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The Irish Driving Test

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"Cavan has the lowest waiting times forView 786kb Test Report
Driving tests in Ireland" (approx. 2-4 weeks)

The Cost of a car Driving Test is now €75 , all other vehicle tests is now €110.. these price reviews came into effect /april/'09

The driving test is a rigorous and very demanding examination of your driving ability. This page gives you an overview of the process and regulations.

There are currently approximately 250`000 learner drivers in Ireland on our roads. That’s roughly one in 4 people!.75`000 of this number is waiting to be called for their test. Statistics show that 45% of people fail the test. The Pass Rate with the Erne School of Motoring is on average 85%. Applicants fail for one of two reasons. They are not ready to pass due to lack of training, or that they make a fatal mistake during the test, perhaps because of lack of concentration or letting the test situation understandably get to them.

It is important to remember that all applicants start the test with a pass essentially. There are no preconceptions or prejudice towards any individual applicant regardless of age or nationality from the examiners. All you have to do is drive well and to the standard the examiner requires, follow his or hers instructions to the letter and to the best of your ability and keep your driving tight, uniform and safe and convince the examiner that you are not a learner anymore. Having been prepared with one of our instructors with some lessons on the content of the test you will have the best chance of ensuring a good result. Fail to prepare….prepare to fail!!  

The driving tests are conducted out of 54 test centres all over the country and where and your test can be arranged for the centre you nominate on your application form.

Driving Examiners recommend that applicants have at minimum 5 lessons in preparation for their driving test.

Car Insurance from Quinndirect

You can now apply and pay for your driving test online (see 'How to apply' below). A driving test is a compulsory requirement for motorists who has been issued with two 2-year provisional driving licence. It's important to be aware that you may not apply for a 3rd or another provisional licence for any category of  unless you sit a driving test. The waiting times vary from county to county; so it is advisable to apply for a test about 10 months before your second provisional licence is due to run out.

If using the cancellation system, a common trend is people apply in a panic, wait for their application to be processed and then be called for testing. They then take lessons shortly beforehand in the hope of bluffing their way through. This is highly inadvisable and never works. Get Prepared with The Erne School Of Motoring first and we will advise you on the best approach. Then get Applying!! 

 

A driving test is designed that you..

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

On the day of your test, give yourself plenty of time to arrive at the test centre with at least ten minutes to spare. Give yourself a little down time beforehand. When your name is called and you are brought into the examination room, your test officially begins. The examiners are very polite and frank in their approach. Don’t take personally the fact they do not typically speak to you during the practical part.

EXAMINERS Q&A


Prior to your driving test you should study the Rules of the Road, and have learned all the Road Signs  which are available on this site with the link above or from our homepage, The booklet which is published by the Department of Transport is available from most good book shops  priced around 4 euro. It is also a good idea to practice driving as much as possible on all types of roads and in all types of traffic situations. This will improve your driving techniques and build your confidence, which is essential to convey to the examiner on the day of your test.

For a detailed map of where the Driving Examiners use in Cavan town, where the manouvers like the Reverse and the Turnabouts are performed , take a look at our route map below where you will also get directions to Cavan from all corners of the country.

Detailed Cavan Driving Test Routes Map!!


The Irish Driving Test

Your driving test will take approximately 30 to 40 minutes to complete. You will be given clear instructions throughout the test, but if you don't hear correctly or understand something, ask the examiner to repeat it. Don’t panic if you make a mistake or throw in the towel during the test. It may not be as serious as you think and it may not mean you have failed.

Oral Test The test begins with a check of your provisional licence and it's validity, then a brief assessment on your knowledge of the rules of the road. Afterwards, you proceed to the vehicle with the examiner will ask you to test your indicators & brake lights and they will check for valid tax and insurance. Then you will be asked to lift the bonnet and show them where the following is located.

  1. Brake Fluid
  2. Engine Coolant
  3. Engine Oil
  4. Dipstick
  5. Power Steering Fluid
  6. Window Washer Vessel

Once in the car, you will be asked to show the following auxiliary controls in the cockpit.

  1. Back Window Demister
  2. Fog Lights
  3. Air Conditioning
  4. Window Washers
  5. Front Window Demister
  6. Temperature Controls
  7. Directional Airflow Controller

The aspects of your driving that will be assessed include road positioning; overtaking and passing; anticipation and observation; correct use of mirrors and signals, progress; speed; compliance with traffic lights, road signs and road markings; and proper use of your vehicle controls. At some point during your test, the examiner may ask you to demonstrate the hand signals as well.

 The examiner will give you six instructions throughout your test to carry out.

  1. Move Off numerous times.which includes the “hill start”
  2. Turn Left.
  3. Turn Right
  4. Reverse around a kerb
  5. Pull in along the left numerous times
  6. Do a Turnabout in the road.  

When you come back to the test centre the examiner will bring you back into the examination room to give you a good result hopefully. If you pass, you will be given what’s called a Certificate of Competency, which is valid for 2 years .This is not a full driving licence as such, so you have to apply for a full licence during this 2 year period, you will have to complete your driving test again if you don’t!. If  unfortunately you fail your driving test, you will be given a detailed list of your mistakes, which you should study and put right before you sit your driving test. Your instructor can explain the aspects and reasons of the failure as the examiners are not permitted to discuss this with you.

Rules

  • There are a number of things you need to do in preparation for your driving test and a number of legal requirements you must comply with.
  • You must have a current provisional licence to sit a driving test.
  • Current motor tax and insurance discs and an NCT certificate (if applicable) must be displayed on the vehicle you are using.
  • L-plates should be displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle.
  • The vehicle should be roadworthy and all tyres should have a minimum depth of 1.6mm - the legal thread depth limit for tyres in Ireland.
  • Everything should be in perfect working order, e.g., windscreen wipers, indicators, mirrors, etc.The interior and exterior of your car should be clean.
  • From 14 February 2005 to explain how a technical check would be carried out on your vehicle, you will be required to open the vehicle bonnet and close it securely.

Facilities for motorists with a disability/non-English speakers

It is possible to apply for your driving test to be conducted through Irish. You will need to complete the Irish language version of the application form and submit as normal. If English is not your first language, you may have an interpreter accompany you for this part of the test. Your interpreter may not be your driving instructor and they cannot accompany you on the practical part of the test. The tester may show written instructions for this part of the test and display them as appropriate..

If you have a hearing impairment you may have an interpreter present for this part of the test. Your interpreter may not be your driving instructor and they cannot accompany you on the practical driving part of your test. The examiner may show written instructions for this part of the test and display them where necessary, the examiner will probably use basic sign language to assist their instructions. You should also note that if the vehicle you present for the test is adapted to suit a disability ,for example, it has additional controls, it  will be noted on your full driving licence if a pass is deserved. If you have special needs, you are required to indicate this on the application form for your  test so that any necessary arrangements will be in place when you arrive for your driving test.

Cancelling your driving test

If for some reason you are not able to sit your driving test on the intended day for whatever reason, you can cancel the test but you will have to re-apply again through the appropriate channels  You should try to notify Driver Testing immediately if at all possible if you need to cancel or postpone your test. Waiting lists are very long throughout the country and someone else could avail of your time slot.

You will not loose your test fee if you give at least 10 days notice and if you have not already cancelled your test more than one driving test appointment. Cancelling your driving test will mean that you go back to the end of the waiting list unfortunately again at the nominated test centre. You may cancel your driving test any time. You can contact information for Driver Testing under 'Where to apply'  section below.

Once in a blue moon due to unforeseen circumstances or adverse weather conditions the Driver Testing Service may need to cancel your test at short notice. Every effort is made to notify the test candidate immediately. In circumstances such as this, the department of Driver Testing will arrange a further test free of charge at the earliest date possible.

The Department will also consider reimbursing certain out of pocket expenses, e.g., hire of vehicle on the day of the cancelled test, on receipt of the appropriate claim in the Department. View contact information under 'Where to apply' below.

Costs for the Irish driving test

The fee for the category of test must accompany your driving test application. If applying online which can be done on this page ,you must have a credit card and the appropriate fee will be charged.

Category of Vehicle Fee for Test in Ireland
Payment should be made by cheque, postal order or money order. These should be crossed and made payable to the Minister for Transport. Fees are non-refundable

Categories A,  A1, B, EB, M and W  cost 75 euroApply For Driving Test Ireland Application Form Download

Categories C, C1, D and D1 cost 110 euro


Categories EC, EC1, ED and ED1 cost 110 euro

These revised costs came into effect on 07/04/2009

 

How to apply

You can apply and pay for your driving test online by click on the right hand link. You will need a credit card to do this VISA or Mastercard. You also need to have a valid e-mail address). Otherwise, you can download an application form for a driving test (pdf) here, or obtain a copy from your local Motor Taxation Office.

It is a yellow form and  the correct fee must accompany your completed application.

Where to apply

Driving Testing Section,Government Offices,Department of Transport,
Ballina,Co. Mayo.

Telephone: LoCall: (1890) 40 60 40 (calls charged at local rate from anywhere in the country) or (096) 24200 Fax: (096) 24400E-mail:drivingtest@environ.irlgov.ie

 driving in ireland hints and tips for the irish driving test

Just passed your test? Here are some insurance tips you need to know

For many first time drivers, passing their test is the easy part – it’s finding affordable first-time car insurance that’s the real challenge. In order to qualify for the cheapest insurance premiums, you need a track record of safe driving behind you, but if it’s your first time behind the wheel you’re starting with a clean slate and no insurer knows how responsible and safe a driver you’re going to be.

Insurers don’t want to take risks with their money, and unfortunately the inexperience of the first time driver combined with the fact that younger drivers tend to take more risks on the road, means that in the eyes of the insurers, you’re the riskiest customer there is.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. While you might not be offered the cheapest insurance rates available, there are plenty of things that you can do that will at least help to keep the cost of your insurance down. In the meantime, you should concentrate on driving safely so that you can build up your no-claims bonus which will help you find even cheaper car insurance in the future.

Choosing the right motor

The type of car that you choose can have a big effect on the price of your insurance. Large cars that are more difficult to handle, and cars that are capable of reaching super-speeds are a real no-no as insurers are likely to doubt your ability to drive them safely. So when you go looking for a first time car, remember that in insurance terms the smaller the engine size the better. Check out individual insurer ratings for vehicles so you have a guide as to what cars are deemed less risky.

It’s not just the size and engine power that needs some considerations, but also the cost of repairs. By choosing a standard model whose parts are easy and cheap to repair you’ll be reducing the potential cost to your insurer should you need to make a claim. Cars whose spares are readily available are cheaper to insure than rare models or modified models.

Choosing the right insurance

Different types of insurance have different prices, and the more comprehensive the policy, the more you’ll have to pay for it. Third party fire and theft cover is popular among first time drivers as it’s the cheapest. However, if you should have an accident, this type of insurance will only pay for damage caused to other driver’s vehicles and property and any injuries caused to them by your vehicle.

This means that you’ll be left to foot the bill for any damage to your own car, unless your car is stolen or damaged by fire through no fault of your own. This type of policy is only really an option if you have enough money, or have bought a cheap enough car, that the cost of having to replace it is realistically affordable for you.

If you do opt for third party fire and theft cover, then you should definitely consider taking out some added breakdown cover too. Having an accident or breakdown in the middle of nowhere is no fun, and the cost of towing your car from the road alone will cost more than most breakdown policies will, so it’s a worthwhile investment.

Choosing the right driving school..

Many insurers now recognise specific driving schools, like Erne, and offer discounts to those who have learnt to drive there. It pays to do a bit of research and find out if insurers offer discounts through any motor schools in your area.

Choosing to prove that you’re a responsible driver..

Insurers look very favourably on those who have taken advanced driving courses, such as defensive driving courses and the Pass Plus course in the UK. Anything that shows the insurance companies that you are serious and responsible in your attitude towards driving, as well as giving you added experience and confidence on the roads, is of great benefit. Many insurers will offer you at least 10% off your first policy if you pass such a course - just make sure that you check which courses are recognized by which insurers before you go spending your hard earned cash on any extra tuition fees.

Choosing the internet..

It also helps if you shop around as much as possible when you go shopping for insurance, as not all insurers are alike, and many are keen to help out first-time and younger drivers. Use the internet as a search tool as here you’ll find the biggest selection of insurers and prices, and the internet makes it really easy to compare policies.

You’ll often find that insurers offer their cheapest rates to customers who sign up to online policies, as it means less paperwork and less cost for them, and hence savings for you. Keep your search criteria as broad as possible, checking out specialist insurance brokers as well as big name insurers like Kwik Fit Insurance who offer reduced rates if you take out a car insurance policy with them online. By keeping your options open like this, you’ll be less likely to miss a money-saving deal.

 

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Erne School of Motoring
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Phone : (049) 95 22314 Mobile : 087 6383195

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