Glossary: Diverging? Pinch Point? Chicane? If you aren’t sure what a word means, look it up in our glossary

Format of the driving test

The driving test will determine if you have the skills necessary to progress to being a full driving licence holder. It includes questions on the Rules of the Road and how your vehicle works and then assesses your driving skills while you drive in different road and traffic conditions.

The driver tester will evaluate your driving skills using the Driving Test Report Form.

Before undergoing the test you should have achieved a level of knowledge and skill that will satisfy the tester that you are entitled to a full licence.

The requirements for the test process will change on an ongoing basis and to make yourself aware of any changes, visit www.rsa.ie.

The following table highlights some recent changes. Some requirements apply to more than one type of vehicle.

If you are being tested for You must know how to
A car
  • Demonstrate technical checks.
  • Work the secondary controls.
  • Adjust the seat, seat-belt, head restraint, mirrors and ensure the doors are closed.
A motorcycle
  • Demonstrate technical checks.
  • Remove and replace the machine from its stand.
  • Adjust your protective outfit. (personal safety equipment).
  • Move the motorcycle without the aid of the engine.
A trailer
  • Demonstrate technicals.
  • Connect and remove the trailer to or from your vehicle.
  • Reverse up to a loading bay.
A heavy vehicle
  • Demonstrate technical checks.
  • Work the secondary controls.
  • Use any retarder or exhaust brake fitted to the vehicle.
  • Reverse up to a loading bay.
A bus
  • Demonstrate technical checks.
  • Work the secondary controls.
  • Use any retarder or exhaust brake fitted to the vehicle.
  • Open and close by hand any powered doors fitted to the vehicle.

Secondary controls and Technical checks

Work the secondary controls, such as windscreen wipers and washers, demisters, rear window heater, lights and air-conditioning, fans, rear foglights, air vents and temperature control.

Demonstrate technical checks such as air pressure and the condition of tyres, oil, fuel, windscreen washer fluid level, coolant, brakes (including handbrake), steering, lights, indicators, reflectors and horn.

The Driving Test Report Form explains the technical checks and the secondary controls in detail. Make yourself familiar with the content of the Driving Test Report Form.

From September 2008, motorcyclists will be further tested on: control of speed, control when braking and obstacle-avoidance.

How long does the test last

The test for categories A, A1, B, EB, M and W vehicles lasts about 40 minutes and assesses your driving skills over eight to ten kilometres.

The test for vehicles in other categories lasts about 70 minutes and assesses your driving skills over about 20 kilometres.