Irish Driving Test Explained: Grade 2 and 3 Faults, Fail Rules

The Irish driving test is run by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and costs €85 for a car. It starts with questions on the Rules of the Road, road signs and hand signals, then technical checks on the car, then a drive of about 40 minutes with manoeuvres such as reversing around a corner, a turnabout and a hill start. Faults are graded: a single Grade 3 (dangerous) fault fails you, and so do too many Grade 2 (serious) faults. Minor faults are no longer recorded.

This guide explains each part and the exact fail rules, as of 2026. It's based on the RSA's published material, not an official RSA form.

Before you can sit the test

You need:

• a valid learner permit for the category;
• your first learner permit held for at least six months;
• all 12 EDT lessons completed and showing on your record.

Book only through the RSA's MyRoadSafety service. The RSA says third-party slot alert and booking apps aren't authorised, and you shouldn't give your login details to them.

How long it takes

The RSA advises allowing about 50 to 100 minutes, depending on the vehicle category. The Rules of the Road describes the car drive as lasting about 40 minutes over roughly 8 to 10 km.

Part 1: Rules of the Road and hand signals

At the start, the tester asks you questions on the Rules of the Road, including identifying road signs, and asks you to demonstrate hand signals. Revise both: they're easy marks to lose if you haven't looked at them since your theory test.

Part 2: Technical checks and secondary controls

You may be asked to explain or show checks on:

• tyres (condition and pressure), lights, oil, coolant, washer fluid, brakes (including the handbrake), steering, indicators, reflectors and the horn;
• in-car checks: seat, seat belt, head restraint, mirrors and doors;
• secondary controls while driving: wipers and washers, demisters, rear window heater, lights, air-conditioning, fans, rear fog lights, vents and temperature controls.

Learn where everything is in the car you'll use for the test.

Part 3: The drive

The tester assesses:

• road position and lane discipline;
• overtaking and passing;
• anticipation and observation;
• mirrors and signals;
• progress and speed;
• compliance with traffic lights, signs and road markings;
• use of the primary and secondary controls.

Manoeuvres

• Reversing around a corner
• Turnabout (turning to face the opposite direction)
• Hill start
• Moving off, driving in traffic, stopping and parking

The RSA's marking guidelines say Park Assist isn't permitted, and reversing cameras are acceptable only in addition to proper observation. In an automatic, you must use your right foot for braking in normal driving.

How faults are graded

The RSA's Making your mark guidelines use two recorded grades:

• Grade 2: a serious fault.
• Grade 3: a dangerous or potentially dangerous fault, or a total disregard of traffic controls.

Lesser faults aren't recorded at all. The old "Grade 1" minor faults no longer count.

The fail rules

You fail if you get any of these:

1. One or more Grade 3 faults.
2. Four of the same Grade 2 fault for a single aspect.
3. Six or more Grade 2 faults under the same heading.
4. Nine or more Grade 2 faults overall.

The marking sheet groups faults under headings including position, observations, reacting to hazards, mirrors, clearance, overtaking, signals, progress, vehicle controls, speed, traffic controls, right of way, reverse, turnabout and parking.

Common reasons for failing

The RSA's Preparing for your driving test booklet lists the most common problem areas for car tests:

• observation;
• anticipation of other road users;
• road position;
• progress (keeping up a safe, appropriate pace);
• mirrors and signals;
• compliance with traffic controls such as signs, lights and road markings.

Our guides to mirrors and blind spots and roundabouts target several of these (they're written for UK roads, which also drive on the left).

What to bring

The RSA's July 2026 checklist says to bring:

• your learner permit;
• a valid certificate of motor insurance showing you're insured for the test car, plus a letter or email from the insurer if you're not named on it (required since 9 March 2026). RSA pages differ on whether digital copies are accepted, so bring a paper copy;
• a roadworthy car that's suitable for the category, displaying valid motor tax, insurance and NCT discs (if applicable) and L-plates front and rear.

You'll also sign a roadworthiness and insurance declaration.

Rescheduling and appeals

• You can't reschedule within two days of your appointment. Rescheduling twice is free if the test is more than 10 days away.
• If you believe the test wasn't conducted properly, you can appeal to the District Court; a successful appeal gets you a free retest.

Summary

The Irish car driving test costs €85 and covers the Rules of the Road and hand signals, technical checks, and a drive of about 40 minutes with reversing around a corner, a turnabout and a hill start. One Grade 3 fault fails you, as do four of the same Grade 2 fault, six Grade 2 faults under one heading or nine in total. Work on observation, anticipation, positioning, progress, mirrors and signals, and bring a paper insurance certificate.

About Co-Drive

Co-Drive is an iOS app for learner and new drivers. Its driving technique lessons and defensive driving habits apply on any road; it does not yet include Irish driving test rehearsals, it isn't a substitute for EDT, and it isn't affiliated with the RSA. Find out more.