About
Hi, I’m Elines!
I’m a qualified driving instructor based in Ireland, and I’ve had the privilege of helping over 1,000 people take this important step toward getting their full Irish driving licence.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or already have a foreign licence, I’m here to support and guide you through every stage of the process clearly, patiently, and confidently until you reach this exciting milestone.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE PRACTICAL TEST
The car practical test is the final step to getting your full Irish driving licence. Here’s what you need to know:
- Duration: The test takes about 30–40 minutes.
- Requirements: You must have completed your 12 EDT lessons and held your learner permit for at least 6 months.
- What’s Tested:
- Oral theory test with questions about the rules of the road and some pointed signs for you to name them.
- Vehicle safety checks (under the bonnet and inside the car)
- Hand signals
- General driving ability (including use of mirrors, signals, and positioning, progression, control of the car, reaction to hazards, roundabouts)
- Specific manoeuvres (turnabout, reversing around a corner, hill start, etc.)
- Obeying road signs and speed limits
- Awareness and anticipation of other road users
- Test Routes: You’ll drive in real traffic conditions around the test centre area.
- Common Reasons for Failing: Not checking mirrors, poor observations at junctions, speeding, and lack of control during manoeuvres.
Pass Rate: Around 50–55% nationally, so good preparation is key.
Download here the essencial PDF to study for your practical test
Step-by-Step: How to Get an Irish Driving Licence
Getting your driving licence in Ireland involves several steps. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you understand the full process:
1. Check if You’re Eligible
Before starting, you must:
- Be at least 17 years old
- Be resident in Ireland (have proof of residency such as IRP or European passport)
- Have a valid PPS number
2. Pass the Driver Theory Test
- Book your test at theorytest.ie
- The test includes 40 multiple-choice questions about road rules and signs
- Study the official RSA Driver Theory Test Book or app
✅ Once you pass, you’ll receive a Theory Test Certificate
3. Apply for a Learner Permit
You’ll need to:
- Go to NDLS.ie
- Provide your:
- Theory Test Certificate
- PPS number
- ID (passport or Irish Residence Permit)
- Proof of address
- Medical report (for some categories or health conditions)
- Theory Test Certificate
📌 A learner permit allows you to start taking lessons, but you must follow certain rules (e.g. always drive with a fully licensed driver, display L plates, no motorway driving).
4. Take the Required Driving Lessons (EDT)
If you’re a first-time learner, you must complete 12 Essential Driver Training (EDT) lessons with an RSA-approved instructor.
5. Apply for Lesson Reduction (If You Already Have a Foreign Licence)
If you have a full car licence from another country, you might not need to do all 12 EDT lessons.
You can apply for EDT Reduction through the RSA. Here’s how:
Step-by-Step: Apply for EDT Reduction
- Download here the application form – reduced-edt-application-form.pdf
- Have in hands:
- A certified translation of your foreign licence (if not in English)
- A colour copy of your foreign driving licence
- Proof of experience (like a licence history or driving record) with a certified translation if it’s not in English
- A certified translation of your foreign licence (if not in English)
- Wait for NDLS to review and approve your application.
✅ If approved, you may be required to do 6 lessons instead of 12
6. Practice Driving
You can practice with:
- A driving instructor for your mandatory lessons
- Or a sponsor (someone with a full Irish licence for 2+ years) for practice
7. Pass the Driving Test
When you feel ready and meet the requirements (including completing lessons), book your driving test at How to apply for and book your driving test with the RSA.
🚗 The test includes:
- Vehicle checks
- General road driving
- Manoeuvres like reverse around the corner, turn about and hill start
8. Get Your Full Irish Driving Licence
If you pass the driving test:
- You’ll receive a certificate of competency
- Then apply for your full licence via NDLS.ie
📌 Your first full licence is valid for 10 years (subject to age and health conditions)
Need Help?
We offer support in Portuguese and English for all steps of the process — from theory test prep to EDT lesson reduction and driving test readiness.
