7. Walkaround test
About the walkaround test.
The walkaround test checks your ability to keep your vehicle safe and secure and takes about 30 minutes. It's made up of five topics from the driver CPC process, and works as follows:
- you must score at least 15 out of 20 in each topic area to pass
- you must have an overall score of at least 80 out of 100 to pass
Booking your walkaround test
Before booking your walkaround test, you should check that your chosen centre can provide you with a test in the category required. If not, you should choose another centre.
You can book your walkaround test online by signing up or logging into our customer portal MyRoadSafety.ie
Yes. The walkaround test takes place after your practical driving test and is usually conducted at the same test centre as your driving test. This is why we recommend booking and then taking both tests at the same centre and on the same day.
Preparing for your walkaround test
In the days and weeks before your walkaround test appointment you should do as much revision as possible on vehicle safety, vehicle maintenance, and the Rules of the Road for the category of test you are taking. To prepare for your test, we also recommend that you read the marking guidelines and how a driving tester conducts a test.
What to bring
On the day of your driving test, you will need to bring:
- your learner permit
- a vehicle:
- which you are insured to drive and which displays a valid original insurance disc
- displaying a valid original motor tax disc
- which is roadworthy and, displays a valid valid Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (CVRT) certificate if applicable
- with L-plates fixed to front and back
- another driver. Remember, you must be accompanied at all times when driving as a learner permit holder by someone who has held a full, valid driving licence in the same category for at least two years. This includes to and from the test centre on the day of your test.
More information on walkaround test checks and factsheets can be found below:
HGV Driver Walkaround Check Poster pdf | 1188 KB HGV Driver Walkaround Check Sheet pdf | 39 KB LGV Driver Walkaround Check Poster pdf | 1202 KB LGV Driver Walkaround Check Sheet pdf | 39 KB Bus PSV Driver Walkaround Check Poster pdf | 1343 KB Bus PSV Driver Walkaround Check Sheet pdf | 39 KBWhat happens at the walkaround test
On the day of the test you should arrive at your chosen driving test centre in plenty of time. Your tester will ask you to confirm that:
- your vehicle is roadworthy
- your insurance is correct and up-to-date.
You will have to produce your valid learner permit before the walkaround test can begin.
The walkaround test checks your ability to:
- load your vehicle following safety rules and keep it secure
- prevent the trafficking of illegal immigrants
- assess emergency situations
- reduce physical risks to yourself or others
- ensure the comfort and safety of passengers
- do a walkaround vehicle safety check.
You should find the above information sheets and checklists helpful when preparing for your walkaround test.
Your walkaround test results
If you pass your walkaround test
If you pass your walkaround test your tester will give you a copy of the marking sheet with your score. They will also quickly go through the parts of your test which you should still look to improve upon. This will help you become a safer, more competent driver. Your walkaround result is valid for two years from the date of the test.
If you're unsuccessful
If you're unsuccessful at your walkaround test your tester will give you a copy of the marking sheet with your score. They will also quickly go through where you went wrong. This will help you identify areas to practise and improve on before you re-sit the walkaround test. You can book another walkaround test straight away.