Driving Test FAQs

Yes, you can use your own car, but it must meet the requirements set by the Road Safety Authority.

Your car must:

• Be taxed and insured (and provide a copy of your insurance certificate)
• Have a valid NCT (if required)
• Display L-plates front and rear
• Have no warning lights showing
• Be roadworthy, clean and safe
• Meet any updated RSA safety criteria

If you are using your instructor’s car, you do not need to worry about these checks, as your instructor ensures the vehicle meets all standards.

You can find out more on the Driving Test Checklist for when you're using your own Car page.

The driving test typically lasts around 30–40 minutes.

It includes:

• Vehicle safety questions
• Road signs questions
• Technical checks under the bonnet
• General driving
• Manoeuvres such as turnabout, and reverse

The focus is on safe and competent driving, not perfection.

You can receive up to:

• 8 Grade 2 faults

You will fail if you receive:

• 9 Grade 2 faults, or
• 1 Grade 3 fault (a serious fault)

Grade 2 faults are driving errors.

Grade 3 faults are dangerous or potentially dangerous mistakes.

Understanding the difference is crucial for test readiness.

An “automatic fail” usually refers to a Grade 3 fault.

Examples include:

• Failing to yield at a junction
• Dangerous observation
• Causing another road user to brake or swerve
• Ignoring traffic lights or stop signs

Examiners are assessing safety at all times.

Check out my post on Grade 2 vs Grade 3 Faults Explained for more information.

You may be test ready if you:

• Drive independently without prompts
• Anticipate hazards early
• Consistently position correctly
• Make safe decisions at junctions and roundabouts
• Rarely repeat the same mistake

A structured pre-test assessment or check lesson is the best way to confirm readiness.

Waiting times vary depending on location and demand. Test centres in busier areas can have longer delays.

You can check current availability and manage bookings through the Road Safety Authority website.

While waiting, focus on structured practice rather than just clocking up miles.

Yes.

You must complete the 12 Essential Driver Training lessons and have them recorded by your Approved Driving Instructor before you can sit your driving test.

EDT is a legal requirement for first-time learner permit holders.

Your EDT lessons remain valid, unless your learner permit expires and stays lapsed for 5 years or more. If that happens, you must start again by passing a new theory test, getting a new first learner permit, and repeating all EDT lessons

Yes, you can change instructor at any time.

Your completed EDT lessons remain valid as long as they were properly logged by an RSA-approved instructor.

This depends on your long-term goals.

If you pass your test in:

• A manual car, you can drive both manual and automatic vehicles.
• An automatic car, your licence will restrict you to automatic vehicles only.

Consider:

• Availability of manual cars
• Insurance costs
• Future flexibility
• Your confidence level

With more electric vehicles on Irish roads, this is becoming a more common question.

The supervising driver must:

• Hold a full licence for at least 2 years
• Be qualified for the category of vehicle being driven

Learner drivers:

• Must display L-plates
• Cannot drive alone
• Must not drive on motorways
• Must comply with all learner permit conditions

More information can be found on my Help for Parents and Sponsors of Learner Drivers page.

Examiners are not looking for perfection.

They are assessing whether you are:

• Safe
• Competent
• Observant
• Able to make independent decisions

Consistent safe driving matters far more than flawless technique.

No. Learner drivers are not permitted to drive on motorways, even if accompanied by a fully licensed driver.

This is a very common misconception.

No. You must always be accompanied by a qualified driver who:

Holds a full licence for at least 2 years

Is qualified for the vehicle category

Driving unaccompanied can result in penalty points, fines and vehicle seizure.

Learner drivers are subject to a lower penalty point limit than fully licensed drivers.

If a learner driver reaches 7 penalty points within a three-year period, they face a six-month driving disqualification.

This is lower than the standard 12-point limit that applies to most fully licensed drivers.

• Common offences that can result in penalty points include:

  Driving unaccompanied

• Speeding
• Mobile phone use
• Failing to display L-plates correctly
• Failing to yield or obey traffic signs

Because the limit is lower for learner drivers, it is possible to reach disqualification more quickly than many people realise. Safe, compliant driving from the start is essential.