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 the most important elements. I break it into 5 key parts. Below, I will go through each part in more detail to help dispel any confusion. Remember, a good instructor should have shown you all these well in advance, so if any of the below is confusing, email me at btdrivingsligo@gmail.com or ask your own instructor
Before we get into them, please ensure you arrive 15 minutes before your test time, have all paperwork on your car up to date and have your learner permit (yes, people do forget these!). Finally ensure your car is in good working order. Ie. No engine management lights and ensure your indicators and brake lights (at least) are working as the tester checks these before you drive.
- Rule of the Road Questions & Hand Signals: The Tester will ask 5-10 (usually) rules of the road questions. Now, in a perfect world, you’ll easily remember all these as you passed your theory test, but often that could have been a few months back so definitely do a refresher on these. PLEASE DO NOT over stress yourself and try learn every question again. They ask from a set of about 30 questions and rarely deviate from these. You can get them here: https://btschoolofmotoring.thinkific.com/courses/testquestions . Also, when answering, just make sense rather than repeating every word you studied. Often testers will help a little or give some flexibility if you stumble over 1 or 2 questions. A recent change now sees your hand signals being asked in the test centre and not out in the car like before. There are 6 hand signals, they are simple, but do study and practice them. You can’t fail the test in this section (1) but you can get a grade 2 mark or two. So don’t be stressing, but please do study in advance so your test doesn’t start off on a stutter!
- Road Signs: No getting away from studying these. It’s either a right or wrong answer but there aren’t too many tricky ones. If I am honest, many of these signs you’ll never see in your driving career and if someone asked me every one of them out of the blue, there would be one or two would catch me, so trust me, you need to study these!
- Engine Checks: This may not always be done, depending on weather, but definitely know them. After the office part of the test, the tester walks you to your car and may ask you to open the bonnet. They will ask you to then point out a number of parts of the engine (Usually oil, windscreen wash, coolant, brake fluid, dip stick) and they may as some other questions like Tyre Tread Depth and how to check oil. Again, email btdrivingsligo@gmail.com and I can assist with these.
- In Car checks/controls: Just before the tester joins you in the car, they will ask you to sit in the car, and turn the ignition on so the electrics are on. They will then ask you to turn on the signals/indicators front and back and left/right. They will walk around as they check these and point out what to do. (All very simple). Should any of your indicators or brake lights not be working, your test is cancelled and no refund will be issued. They will then join you in the car and ask you to either point out or turn on various controls within the car. Your instructor will show you these or my video course has a demo of all. It’s simple things like lights, wipers, ventilation controls. Sometimes they ask one or two odd questions which I can email should you need them.
- The Driving Section: The most important part by a mile! This is where you’ll fail/pass the test. The previous 4 parts should be a breeze with a little study so you really should not get any marks in sections 1-4. The driving part usually takes 25-40mins where you will encounter a variety of road conditions. During this, you will do the (famous) 3 manoeuvres – The Left Reverse, Turnabout (formerly the 3 Point Turn) and the Hill Start. Whilst these 3 manoeuvres can cause a lot of nerves for drivers, I have genuinely found many pupils get no marks for the 3 manoeuvres. Again, practise this if any are difficult for you. Your instructor will guide you on lessons.
Hopefully, this has given you a little insight into what to expect in the Irish Driving Test and just to repeat last weeks article, DO NOT leave your practice/pre test lessons til the day before or day of your test.
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. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland. Check out www.kennco.ie
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