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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

React to Hazards

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?

 

HGVs & Buses

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Courtesy

Show due regard for the safety and convenience of

other road users.

 

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.

 

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.

 

In-Car Checks

You should always ensure that your seat, seatbelt,

mirrors and head restraint are properly adjusted.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.