The Driving Test is a major milestone in many peoples lives. It will involve learning to drive properly, correctly, safely and according to the 'Rules of the Road'. In the various sections and sub-pages of this heading you should find all the information you need to be able to:-
The whole process can seem daunting and full of obstacles. However, with good preparation, the correct skills and good, safe driving you should eventually attain your goal of possessing a full driving license.
Please prepare carefully, the pass rate in the test is quite low, currently only averaging 53.6% according to the government test web site. If you are not properly prepared, you do not give yourself much of a chance of passing. In fact you should not be taking a 'chance' on passing your test. You should know enough about what you are doing to be reasonably confident that you pass your test baring some serious unforeseen circumstance
The current waiting time for driving tests in the South Dublin is:-
as posted on official driving test web site on 7th. January 2008
Note:- No figures are given for the outsourced tests by SGS. These are now operating and WILL bring down these waiting times
You may apply for your test by postal application using the form available at tax offices or driving test centres, or you may apply online at the official government driving test site.
You will need a credit card and your PPS Number (old RSI Number) if applying online. The current charge for the test is €38. You will normally receive a letter advising that your application has been received by the office in Ballina soon after you apply. A second letter is usually sent some 4 to 5 weeks before your test date.
Please, please, please do not leave the preparation for your test until the last minute.
If your have been driving your own car for a while you will have inevitably picked up some bad habits, which will not help you to pass your driving test.
Instead, arrange an Accelerate pre-test lesson as soon as possible.
This
takes 1½ hours and will involve doing an intensive
assessment of your driving. Driving around a typical
test route and assessing your driving ability on every aspect of the driving test.
You will be asked some questions from the 'Rules of the Road', you will be asked
to identify some road signs. You will be asked to explain how you would perform
certain technical checks. Your car will be inspected to ensure it conforms to
requirements. All of this will be done in a similar manner to that of the
Driving Test.
At the end of the Pre-Test you will be presented with the results of this assessment, and have the opportunity to discuss any problems or faults you have, together with the best way to correct them.
A planned course of lessons and practice can be arranged to help you overcome any problems or difficulties.