The Kilkenny (O'Loughlin Gaels) pass rate in context
In 2023, 68.4% of candidates passed their driving test at the Kilkenny (O'Loughlin Gaels) centre. That's one of the easier RSA centres in Ireland, ranking 3th out of 60 centres nationally.
To put that in perspective: the national average pass rate for Category B (car) tests is 52.3%. Kilkenny (O'Loughlin Gaels) outperforms this benchmark by 16.1 percentage points. Candidates here have somewhat better odds of passing first time than the average Irish learner.
Kilkenny (O'Loughlin Gaels) pass rate (68.4%) shown against the national average of 52.3% (marked with a black line).
Historical trend at Kilkenny (O'Loughlin Gaels)
Pass rates at individual RSA centres can fluctuate year-over-year based on factors like examiner allocation, tester shortages, route changes, and candidate preparation levels. Looking at historical data helps identify whether a centre is consistently difficult or easier, or if the current figure is an outlier.
Kilkenny (O'Loughlin Gaels)'s 2023 figure of 68.4% reflects steady performance consistent with other Leinster centres. Annual comparisons should be made carefully — the period from 2020-2022 was affected by pandemic-related disruptions to testing, which temporarily altered pass rate patterns across all centres.
Kilkenny (O'Loughlin Gaels) compared to other centres in Kilkenny
There is 1 other RSA test centre in Kilkenny. Here's how Kilkenny (O'Loughlin Gaels) stacks up:
| Centre | Pass Rate 2023 | vs Kilkenny (O'Loughlin Gaels) |
|---|---|---|
| Kilkenny (O'Loughlin Gaels) | 68.4% | – |
| Kilkenny (Government Offices) | 50.7% | -17.7 pp |
What this means for your preparation
Given the 68.4% pass rate, while the pass rate is favourable, preparation remains important — don't underestimate the test. The fundamentals still apply regardless of centre difficulty:
- Local familiarity. The examiner can take you anywhere within approximately 5 km of the centre. Practice extensively in the roads and estates within that radius.
- Pre-test lesson. A 60-90 minute lesson with a Kilkenny (O'Loughlin Gaels)-area instructor immediately before your test is arguably the single highest-ROI preparation step for any centre.
- Manoeuvres. Reversing around a corner, three-point turns, and hill starts should be automatic before test day.
- Observations. The biggest cause of failure across all centres is insufficient mirror checks and blind spot observations.
- Documentation. From March 2026, a physical motor insurance certificate is mandatory. Read the full rule
For centre-specific guidance, see our tips for passing at Kilkenny (O'Loughlin Gaels) and the common test routes in the area.