How to pass the Irish Driving Test?

Published: 15/02/2010 by Dane Tyghe Driving Instructor in Wexford

The Driving test can be a daunting task. The idea of a stranger sitting beside you analysing and judging your behaviour can be unsettling and nerve wracking to say the least. But there is hope, if you prepare well and take Driving Lessons you can pass that test. It is not a very difficult test and the Tester is not seeking perfection.

Preparation is your key word in passing the Driving Test. You must prepare well in advance, make sure your paperwork (Licence, Tax, NCT and Insurance) are valid and up to date, make sure you Car is roadworthy and get Driving Lessons from an Approved Driving Instructor. It is very difficult to say how many lessons a Learner Driver would need but 5 is a good figure. You must make sure to have proper L Plates at the front and back of whatever vehicle you are using for your Test. For first time holders of a Learner Permit you must have your Permit for a minimum of 6 months before you are allowed to take a Driving Test. Make sure to arrive 10-15 minutes early for your Test, this will allow you to go over some questions and road signs and go to the toilet if needed.

The first thing the Tester will do is ask to see your Learners Permit and then you will sign a form to make sure your vehicle is properly Insured. You will then be asked a series of questions and road signs. These should not be too difficult and if you’ve prepared well you should have no problem. You will then lead the way to your Car where the Tester may ask you to open the bonnet and point out parts of the engine. Your Instructor should have gone over all this with you. You may then be asked to show the Tester how to operate some controls inside the Car such as the hazard lights and wipers. Once that is over you will start driving and the practical part of your Test shall begin.

Your position on the road is vital. Always stay reasonably close to the left side of the road. Don’t cut the corner when turning and keep a close eye out for arrows on the road which will tell you what lane you must be in. If you are first in the line of traffic and coming up to a stop line then stop just before the line not 3 or 4 feet before or after it. Follow the correct course for roundabouts as described in the Rules of the Road page 107-109.

Observation is crucial. Always check your blind spot (over your right shoulder) before moving off. Make sure to check over you relevant shoulder when changing lane and to keep looking left and right at junctions. If you are turning left you must not keep staring to the right, you must look both ways.

Reaction to hazards is a common fault. A hazard could be a wide variety of things such as a Tractor, Cyclist, Road Works or badly parked cars. You as a driver must look ahead and plan ahead. Think what’s happening 3 or 4 car lengths up ahead and what’s going on 200 – 300 metres ahead. If you spot a hazard early you will have time to decide how to react to it.

Check your Mirrors regularly but don’t overdo it, glance at them every 10 seconds or so when on the straight and always check them before indicating, moving off, changing lanes and slowing or stopping. Don’t mix up mirrors and observation, mirrors is looking in your 3 mirrors, observation is moving you head.

Don’t get too close to anything in front or either side of you. Always stay 2 seconds behind the vehicle in front (4 in the rain) and leave one door length between your car and any vehicles on you left side. Use good judgement and common sense, don’t drive down a narrow street if you won’t fit due to the car coming in the other direction.

You must use you indicators correctly and in good time. Usually when the tester gives you a direction then that is the time to check mirrors and indicate. Be sure you signal doesn’t go off early and similarly make sure you cancel it if it stays on longer than necessary. Do not beckon others across the road and know your hand signals.

Progress is a common fault in the Test. Don’t hesitate unduly long and do not drive too slow otherwise you will quickly lose marks. If it is safe to proceed then just go, there is nothing to be gained by waiting for the next car to come. The same applies for speed limits. If it is safe to go at the limit then drive at the speed limit. You may need to adjust your speed for certain types of road or traffic conditions, for example on a very narrow street, where there is a lot of potholes or where road works are being carried out.

You must prove to the Tester that you are a smooth driver. This means your gear changes must be smooth and not jumpy, you must not rev the car too much and never brake suddenly unless in an emergency. You should be comfortable using your handbrake when needed so as to avoid any roll back. You should not cross your hands when steering, use the push pull method of steering. Keep two hands on the wheel for the maximum amount of time, don’t have one hand on the wheel and one hand resting on the gearstick.

Throughout you Test you must be conscious of all traffic controls. Be sure to stop completely at stop signs and red lights. Don’t approach lights that have been green for a while too fast, if they have been green for as long as you have seen them then they may go amber and red very soon. Always watch and be aware of road markings such as yellow boxes and hatched markings. Don’t block pedestrian crossings and be alert for cycle and bus lanes.

On your Driving Test you must yield right of way to others when required. Don’t move off or change lanes if another vehicle is too close behind you. In relation to roundabouts yield to any traffic on the right or traffic already on the roundabout. If you see a white triangle painted on the road or flashing amber arrow lights this means yield to any traffic on the adjoining road ahead. At junctions where your view is restricted creep out bit by bit until you have a good view then make the turn if it is safe.

The two manoeuvres you will be asked to perform are a turnabout and a reverse around a corner. For the turnabout drive slow steer fast, don’t hit the kerb, show good observation and don’t worry about other cars that might come. For the reverse around a corner just take it very slow so you have time to think and correct any mistakes, look behind mostly and don’t over-steer. For a more detailed guide for these manoeuvres please check out www.letsdrive.ie.

When the Test is over you will be brought back to the Test Centre to be given the result. If you pass then that is great news, but if you fail you will be understandably upset and disappointed. Don’t stay upset too long, just reapply and try again. There are many drivers out there who failed once or more before finally passing the test. This might sound strange but try and enjoy it because days like the day of your Driving Test are days you remember in life, they are the days that make or break you as a person.