Irish Driving Test A Racket?

username432 wrote: »

Why is that not done here? I mean the first thought that came into my head is that the tester could potentially fabricate evidence if no other witness is present. All of these tests should be recorded on CCTV covering a full 360 degree range.

You can get an observer in the car if the same tester fails you multiple times. I imagine that if you had two people in the car with each tester it would be twice as expensive to get a test.

maintown34 wrote: »

Yet the test lacks basic skills such as an emergency handbrake stop.

Just checked my copy of Roadcraft.

Sweet **** all in there on using your handbrake if your brakes fail.
There's a good reason

I have been learning forever.. with various instructors but never had my own car. I spent an absolute fortune on lessons and tests... and have failed 3 times so far. I eventually gave up on the whole lot and saved the money instead that I would usually spend on lessons and brought my own car and paid for the insurance every month. It was an expense at first but its worth it and every time I go out in the car for an hour I am saving 35-45 euro on a lesson.

Moral of this is that while I think its good to get a few lessons to start off with if you have anyway and anyone to sit and help/guide you..then try save and get your own set of wheels to practice in. I honestly think that has been said confidence is the key to driving and thus to passing and you get to know your own car and its little 'quirks' .

I have applied for my test again. I would consider myself a decent driver and hope this time it will be it.. so I never have to do the test again! But with regard to the test.. I do think its a racket at times.. I have gotten the same tester in the same place twice.. but the great thing is you can keep doing it until you pass so as was said NEVER give up... just keep going until you get those words saying you have passed

And best of luck next time!!

I passed the test first time about 5 years ago. That's all well and good, but unless things have changed since then, I think parking skills should be part of the lessons. From what I know reverse parallel parking is part of the lessons, and the test, in the UK. This was something I've had to figure out for myself, and tbh I still s**t a brick just a little, when doing it. Also motorway driving should be part and parcel of lessons. The Irish driving test has to be one of the easiest to pass...?

Oh just remembered another contradictory point, I was told at pre test the "new" way of driving is you no longer have to come down each gear while slowing down or approaching lights, ie you can stop in 2nd/3rd gear at lights if you want , the back to neutral /1st gear way is gone. Day of test? You must go back to neutral at traffic lights etc etc. bull****.

Sky King wrote: »

'Sir, i am sorry to say that you failed the driving test, meaning you are not safe to drive on irish roads. Here's your grading sheet, NOW DRIVE AWAY AND THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU'VE DONE.'

Not safe to drive unaccompanied...

Anything that makes Irish people part with their money is a "racket".

Dublinwon wrote: »

Yes it is a money racket and yes I did fail the test. The reason given? I didn't slow down enough on ramps, the opposite I was told by instructor to keep speed same over ramps . They just make it up as they go along . Raheny the worst , less than 40%pass rate. It's all about the money now with their sponsored driving scheme mullarkey. They won't be getting another 85€ out of me is all I know. Ill gladly keep driving unlicensed like 60% of the country

If you go fast enough over the ramps your car hangs in mid air and a narrator with a southern drawl questions if your luck has finally run out this time.

like any test, you cram to get through it and once you pass you forget everything you learned.


I passed first time by the way, I told myself the day i got my provisional that i'd have my full within a year.

did a few lessons and a pre test, and got good feedback from the instructor.

day of test i was nervous but didnt let it show. tester even gave me a second go at the hill start.

I believe it was positive mental attitude, confidence and luck that i passed, even though i consider myself a decent driver.

I know someone who took 8 attempts to pass.