To pass the driving test you should take pretest lessons, including mock tests. Additionally, you should study to make sure you are fully prepared.

RSA Driving Test Feedback

If you have passed your driving test, please pay attention to the areas indicated by the Driver Tester that require additional practice. If you have been unsuccessful on your driving test, in preparation for your next driving test please pay particular attention to the areas indicated by the Driver Tester. A detailed report sheet will be forwarded to you in relation to the driving test you have just completed. You may find the following information useful in helping you to understand the areas you need to address.

Introduction:

The purpose of the driving test is to ensure that drivers have an adequate knowledge of the rules of the road and can drive safely and competently without danger to, and with due regard for the safety and convenience of other road users.

  1. Position:

    In normal driving maintain correct position on the straight, on bends and within traffic lanes. Do not hug the middle of the road or the kerb and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front. Depending on the course you intend taking at a junction or roundabout make sure you are in the appropriate lane. Maintain the correct position when turning left, turning right and on entering and exiting a roundabout. On stopping in traffic or at a kerb be in a safe position and do not cause any obstruction to others.
  2. Observation:

    Taking correct and proper observation is essential to good safe driving. Before moving off from the kerb always look around to ensure that no traffic is coming which you may not see in the mirrors (blind spot). Never attempt any movement or manoeuvre until you can see that it is safe to do so. Before overtaking, changing lane, entering a roundabout, altering course or stopping, make sure that it is safe to do so. Before turning at junctions, always look left and right to make sure that it is safe before you proceed.
  3. React to Hazard:

    By identifying hazards, you will have time to take any necessary action. You should ensure that you read the road ahead to observe any situation that will involve adjusting your speed or altering your course. There will be times when you will have to deal with more than one hazard within a short space of time. This may require using both initiative and common sense to deal with a particular set of circumstances.
    Anticipation: To anticipate is to take action when you expect something may happen. You can anticipate what others may do by making early use of the available information on the road.
    Ask yourself: What am I likely to find? What are other road users/pedestrians likely to do? Should I adjust my speed or maybe even stop?
  4. Category C, D, E Driving Test Reverse:

    When carrying out a left or right hand reverse manoeuvre, it is important to demonstrate competence and take correct observations regardless of whether the reverse was carried out on the test route or in an RSA compound.
    Vehicles with a Trailer: You should know the sequence for both uncoupling and coupling of the trailer from and to the towing vehicle.
  5. Parking:

    You should be able to park the vehicle correctly and in a safe position. Park legally with care and consideration for other road users. Always check before opening the door and alighting from your vehicle.
  6. Mirrors/Signals:

    Make sure that your mirrors are properly adjusted. Mirrors should be used from time to time to provide a picture of following traffic. Use the mirrors and give a correct signal in good time before moving off, overtaking, changing lane, turning right, turning left, at roundabouts, slowing, stopping. Always use your mirrors before signalling. Do not give contradictory signals and make sure that indicators are cancelled after use. Avoid giving dangerous or misleading signals to other road users. The horn should be used helpfully but not excessively. You will be asked to correctly demonstrate a number of hand signals.
  7. Clearance/Overtake:

    You should allow sufficient clearance when overtaking/passing pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and other road users. Always allow sufficient but not excessive clearance to stationary vehicles and other objects. Do not overtake where it is dangerous or prohibited to do so. Never overtake another road user if you are then going to cross their path to turn left or stop. Never cut in too soon after overtaking.
  8. Progress:

    Having regard to the speed limits, keep up with the normal flow of traffic. Maintain reasonable progress moving off/on the straight/overtaking/ changing lane/at junctions/at roundabouts/ turning right/turning left/at traffic lights. Do not cause obstruction to others by undue lack of progress.
  9. Vehicle Controls:

    Make proper use of accelerator/clutch/gears/ footbrake/handbrake/parking brake and steering.
    Accelerator: The accelerator should be used smoothly.
    Clutch: Operate the clutch with reasonable smoothness. Do not ‘coast’ i.e. drive for a distance with the clutch disengaged.
    Gears: Select the correct gear at all times, e.g. moving off, overtaking, vehicle speed, and for turning left and right. Engage gears smoothly. Do not coast in neutral.
    Brakes: Apply footbrake smoothly (except in emergencies). Avoid unnecessary use of brakes while turning. On a gradient you should be able to coordinate the release of the handbrake/parking brake with the use of the accelerator and clutch. Do not roll back. Do not stall the engine. Release and apply handbrake smoothly as and when required.
  10. Courtesy:

    Show due regard for the safety and convenience of other road users.
  11. Secondary Controls:

    You should know and understand the functions of all controls and switches in your vehicle and be able to operate them effectively as required.
  12. Driving Test Technical Checks:

    You should be able to carry out routine technical checks such as; oil and coolant levels, tyres, wipers, headlights, brake lights and reflectors etc.
  13. Driving Test In-Car Checks:

    You should always ensure that your seat, seatbelt, mirrors and head restraint are properly adjusted.
  14. Speed:

    Never exceed the permitted speed limit. Adjust your speed to suit traffic, road and weather conditions and when approaching bends/junctions/ roundabouts/traffic controls/ turning right/turning left. Never drive at a speed that you cannot stop safely within the distance you can see to be clear.
  15. Traffic Controls:

    You should know, understand and comply with traffic lights, pedestrian lights, pedestrian crossings, road signs, road markings, yellow box junctions and signals given by Gardai, school wardens or persons in charge of animals.
  16. Right of Way:

    When sharing the road it is important to recognise when you should give right of way to others. Yield right of way as required – when moving off; overtaking/ changing lane; turning right/turning left; at cross junctions/roundabouts; when meeting other road users. You should not insist on the right of way, where doing so could cause danger to yourself or others
  17. Category B Driving Test Reverse:

    You will be required to reverse into a side road on the left or right, keeping reasonably close to the kerb and to continue reversing while it is safe to do so until requested to stop. Manoeuvre competently and do not bump or mount the kerb. Throughout this manoeuvre you should make proper use of the vehicle controls, take the correct and proper observations, maintain reasonable progress and show care and consideration for the safety of pedestrians and other road users. Be prepared to stop if necessary.
  18. Category B Driving Test Turnabout:

    The purpose of this manoeuvre is to test your ability to control the vehicle in a restricted space. You will be required to turn the vehicle within the width of the roadway to face in the opposite direction. You may go over and back more than once if necessary. Manoeuvre competently and do not bump or mount the kerb. Throughout this manoeuvre you should make proper use of the vehicle controls, take the correct and proper observations, maintain reasonable progress and show care and consideration for the safety of pedestrians and other road users. Be prepared to stop if necessary.
  19. Category A Motorcycles:

    Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable on the road and it is important that in addition to good observations that you always take the required safety glance before moving off/overtaking/ changing lane/turning right/turning left/at roundabouts/stopping and before changing direction. Give correct signals in good time.
    Off/on the Stand: You should be capable of putting the motorcycle off and on the stand safely.
    Walk Alongside: You should be capable of safely moving the motorcycle forward or backwards as required without the aid of the engine.
    Slow Ride: Maintain control of the motorcycle at slow speeds and when turning.
    U Turn: Maintain proper control of the motorcycle at slow speed and when performing a “U” turn.
    Braking Exercise: You should complete the braking exercise competently reducing the speed of the motorcycle safely without locking the brakes.
    Obstacle Avoidance Exercise: You should perform the manoeuvre safely with proper control and observation.

For additional information or guidance on the aspects covered on this sheet please consult
the Rules of the Road or an RSA Approved Driving Instructor.

Driving Test Feedback

Driving test Feedback Form to be introduced in 2013 for all driving tests in Ireland