Rathgar/churchtown test center

jmck

Hi!

I did my driving test in Churchtown about a month ago and failed, but I really didnt like the area (or the instructor, but anyway) the area was made up mainly of estates, which I hate driving in.

Just wondering if anyone can tell me if the Rathgar area is any better? and if they take you on proper roads or is it made up of estates too?

Im getting more practice now so I shouldnt be too bad but if Rathgars easier then ill def take it over Churchtown!!

brian076

Rathgar/Churchtown is treated as the same centre as far as the RSA are concerned. So you could apply to Rathgar and be given Churchtown and vice versa. Rathgar test route would be similar to Churchtown's and some of the test routes overlap, however the Pass Rate in Rathgar is the lowest in Ireland, 42.5% compared to Churchtown's, 59.2%.

Have you considered applying to Tallaght? you'll still be in housing estates to some degree, but there is generally more driving on main roads than the other 2 centres.

jmck

Thanks for that! I would prefer to do Tallaght but its much further away from me than the other two, and I wouldnt be familiar with the area. I wanted to do the Deansgrange one but thats not there anymore:( Maybe i should just stick to Churchtown, cause as you say it has a better pass rate, and just hope for the best!! better get practicing in estates!

celestial

What was it about practicing in estates that put you off on the day?

jmck

I just dont like driving in estates in general, dont think people drive in estates the way you would normally on the roads, but there was a lot of cars parked at the sides of the roads so I got stung on observation when overtaking and also there was a lot of turns one after another so having to change up and down through gears a lot, which I have a bit of difficulty with. I hadnt practiced enough though, as I was obeying the 'cant drive on your own rule'

theocn

If you've been practicing a bit since your last test you'll probably be more confident next time. I noticed you weren't too happy with your instructor as well, what was the problem?
If you want details of the instructor I used in Rathgar you can pm me.

jmck

Yeah I've been practicing everyday now so ill be a bit more confident too.(hopefully!) Sorry I meant to say the tester on the day, rather than the instructor with the lessons, just really didnt help with the nerves!! and I was really nervous! Not sure if I should get more lessons in the area now, or just hope the practice im getting now will be enough?

theocn

Might be no harm to get a couple of pre-tests when you get your test date, especially if you get Rathgar.