Preparing for the test

 

 

APPLYING FOR THE TEST

 

Once the 12 EDT lessons are completed, learner drivers should waste no time in applying for their full license exam. With the 12 lessons, you will have learned how to drive in a safe and socially responsible manner, so your preparation for the test will more or less be a continuation of this.

 

If you wish to apply for your test online you can do so by clicking on the link below.

http://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Learner-Drivers/The-Driving-Test/

 

 

WHAT DOES THE TEST CONSIST OF?

 

The driving test can be seen as a daunting exam to overcome, but it can also be broken down into a few different parts. This will enable learners to view it in simpler terms.

 

Before you start your car

The test itself is not just about your own driving ability. There are some theory questions to be answered in the examiner's office first. This should take no longer than five minutes and will happen before you go out to your car.

 

Once you get out to your car the next part of your test is your under the bonet checks. You will be asked to open your bonet and identify various components of it such as oil, coolant, brake fluid and windsceen washers. You may also be asked how to you would refill them and what level they should be filled to.

 

After your under the bonet checks are completed your examiner will ask you to sit into the car and turn on the ignition. He/she will check your vehicle's roadworthiness and make sure all of your indicators and brake lights are in good working order. The instructor will then sit in to the passenger seat of your car.

 

After the examiner sits into the car he/she may ask you a question about your car's primary or secondary controls or maybe a question about the cockpit drill. Once this is completed you will then be asked to turn on your car.

 

The length of time between entering the examiner's office and starting your car should not be longer than ten minutes. 

 

 

The drive

The actual driving part of your test should not take any longer than thirty minutes. You will drive for approximately 8 kilometres in a variety of road conditions. There are three manoeuvers that you will definitely be asked to perform. They are as follows:

 

• hill start

• turnabout

• reversing around a corner

 

Aside from these three manoeuvers your driving will be assessed in the following situations:

 

• moving off

• driving in traffic

• stopping

• parking

• road positioning

• anticipation and reaction to potential hazards

• use of mirrors and signals

• progress/speed

• compliance with traffic lights, road signs and road markings

• good use of vehicle's primary controls (accelerator, clutch, gears, brakes etc.)

• good use of vehicle's secondary controls (wipers, headlights, demisters etc.)

 

 

Returning to the test centre

Once you return to the test centre and park up, you will accompany the examiner into his/her office where you will be told whether you have been successful or not. You will receive a driving test feedback form which will explain any negative aspects of your exam.