, you may contact us via the RSA webform here.

Waiting Times

As a result of Covid-19 measures, our capacity to undertake driving tests, at pre-Covid 19 levels, has reduced.

Given the demand for driving tests and in the interests of fairness, for the foreseeable future we are prioritising customers in order of application date as well as applications from essential workers.

When you register with MyRoadSafety.ie you can set your driving goal.

If no suitable test dates are available you will be presented with a facility to be placed on a waiting list. When new driving test slots become available you will be contacted to advise you of this and invite you to log onto MyRoadSafety.ie to make your driving test booking. 

Please note there is no need to contact us to schedule a test as we are unable to schedule test over the phone or by email request.

Quick tests

As a result of Covid restrictions, given the demand for driving tests and in the interests of fairness, for the foreseeable future we are prioritising customers in order of application date as well as applications from essential workers.

We are working to meet the requirements of our customers and to this end we only have a short notice facility available to us on a limited basis.

When you register with MyRoadSafety.ie you can set your driving goal. 

If no suitable test dates are available you will be presented with a facility to be placed on a waiting list. When new driving test slots become available you will be contacted to advise you of this and invite you to log onto MyRoadSafety.ie to make your driving test booking. 

Please note there is no need to contact us to schedule a test as we are unable to schedule test over the phone or by email request.

6 Month Rule

6 Month Rule: How long you need to hold a learner permit before you can apply for a test

What is it
First-time learner permit holders (in certain categories) must wait six months after the date of issue of the particular licence category before they can sit their driving test. In the past, some people took the test shortly after getting their first learner permit and research has shown that the more practice and experience a person gets, the better a driver they become.

This is particularly important if you have added a licence category to your permit as it is the date the category was added that is relevant not the date that your permit was issued.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have checked your permit details and that you are eligible to sit the test.

If you apply and turn up to sit your test and you are not eligible then you will lose your fee and have to re apply.

Who does it apply to: It applies to first-time learner permit holders for:

• cars
• motorcycles
• works vehicles (eg, tractors, JCBs)

Reduced Essential Driver Training (EDT) and/or Exemption from the 6 month rule

On 21 January 2019 the RSA introduced a shorter EDT programme for foreign license holders whose full licence from another country (jurisdiction) with which Ireland does not have an exchange agreement may qualify for exemption from EDT lessons 2,3,4,8,11 and 12.

For more information on EDT shortened programme and/or Exemption from 6 month wait to sit a driving test please click here and for an application form to apply for EDT shortened programme please click here.

For further information on EDT please click here.

How do I know when my six months are up?

If you look at your learner permit you will see the code 991 on the restriction column and then also the date that the permit was issued for your particular licence category – You need to add 6 months to this date of issue.

Example:

In the example below, you can see a plastic card learner permit which has been issued on the 30th January 2013, and the holder of the learner permit cannot sit their driving test until on or after the 30th July 2013 i.e. six months after the date of issue of the category.

Why was it introduced?

Research shows that the longer a learner is supervised while driving, the less likely they are to be involved in a collision.

The rule was introduced into the Rules of the Road in 2007

It allows a learner driver to become a more experienced, and therefore most likely a safer, driver.

Driving Test Centres

Pass Rates

Details of pass rates by test centre for 2019

2019 Pass rates for Category B in test centre alphabetical order

Frequently Asked Questions

Complete the application form and include details of your driver number and post to:

The Driver Testing Section,
Road Safety Authority,
Moy Valley Business Park,
Primrose Hill,
Ballina,
Co. Mayo,
Eircode: F26 V6E4

Get InTouch

If you have a further query, please contact us via our web form using the link below.

Go to RSA Web Form

Your car

Just as you can’t play football with a burst ball or play tennis with a broken racquet, you can’t do a driving test with a sub-standard test vehicle. While you’re learning to drive, and especially on test day itself, it’s critical that your car or motorcycle is mechanically and structurally sound. Regardless of how proficient a driver you are, if your vehicle doesn’t meet the requirements on the day of the test, you will be unable to undertake your test on the day.

If you pass your test in an automatic car, you can only apply for a full driving licence to drive an automatic car. If you later want to apply for a full driving licence for a manual car, you will have to pass a test in a manual vehicle before applying for a full licence to drive it.

The checklist

Before taking your test, you should read the following publication. Checklist for your driving test (PDF)

Motor tax / NCT / Insurance

For those busily preparing for the driving test, motor tax, NCT and insurance can sometimes slip under the radar. So remember, you must have a current motor tax disc, a current insurance disc and a valid NCT disc (if required) clearly on display, a confirmation booking will not suffice.

Issues and Concerns

Any issues and concerns you have in relation to your driving test and driving licence application.

Issues and concerns
If you have any worries or concerns in relation to the driving test, it is important you talk to the RSA. Chances are your worries are without foundation but there are legitimate problems that crop up from time to time which may affect your ability to take a driving test and acquire a driving licence afterwards.

Medical issues
There are some medical conditions and disabilities that require a medical report to be produced before a driving licence can be issued.

Accessibility
If you have a disability, you will need to notify us in advance of the test so we can make the necessary arrangements.

Interpreters
If you cannot speak English, are deaf or hard of hearing, you are permitted to have an interpreter with you for the first (oral) part of the test. This person must not be your driving instructor, and may not accompany you during the practical element of the test.

For further information on driving tests contact:
Driver Testing Section,
Road Safety Authority,
Moy Valley Business Park,
Primrose Hill Dublin Road,
Ballina,
Co. Mayo.

Lo-call (from within Ireland): 1890 40 60 40
Outside Ireland, Tel: +353 96 25000
Fax: +353 96 78290
E-mail: drivingtest@rsa.ie

Cancel Your Test

What happens if you get your date for your driving test but you can’t go on that day?
If you can’t sit your test, you can cancel and reschedule your test here.

Important considerations
If you can’t sit your test on the date you’ve been given, you can cancel that test and apply for another one. However, if you do cancel the test, at present we can’t offer you the option to choose a specific alternative date or time. So please don’t cancel your test just to try for a different date or time.

If you have cancelled 2 or more driving test appointments in the past or if you give us less than 10 days’ notice before your test appointment, your application will be cancelled and you will have to reapply and pay again for a new driving test appointment.

Please note that if you want us to re-schedule your test it may be some time before we have another test slot available for you.

If you do need to cancel your test, it’s really important that you tell us as soon as possible. If you tell us early enough, we will be able to give your time slot to someone else who urgently needs a test.

How do I avoid losing my driving test fee?
You won’t lose your fee if:

• you have not cancelled 2 or more driving test appointments in the past and
• you give at least 10 days’ notice

What should I do next?

• If you still need to cancel your test,  then please click here.

Repeating Your Test

Common reasons why people fail driving tests, what to do if you do fail, and who to appeal to if you don’t agree with the tester’s decision.

Repeating your test

If you fail your test, the tester will give you a report detailing aspects of your driving that caused you to fail. The tester will provide you with some feedback at the end of the test. Due to time constraints, this feedback will be brief and will focus on the main areas of note in relation to your driving test.

You will also receive a certificate indicating that you failed the test; keep it in a safe place as you may need it to renew your learner permit.

If you wish to make a booking for a further test, you can do so by logging onto MyRoadSafety.ie or by submitting a driving test booking form, which are available at test centres or on this website.  As a matter of RSA policy you will not be able to book a driving test with same tester, however this may occasionally happen.

If you have recently failed a driving test, you will be unable to schedule a driving test for a period of three weeks. When you log onto MyRoadSafety.ie if no suitable test dates are available you will be presented with a facility to be placed on a waiting list. When new driving test slots become available we will contact to advise you of this and invite you to log onto MyRoadSafety.ie to make your driving test booking.

Appealing a failed test

If you feel you have been failed unfairly and want to challenge the decision, you can appeal to the District Court under Article 33 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961. The Court can examine whether or not the test was conducted properly and if it finds that the tester did not conduct the test in accordance with procedures can direct that a further test be offered to you free of charge.

Why candidates fail
The following are the most common reasons why people fail driving tests:

• Inadequate observation moving off, at junctions, at roundabouts and when changing lanes
• Failure to anticipate the actions of other drivers
• Incorrect road position on the straight, on bends, turning left, turning right, at roundabouts, and when overtaking
• Inadequate progress at junctions, roundabouts, on the straight, and when overtaking
• Incorrect or inadequate use of mirrors and signals
• Non-compliance with traffic controls, eg road signs and markings and traffic lights
• Incorrect, inadequate or inappropriate use of vehicle controls, including gears, clutch, accelerator, steering, handbrake, footbrake, and secondary controls
• Excessive speed for the road or traffic conditions
• Failure to yield the right of way to others
• Lack of competence in the reverse and U-turn manoeuvres
• Common faults by motorcyclists include:
• Failure to perform a U-turn correctly
• Inadequate control at slow speed
• Inadequate observations to the rear
• Incorrect or inadequate hand signals

If you fail your test, the best way to get through next time is to study the Rules of the Road and the Learner Driver suite of manuals and get as much practice as possible in all types of traffic situations.

Renewing learner permits

A learner permit can be renewed once. However, if you want to apply for a third or subsequent learner permit, you must either:

• Have undergone a driving test within the previous two years, or
• Provide medical evidence showing why you were unable to take a test, or
• Provide evidence that you have an appointment for a driving test prior to the new permit being issued
• Contact the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) at info@ndls.ie or visit the website here for any queries in relation to learner permits.

After you pass

How to get your full driving licence after passing your test.

After you pass
After you pass you test, the tester will issue you with a Certificate of Competency, which you can then exchange for a full driving licence at your local NDLS Centre.

The certificate should be submitted to the National Driver Licence Service  within two years of the date of issue. Otherwise you will be required to re-sit and pass the test to obtain a full licence.

If you lose your certificate, send a statement (download the SL5A form) certified by a Garda that you have lost the certificate to RSA’s Driver Testing Section and we will issue a duplicate.

Remember: passing the driving test is not the end of the learning process; continue to drive carefully and build up your experience in different traffic, weather, lighting and road conditions.

Novice Plates

The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has announced changes to the driver licensing system that apply to newly qualified novice drivers and first time learner permit holders.

The changes are as follows:

• A person granted a first full driving licence on or after 1st August 2014 must display N-plates on the vehicle for a period of 2 years, and during that period display N-plates on any other vehicle in respect of which they get a driving licence. Where the vehicle is a motorcycle, the rider must wear an N – tabard.
• The novice period applies only once ie someone who holds a driving licence for a category of vehicle and who after a period of two years becomes entitled to drive another category, does not become a novice in respect of the new category.
• Non-display of N plates is an offence under traffic law and is punishable by a fine not exceeding €1,000 for a first offence. On becoming a fixed change the failure to display an N-plate will carry 2 penalty points on payment of a fixed charge, or 4 on conviction.
• A lower threshold of seven penalty points leading to disqualification will apply to any driver who is granted their first learner permit on or after 1 August 2014 while they drive under a learner permit, and subsequently during the first two years while they drive under their first driving licence.
• There is no requirement for novice drivers to have an accompanying driver – this is still only the case for learner drivers. However, a novice driver may not act as an accompanying driver for someone who holds a learner permit

The purpose of the GDL system is to reduce the number of collisions, deaths and injuries among learner and novice drivers, particularly among the high risk 17 to 24 year olds, during the learning to drive period and period immediately after they pass their test.

In fact, UK research has revealed that 1 in 5 newly qualified novice drivers has crashed in the first six months after passing their test. Furthermore, available evidence suggests that a driver is considered to be inexperienced until s/he has driven 100,000 kilometres.

Therefore, these measures are designed to protect our most vulnerable road-users so that they can become safe, competent and confident drivers, helping to ensure we have fewer collisions, fatalities and injuries on our roads.

Novice plates, or similar systems, are in place in many other EU countries, and these measures will help to bring Ireland closer into line with Northern Ireland, the UK and other EU jurisdictions.

Download a copy of ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ (PDF) 

Download a copy of Background to ‘Graduated Licensing System In Ireland’ (PDF)