Driving test tips for Ireland in association with Liberty Insurance!
Driving test tips for Ireland in association with Liberty Insurance!

Disclosure: This is paid for content. Sponsored by Liberty Insurance.

Your driving test is coming up and you’re not sure if you need to fix that broken indicator light or just how important reverse parking really is. To clear up any questions you may have, we spoke to Matthew Connors, General Manager at the Airport Driving School, to get his advice and tips to help you fully prepare for the day.

“It’s very important that people are aware of the important points, as it’s easy to make a simple mistake. People often fail a test if they park incorrectly or if they are coasting. Also, it’s important to have your Learner Permit, tax, insurance and NCT in date. It’s very common for people to fail the test if these are out of date,” says Matthew, who has been a driving instructor since 2005.

Keep two hands on the steering wheel!
Keep two hands on the steering wheel!

Here’s Matthew’s list of tips to help you pass your test (hint: best to avoid doing doughnuts!).

Driving Test Tips

  1. Make sure you are accompanied to the test centre, ideally with an RSA ADI (Approved Driving Instructor) and don’t forget to bring your Learner Permit. Be sure to check that it is still in date.
  2. Make sure your car is in a roadworthy condition and your Tax, Insurance and NCT (if required) are in date. Also, be sure you have L-Plates on the car.
  3. Be at the test centre at least 15 minutes before your test. Arriving at the centre last minute will more than likely leave you stressed before you even begin your test.
  4. Study the Rules of the Road to make sure you have a good start with the examiner. Also, practise opening and closing the bonnet of the vehicle you are driving for the test.
  5. Make sure your car is reversed into a car parking spot as this will make it easier as you begin the test.
  6. Check your brake lights and indicators at least 30 minutes before your test time, as this may allow you time to get a replacement bulb if needed.
  7. Stay calm and drive the way your instructor trained you. Listen to the examiner’s instructions as they will give you plenty of time before any turn. (Tip – Don’t anticipate a turn even if you recognise it from your lessons, wait for the instruction from the examiner).
  8. Don’t give up even if you think you made a mistake as it may not be as bad as you think.
  9. When reversing around a corner, don’t get too close to the kerb as this may result in rubbing or mounting the kerb. Clutch control is vital to keep the car at walking pace whilst maintaining all-round observation.
  10. The ‘Turn In The Road’ manoeuvre is not a 3-point turn. In fact, it may be completed in as many turns as required depending on the width of the road and the size of your car.
  11. Coasting is a very common mistake for learner drivers. This means pressing your clutch down too early before you stop or not releasing it once you have changed gear. (Tip—Don’t put your foot on the clutch unless you are going to use it and press the clutch down approximately one car length before you plan to stop.)
  12. Practise parking because you will be required to park at a spot of your choice at the end of the test. (Tip – Park in the easiest and most convenient spot once the test is finished).

With all these tips, you will be well on your way to clutching that coveted N plate. Double-check the list and leave the flip-flops at home – good driving shoes essential!

Once you pass your driving test, great value car insurance for young drivers from Liberty Insurance will get you Ready for the Real World.