I'm an Irish driving instructor and here's three situations when you should be using your handbrake during the test

The Irish Sun

08-05-2025

AN Irish driving instructor has revealed three situations when you should use your handbrake during the test.
Contrary to popular belief, learner
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@Vistadrivingschool is a popular driving instructor on TikTok
Credit: Social Media Collect
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And he revealed when you should use your handbrake during the test
Credit: Social Media Collect
@Vistadrivingschool is a popular driving instructor on
And he shared instances where drivers should use their handbrake.
To start, the driving instructor said one situation where you should use it is when you are far back at a
If you're waiting behind other cars and there is a long gap between you and the vehicle in front, it's a good idea to use the handbrake.
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This shows the examiner that the driver is aware of their surroundings, understands what's happening around them and is confident behind the wheel.
The driving instructor said: "So if you are like fourth or more in traffic there is no reason to keep your car engaged in a gear.
"What you should do is put the car into neutral and pull the handbrake up.
"This shows the tester that you're confident within your car controls - you know you're going to be waiting for a bit of time and you're aware of the traffic situation."
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Up next, the driving instructor said learner drivers should use their handbrake when they are stopped at a hill.
When a car is on a slope, there is a higher risk of it rolling backwards or forwards if the driver's foot slips off the
Gardaí and RSA measures aimed at driving crash deaths on Irish roads
This helps to keep the car steady and secure without worrying that it will move.
And it proves the driver knows how to control the car properly and is focused on
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The driving instructor said: "This could be a hill start, or this could just be that you are stopped at a brow of a hill - whether it's at a stop sign or in a housing estate.
"Although a lot of people do a hill start with just clutch control alone, I highly recommend to show them that you are using the handbrake because you know it's a safety feature and stops the car from rolling."
Lastly, the driving instructor revealed you should use your handbrake when the tester asks you to pull over and stop.
Even if the stop is only for a short time, using the handbrake shows that the driver is not relying only on the footbrake and understands how to keep the vehicle secure.
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It also shows that the driver is staying calm, following instructions carefully and thinking about
The driving instructor added: "When you do pull over and stop, what they want to see is you're putting the car into neutral and you're using the handbrake.
"And when they ask you to pull off again this is where you use your GOSHO technique - which is gear, observation, signal, handbrake and observation.
"This is the correct way to pull off from a stationary position."
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LICENCE STEPS
Meanwhile, another instructor has revealed what you must do in
Lara, known on TikTok as
And she shared the procedures in place to obtain a driving licence.
To start, the driving instructor said the first step you must take is completing the theory test.
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This test is designed to ensure learner
It is a computer-based exam consisting of 40 multiple-choice questions - and to pass drivers need to answer at least 35 correctly.
The theory test must be booked in advance, and you can do so online through the official
Lara said: "The theory test comprises of 40 questions of which you have to get at least 35 correct.
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"In order to prepare for that test, I would advise you to download the official RSA DTT app where you can take quizzes and familiarise yourself with all of the questions.
"This is the best way I think of preparing for your theory test."
After passing the test, the next step is to apply for a learner permit.
This is a provisional licence that allows you to begin learning to drive on
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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.
This is a mandatory training course for learner drivers in Ireland and is designed to teach you the core driving skills you need to become a
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It consists of 12 one-hour lessons, which must be given by an RSA Approved Driving Instructor.
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.