Contact us as soon as you get a date to book your pre-tests.

Pre-tests are important in helping learner drivers pass their driving tests. You will need to familiarise yourself with the test routes and get to know the tricky sections, while brushing up on the technical aspects of your driving.

Pre-tests include more than just a mock test:

  1. Explain the format of the test
  2. Assess your driving for knowledge gaps and bad driving habits
  3. Manoeuvre lessons – e.g. reversing around corners
  4. Multiple driving test routes / Expansive test area
  5. Practical & Theory questions / Rules of the road
  6. Final checks / Fine tuning

Preparing for your Driving Test.

Before you apply you will need your learner permit (provisional license). You will need to have this for 6 months before sitting the test. All learners must complete your 12 EDT lessons before you can get a test date, if you got your first learner permit after 4th April 2011. You should also know how to drive before you apply. If you are using your own car fix any significant problems and check your tyres.

Go to our Forms and Resources page to find all relevant forms or apply online. Forms are also available from your instructor, test centre, NDLS office, tax office or Garda station.

After you apply you will receive an mail or a letter confirming receipt of your application. Next you will receive a letter with your test date. You should check that this date suits and that your license and the vehicles insurance, tax and N.T.C. (if applicable) are still in date. You should call your instructor to let them know the date and book one early pre test lessons to check your driving, so you can begin to fix your own bad habits. Use e pre-tests to become familiar with the test area and any ‘tricky’ spots. The day before your test check your tyres and lights again.

What to expect on the day of your test.

When the day of your test comes you should be well prepared and confident. Most people find a pre test lesson on the day of the test to be useful. For some this can be calming or give some beneficial fine-tuning or reminders.

You should arrive in good time at the driving test centre and park neatly. Use the map on our test centres page to get directions. Consider potential traffic delays. Be in the waiting room at least 10 minutes before your appointed time. You will be called into the office when the examiner is ready. Some test centres will collect your appointment letter. It is helpful but not necessary to have this. They are expecting you.

The driving tester will ask for your learner permit (provisional license). Make sure you have this with you and that it is still in date. You may be asked for your vehicle registration number and to sign a form that you are insured to drive the vehicle and that it is road worthy (See vehicle requirements for details). After this you will be asked several questions on the rules of the road, including road signs. Give as full and answer as you can. When the tester is satisfied with this you will both go to your vehicle.

You will be asked to open the bonnet and answer some basic questions about the engine. Your instructor can go through this in a pre test lesson. Next you will be asked to sit into the vehicle so the tester can check the brake lights and indicators, as well as the tyres and disks. The tester will then sit in beside you and ask more simple questions about the internal controls.

The Drive.

The tester will ask you to move off. Remember everything your instructor has told you. Make sure you understand everything that is being asked of you, ask the tester to repeat or clarify if needed. Translators are not allowed to accompany at this point, hand signals will be used if needed or requested. The tester may be accompanied by a trainee or a supervisor. Don’t be distracted by the testers marking sheet or their formal manner. Drive as best as you can from start to finish. The drive lasts about 25 / 30 minutes. During this time you will be assessed on the following:

  • Moving off, including hill starts
  • Driving in traffic
  • Stopping and parking
  • Turning left and right onto major and minor roads
  • Speed and progress
  • Road position
  • Overtaking and passing
  • Anticipation and observation
  • Use of mirrors and signals
  • Compliance with traffic lights, road signs and markings
  • Use of the vehicle controls
  • Hand signals
  • Turnabout (3 point turn)
  • Reverse round a corner

The test ends when you are sitting back in the office of the RSA test centre, hopefully being given good news.

Pre-tests to help you pass the driving test.

Pretest driving lessons.