Blog

“The 3 Point Turn” as it was previously known, when I was learning to drive! Nowadays, it’s known as the ‘Turnabout’ or ‘Turn in the Road’ manoeuvre because you are allowed to take more the 3 movements. In general, most pupils get this manoeuvre without much...

“A flashing signal means the bulb works…nothing else”. A Garda friend of mine told me this, after an Advance Driver training course he completed, and it has stuck with me ever since. I teach this to all my pupils ever since. For example if you are emerging onto a road...

Possibly the part of the test that causes the most stress, yet rarely gets marked! Firstly, I think this manoeuvre should be removed from the test itself (not lessons), but that’s for another article. 😊 But for now, you have to do it, so lets give you some tips for...

Over the years, I have heard every story you can imagine about how someone failed for something innocuous, or it was one specific thing, or how, “My test lasted 10 minutes and the tester just said head back to test centre cos I was so good!” 😂 Below are a few...

This week, I said I'd highlight a number of small issues that regularly cause potential confusion and often lead to marks. STOPPING DISTANCE: When stopping behind vehicles in traffic, you are supposed to stop one car length back from it. We generally teach: "Tyres...

No need for ponytails, or dangly earrings, just move your head! I endlessly see this advice by Learners online, yet, I keep saying, no need for any of that if you actually just move your head when checking mirrors! People get very over-excited about ensuring they do...

How to handle the Tester! The tester can be a reason for worry for many learners in the test. People get intimidated or nervous just by the testers presence. Very often, this is all in the pupils head. Before I get into the Do's & Dont's, here is a tale to maybe...

The Day of your Test! So when the day of your test arrives, here are some last minute checks! -Where is your Licence? You'd be amazed how many people misplace it. -Fuel - Is there enough fuel in your car? -Lights - Check all signal and brake lights are working. Your...

Key Checks as you Test date nears. This week I am focussing on Key checks to do one month, one week and the day before your test! One Month away from Test: Firstly, as soon as you get the test date, advise your instructor, so you can check their car is available (if...

Let’s be honest, whether people pass the test or not, whether you’re driving a month or 20 years, it’s at Roundabouts where the most errors occur! I can write out exact rules and details here, but just go to Youtube and watch this RSA video (here) and literally take...

The best of drivers fail the Irish Driving Test because they fail to deal with nerves! “Nervousness is the fuel of performance” If you don’t read this article in full, please just read the next 3 points! Nerves are just thoughts and emotions, you can control them. The...

Over the years I have come across many learner pupils who aren’t aware of what to expect on the day of the test and how the test will run. When I meet a pupil for the first time, it is the first thing I explain as it often helps them understand what to study and what...

Are you one of the 81,022 waiting for a driving test in Ireland (May 2025 figure), or the 1,135 in Sligo waiting for a test? Then, I hope this article will ensure that when the test date finally arrives, you will have yourself well prepared for the event! Before I get...