I'm an Irish driving instructor and here is what you must check on your car before taking the test

The Irish Sun

24-06-2025

AN Irish driving instructor has revealed what you must check on your car before taking the test.
You may not be able to sit your test if you allow some of these checks to go unnoticed on the day.
Advertisement
3
@Vistadrivingschool is a popular Irish driving instructor on TikTok
Credit: TikTok
3
He shared what you must check on your car before taking the test
Credit: TikTok
The popular Irish driving instructor, who posts under @
They have shared what drivers should check on their car before the big day.
To start, the driving instructor said that even if your car has an NCT, you may not be allowed to sit your driving test if your brake lights or indicators aren't working.
These are essential
Advertisement
READ MORE IN MOTORS
If either is not functioning, your car may be considered unroadworthy, and the tester can cancel the test before it even begins.
He said: "Just because your car has an NCT doesn't necessarily mean you'll be allowed to sit your driving test.
"On the day of the driving test, they are going to make sure your brake lights are working and that your indicators are working."
Next, the driving instructor said to make sure there are no lights on your dashboard before sitting the test.
Advertisement
Most read in Motors
These can indicate serious issues with the car, such as problems with the engine, brakes, oil pressure, or airbags.
If any of these lights are on when the tester gets into the car, they might consider the vehicle unsafe or unroadworthy—which could lead to the test being cancelled on the spot.
I'm an Irish driving instructor and here's how learners should react to hazards - doing it wrong will cost you big marks
Lastly, the driving instructor said to make sure your tyres are in good condition before the big day.
Drivers must ensure they have at least 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the tyres which is the legal minimum in Ireland.
Advertisement
You should also look for any visible damage, like cuts, bulges, or cracks on the sidewalls, as these could make the tyre unsafe.
Make sure the tyres are properly inflated, too, as under- or overinflated tyres can affect your control of the car.
He added: "Just because the car has an NCT, if they see any signs of damage in these areas, they may not let the test go ahead, and they'll do a non-conducted test."
LICENCE STEPS
Meanwhile, another instructor has revealed what you must do in
Advertisement
Lara, known on TikTok as
This test is designed to ensure learner
The theory test must be booked in advance, and you can do so online through the official
After passing the test, the next step is to apply for a learner permit.
Advertisement
This is a provisional licence that allows you to begin learning to drive on
To get your learner permit, you must apply through the National Driver Licence Service and it can be done online if you have a verified MyGovID.
Once approved you can start practising driving, but you must always display L plates, not drive on motorways and be accompanied by someone who has held a full driving licence for at least two years.
Learner drivers can then apply to take their driving lessons - It consists of 12 one-hour lessons, which must be given by an RSA Approved Driving Instructor.
Advertisement
Each lesson focuses on a specific skill such as car controls, road positioning, anticipation and reaction or driving in
There is also a six-month waiting period from the issue date of your first learner permit before you can apply for the practical driving test.
3
There are certain things you must check on your car before the test
Credit: PA