What you need to know to get your licence

In the Rep of Ireland the earliest  you can sit your driving test is six months after your 17th birthday.  Before you can apply you need to obtain a Learners Permit (Provisional Licence). Once you have your Provisional you are required to get lessons with an RSA Approved Driving instructor and then it's up to you.

1. Apply for your Theory Test.You can apply for your theory test up to three months before your 17th birthday. However, the application will not become valid until your 17th birthday.
2. You need to study the rules of the road and the 'Official Driver Theory Test: Questions and  Answers' then pass your Theory Test. To book online visit: www.theorytest.ie or call 096-25008 / 1890 606 406.
3. Once you have passed your theory test (answering at least 35 questions correctly correct out of 40) apply for your Provisional driving licence (Learner Permit)
4. You can start to learn how to drive in Ireland (under instruction) when you become 17 years of age
5. If you are applying for your Learner Permit after 4th of April 2011, new regulations require that you complete a course of 12 EDT (Essential Driver Training) lessons.
6. Get advice from your RSA-ADI driving instructor regarding your driving standard. So that  you can pass the test.
7. Book your driving test online here www.drivingtest.ie. Waiting times are usually about 8 weeks.
8. Take your Driving Test. To successfully pass your test you need to; have good technical knowledge of your car, know your Road Signs and rules of the road, drive competently for approximately 40 minutes in varied traffic conditions.
9. Your Driving Tester will inform you when you return to the test centre whether you have passed or failed.
10. When you pass your test you need to bring your certificate, fee and 2 passport photos to your local Motor tax office and fill out the required form. 
11. If you do not pass your test get advice from your driving instructor. Practice  your general driving and the faults marked on your test sheet.

Download your Driver Theory Test Application Form [PDF].

Test Centre Locations

Dundalk

Office 1, 2nd Floor, Block 1 Quayside Business Park, Millstreet, Dundalk, Co.Louth.

Drogheda

12 Shop Street, Drogheda, Co. Louth.