F.A.Q...The Driving Test

    1. What is the current waiting list for a Driving Test? And is there anything I can do to get a test date more quickly?

   (A)   The waiting list is anything up to 1 year and over in certain locations! This is due to many factors which are discussed throughout the site.

        (A)   If you are in employment it is possible to get onto the Cancellation List of the Driving Test Dept. by getting your employer to send a short note to the Dept.saying that your license is needed for work purposes.

2. Should I go ahead with the Driving Test even if I am not ready or at a suitable Test Standard?

  (A)  NO …you should cancel your Driving Test immediately you receive your appointment. It is wasting the Examiner’s time when there are other Candidates who are better prepared and who are anxious to obtain their full license.

    3.How many Driving lessons will it take for me to get to Driving Test Pass standard?

   (A)  Most new novice Drivers completely underestimate the amount of time and lessons it will take in order to reach Driving Test standard! Driving for a year or more on your own without suitable Tuition will definitely not enable you to pass the Driving Test!

 The Test is more stringent now than five years ago and requires a lot of preparation along with a suitable number of Lessons. Statistics from the U.K Public services web site indicate that those Drivers who pass first time have taken an average of 45 hours of tuition together with at least 22hours of private, accompanied practise.

The tradition of Irish Learner Drivers driving unaccompanied continues to create a lengthening waiting list as more and more Drivers think they will be able to pass just because they have been driving for a year or so! 

4. If I buy my own car and practise away, will this not be sufficient to get me through the test?

   (A)  NO! 12 months of driving your own car without proper training will not equip you to either pass your test or stay safe and accident free. A pupil not so long ago took several kids with her to the beach and turned the car over into a ditch after colliding with a Bus! The car was three weeks old and a write-off. The reason …the pupil had not taken sufficient lessons to be driving unsupervised! 

   5v  Should I do the test just to see what it will be like even though I know I am not ready?

(a)    No! The waiting list for the Test is as long as it is precisely because too many  ill-prepared Learner Drivers are going ahead with their Test when they should be taking lessons instead!

6. Will I lose my Test fee if I cancel the Test.?

(A)  NO …Providing you give ten days notice of cancellation. You will lose your fee if you cancel more than Twice!

7. Will the Examiner take me out on Test if I am late for the appointment?

(A)  NO ...If you are six minutes late then your fee will be forfeited and you will have to reapply and go to the end of the queue!

8. What will happen if my brake light bulb or bulbs blow just before the Test?

(A)   If you are carrying spare bulbs which are very inexpensive you will be allowed to replace the blown bulb and all will be well. If you have no spare bulb your Test will be cancelled!

9. Do Driving Tests get occasionally cancelled by examiners for reasons outside my control?

(A)   Yes …In the winter months occasionally after a heavy frost. The roads will be inspected and it is up to the Examiner to decide whether to proceed with the Test or not .Your fee will remain intact and you will be facilitated with an appointment as soon as possible!

10. What will happen if a dashboard warning light shows during a Driving Test?

(A) The test will be cancelled!