Driving Test Application

A person who is a first time holder of a learner permit, for a motorcycle, works vehicle or car (licence categories M, A1, A, W, B and EB) cannot take a driving test for a six month period after the commencement date of the permit.

In order to take a driving test, you must be normally resident in Ireland and have an Irish correspondence address. Normal residence is taken to be the place where the person usually lives, that is for at least 185 days in each calendar year.

You must produce an Irish provisional licence/learner permit.

If you have a hearing difficulty or cannot speak English you may have an interpreter accompany you. This person may not be your driving instructor and he/she cannot accompany you on the practical element of the test. (i.e. the on-road driving section)

An applicant for a driving test using an adaptation to enable them to drive answers “yes” to question 2g on the application form (do you have any disability which requires you to drive a specially adapted vehicle?). This enables the administration process to arrange a driving Test Supervisor or an Examiner, trained in vehicle adaptations/disability awareness to arrange and conduct the driving test.

The Tester grades driving faults at the same standard as with any other driving test, however certain procedures differ, (1) the under bonnet checks may be omitted, (2) where access is a difficulty the driver completes the driving test without going into the examination room (3) a little extra time may be required for the Tester to familiar himself/herself with the adaptations before the practical drive. Other test procedures may differ to suit specific disability needs at the discretion of the Tester, however these will neither discriminate nor patronise the driver (e.g. you may not be asked to demonstrate hand signals if it is not physically possible or causes discomfort, however you should know the hand signals so as to recognise them when used by others).

An applicant with a disability but not using an adaptation to enable them to drive, e.g. a driver with a left leg disability using an automatic transmission vehicle, or a driver diagnosed with Arthritis may drive without adaptations; answers No to question 2g.

However details of specific requirements due to a disability/illness/mobility difficulty/ communications difficulty or otherwise, you should inform the testing section on your application on question 2h or 2j.

Please note, question numbers on application forms may vary due to continuing improvements/changes in application forms.

Alternatively, or for further information you may contact:
The Road Safety Authority, Driver Testing Section,
by phoning 096 782 89, Lo call 1890 40 60 40
or Email: Web: www.drivingtest.ie

Warning, these simplified guides are not an interpretation of the law therefore before completing any application form read all terms and conditions that apply or contact the necessary department.