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 into it, please DO NOT JUST DO ONE LESSON THE DAY OF THE TEST as a ‘refresher’. More on this later in the article.
Firstly, I have huge sympathy for those waiting (often 6 months +) for the test date to arrive. The system needs to be revamped, but that’s for another article. For now, we are stuck with this system and the only thing in your control is how you prepare yourself. I regularly see people do the 12 lessons, apply for the test, wait 4-6 months, get a date, then do “one refresher lesson” the day of the test or the day before, and then fail!!
I totally understand it is not feasible to continue weekly lessons for that 6 month waiting period (which would be possibly an extra 20+ lessons at a cost of approximately €1,000+), and most pupils would not need anywhere near that many lessons anyway. What I do recommend is even doing a lesson every 2-3 weeks to keep you in tune with what you have learned. This is completely down to the individuals situation. Eg. Someone with access to a car, which many do not have, have the chance to practice with their accompanying sponsor (ie. Parent/partner/friend) and this may be enough for some. For those with no chance to practice at home, it is vital in some way to keep your learning going.
If money/time is an issue, then please do this one ‘refresher’ a few weeks in advance so you get to see where you are at. At least then, should you realise, “Oh dear, I am a mile off”, you will have time to fix the issues. Learning you are a ‘mile off’ an hour before the test is not the time to learn this!
I don’t think anyone ever passed a college exam by just going to class and it’s the same with driving.
You won’t just pass the test by doing an hour a week, you need to study in between lessons, and if you are lucky enough to have access to a car, then practice also. Most of my pupils have no access to a car at home and the majority of them pass first time if I’ve had them from Lesson 1, as I emphasise the need to study in between lessons. I give all pupils my booklet of notes, Whatsapp links/pics to help them refresh and my online driving video course (Weekender Discount below), is the ideal learning tool to use between lessons.
I will be back each week with more thoughts and advice on learning to drive and The Irish Driving Test.
In the meantime, where ever you are in Ireland, be sure to try my video tutorials at www.brendantierneyschoolofmotoring.com
Brendan Tierney is a Brand Ambassador of KennCo Insurance.
KennCo Insurance understands that getting car insurance for your first car can be challenging. That’s why they offer affordable and reliable young driver car insurance. Be sure to check out www.kennco.ie
KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.
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