LEARNING TO DRIVE

If you are thinking of getting a driving license in Ireland, following information can be useful to you.

Theory Test
According to Irish Law, you can not even learn vehicle driving if you do not have a "Learning License" or a "Full License". For getting a Learning License, you must pass the driving theory test. A driver theory test was introduced in Ireland in 2001 to supplement the practical driving test.

Your theory test will check your knowledge about areas such as: the rules of the road, risk perception, hazard awareness, and good driving behaviour. The test is conducted at a nation-wide network of 41 test locations and uses a user-friendly computerised system. The test can be offered in Irish and in English and candidates with special needs are catered for. After passing the exam you will begiven with the theory test certificate, which you have to submit to the licensing authority, along with the certificate of you eyes checked by a registered opthalmologist.

Generally, there are 40 questions in the theory test and candidates have to answer 35 questions correctly to be successful. You have 45 minutes to answer the 40 questions in the test.The test is taken using a touch screen computerised system. Candidates select their answers by touching the computer screen. A practice session can be undertaken before you take the actual test so that you can get used to the system. You don't need to be computer literate in any way.
The test is scored automatically and results are made available to you immediately. You will receive a pass certificate for your theory test at the test centre. The questions you will be asked in your driver theory test are based on the Rules of the Road and current road traffic legislation in Ireland. The full list of test questions and answers are only available book and CD-ROM formats and are available from bookshops throughout the country and from the Driver Theory Testing Service. This material costs approx 16 euro for the book and approx. 16 euro for the CD-ROM.

You can also book a theory test by telephoning the call centre Driver Theory Test Service by telephone at 1890 606 106 / 1890 616 216 (Lo-call rate) Monday-Friday 8.00am-6.00pm. You will be asked for your PPS Number (formerly known as your RSI number) so remember to have this to hand. If you have a credit card, you can apply and pay for your test over the telephone. (You cannot pay by Laser card). Alternatively, you can telephone and request an application form by post. Your completed application form together with the 34 euro fee.
When you arrive at your test centre, all your documentation will be checked. You must remember to bring with you some form of identification (i.e., a passport, a student identity card, or any other authorised identity issued by the State or a Bank (as long as they have a photograph attached). You will then be taken to a work station to complete the test.

Taking driving Lessons
Once you pass the theory test and get the learning license, you are now ready to get driving lessons. You can find various driving school from telephone directory. Normally, a lesson of one hour cost about 30 euros or more. You have to take about 20 lessions, before you are ready to drive yourselve, with a "L" sticker.

According to Irish rule, anybody having a learning license can not drive a car of his own, but has to be accompanied by a person having a full license. But in practice, there are thousands of individuals who are driving car simply with the learning license. To get a full license, you have to pass a driving (practical) test.

The driving test
Driver testing in Ireland is carried out directly b y the Department of Transport to a standard that complies with the EU Directive on Driving Licences. Testing is conducted out of 54 test centres throughout the country and where possible, your test will be arranged for the centre you nominate on your application form.

A driving test is a compulsory requirement for motorists who have been issued with two 2-year provisional driving licenses. Waiting times vary from county to county; so it is advisable to apply for a test about 10 months before your second provisional licence is due to expire. It is a standard test and all test centres use the same testing procedures. You can now apply and pay for your driving test online.

Prior to your driving test you should study the Rules of the Road, a booklet which is published by the Department of Transport and is available from bookshops and may be stocked by your local Post Office priced 3 euro. It is also a good idea to practice driving as much as possible on all types of roads and in all types of traffic situations. This will improve your driving techniques and build your confidence.

The fee for the car (category B) of test must accompany your driving test application, which is 38 euros. Fees are non-refundable.

You can apply and pay for your driving test online. (You will require a credit card to do this VISA or Mastercard. You also need to have a valid e-mail address). Alternatively, you can download an application form for a driving test (pdf), or obtain a copy from your local Motor Taxation Office. The correct fee must accompany your completed application form. Ten days notice must be given if you need to cancel your driving test, otherwise the fee is forfeit. You may cancel 2 appointments without forfeiting your fee or having to make a new application.

Once you pass the driving test, you will get a full driving license. If you fail for the first time, don't worry. You can try next time. It is something like SLC in Nepal, the passing rater is about 45 to 55% only. The main difference with a full license and a learning license is regarding the insurance premium. Normally, with a L-license, you should be ready to pay about 2000 euros for a year as insurance premium. However this will also depend upon your age, and the cost of the vehicle. In the subsequent years, the premium rate will go down.