Repeating your test

These are the most common reasons that people fail their driving test: 

• Inadequate observation moving off, at junctions, at roundabouts and when changing lanes 
• Failure to anticipate the actions of other drivers 
• Incorrect road position on the straight, on bends, turning left, turning right, at roundabouts, and when overtaking 
• Inadequate progress at junctions, roundabouts, on the straight, and when overtaking 
• Incorrect or inadequate use of mirrors and signals 
• Non-compliance with traffic controls, eg road signs and markings and traffic lights 
• Incorrect, inadequate or inappropriate use of vehicle controls, including gears, clutch, accelerator, steering, handbrake, footbrake, and secondary controls 
  
• Excessive speed for the road or traffic conditions 
• Failure to yield the right of way to others 
• Lack of competence in the reverse and U-turn manoeuvres 

The most common additional reasons that people fail their motorcycle test: 

• Failure to perform a U-turn correctly 
• Inadequate control at slow speed 
• Inadequate observations to the rear 
• Incorrect or inadequate hand signals. 

All driving tests conducted by the Road Safety Authority are operated in a fair manner and in accordance with the standard procedures for conducting a driving test.

However, if you feel you have been tested unfairly and want to challenge the decision, you can make an appeal to the district court under Article 33 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961. The court can examine whether or not the test was conducted properly. If it finds that the tester did not conduct the test in accordance with procedures the court can direct that a further test be offered to you free of charge. 

If your driving test wasn't conducted because you failed to meet certain conditions (e.g., if your insurance was out of date or your vehicle was unroadworthy), please note that this is not grounds for complaint. 

All applicants are sent the Checklist for your driving test with their booking confirmation email / letter, and it is your responsibility to ensure the requirements listed in this leaflet are met on the day of your test. 

Formal complaints

If you wish to make a formal complaint about how your driving test was conducted or you feel you were unfairly treated, please complete the online complaints form.  We will investigate the circumstances and endeavour to respond to you within 21 days.

If you are unhappy with the service, you can contact the office of the Ombudsman by email [email protected] or by telephone 01/6395600 or letter at 6 Earlsfort Terrace Dublin 2, D02 W773 .