Booking a driving test in Ireland is done entirely through the RSA's MyRoadSafety portal. The process itself is simple — the harder part is managing the waiting time, which currently averages over 10 weeks nationally.
Step 1: Confirm you're eligible
To apply for a Category B (car) driving test, you must:
- Hold a current and valid learner permit
- Have held a learner permit for at least 6 months
- Have completed all 12 Essential Driver Training (EDT) lessons
- Have received a completed EDT Logbook from your ADI (Approved Driving Instructor)
Step 2: Create or log into MyRoadSafety
Visit myroadsafety.rsa.ie. If you've never used the portal before, you'll need to register. Have the following ready:
- Your learner permit number
- Your PPS number
- A valid email address and mobile number
- A credit or debit card for payment
Step 3: Apply for your test
- Log in to MyRoadSafety
- Navigate to "Apply for a Driving Test"
- Select Category B (for standard car tests)
- Choose your preferred test centre from the dropdown — you can pick any of the 60 centres regardless of where you live
- Pay the test fee (currently €85) via credit or debit card
Once submitted, your application enters the queue. You won't get a specific date immediately — the RSA will send you an invitation when a slot becomes available, typically several weeks later.
Step 4: Accept your test date
When a slot becomes available, you'll receive an email and text with:
- A proposed date and time
- The specific centre (in case you chose "any" rather than a specific centre)
- A deadline to accept or decline
If the date doesn't work, you can decline and be reallocated. However, declining can push you back in the queue, so only decline if absolutely necessary.
Strategic considerations
Choosing a centre
You are not required to test at your closest centre. Strategic considerations include:
- Waiting time: Rural centres often have shorter waits than urban ones. Check our waiting times dashboard.
- Pass rate: Some centres have meaningfully higher pass rates. See our pass rates comparison.
- Route familiarity: If you've practiced extensively in one area, testing there usually beats a higher-pass-rate centre you're unfamiliar with.
Applying early
Given the long waiting lists, most experts recommend applying as soon as you've completed EDT and had at least a month or two of post-EDT practice. You can always reschedule if you feel unprepared when the date arrives — but you can't speed up the queue if you apply late.
The "change after invitation" tactic
Some candidates apply at a high-availability rural centre (short wait) and then change their location in MyRoadSafety once they receive an invitation. The RSA has pushed back against this tactic, and it doesn't always work — slots at other centres may not be immediately available when you change.
Fees and costs (2026)
- Category B (car) test: €85
- Category A (motorcycle): €85
- CPC Practical: €85
- Learner permit application: €35
- Theory test: €45
The test fee is non-refundable if you fail or don't attend. If you need to reschedule due to illness or other circumstances, contact the RSA in advance with medical evidence.