Start driving!

How to get a driving licence.

It’s not easy. You have to sit a test and prove to the state that you’re worthy of a little certificate saying that you’re able to operate a ‘mechanically propelled vehicle in a competent manner’.

That sounds so much cooler than just ‘being able to drive a car’ doesn’t it?! But anyway, back to the point, about how to deal with a test.

• First, you’ll need your provisional licence (pick up a form in the post office). This allows you out on the road to learn to drive, as long as you have a qualified driver with you.
• You’ll need to take a theory test BEFORE you can get a first provisional licence. Find out all about it here.
• At 17 you can get a provisional licence and at 18 you can get a full licence.
• Most people learn to drive from a family member but, apart from possibly causing arguments with your Dad over braking distances, chances are, you’ll pick up your family’s bad driving habits, something you don’t want in a test.
• So, it may be wise to get some driving lessons. Driving instructors and schools are qualified and registered teachers, and no mistake about it, they WILL get rid of any bad habits you have.
• Most people will need 10 to 20 driving lessons, or more, before they’re ready to sit their test.
• Currently, lessons cost between €20 and €30 per lesson, so they’re not cheap but are certainly useful for developing your driving style and getting essential experience on the road.
• The next step is applying for your test. There’s a BIG waiting list, at least 6 months or more between application and actual test.
• Check out the Department of Transport, it gives figures on waiting times and pass rates for every driving test centre around the country.
• The test itself is a big day and it’s seriously hard on the nerves! It might help to settle you if you arrange to have a driving lesson with your instructor that morning.
• The first part of the test is being asked a few general questions about driving. They’re completely random questions, whatever’s in the testers head at the time, anything from what should you do when driving in snow to what to do when a kid runs out in front of the car (correct answer: brake!). Answer quickly, and don’t ramble! Provided you’ve read the Rules of the Road, and don’t endorse running over people, you’ll be grand and ready to head to the car. The instructor will tell you that he / she isn’t allowed to talk to you during the test, except for instructions. These are normally clear, and short, but you are allowed to ask for clarification if you’re not sure what you’re being asked to do.
• The route the tester directs you along is designed to put you in as many driving situations as possible, to see how you react and cope with real traffic, and to examine your ability to manoeuvre the car (3 point turns, reverse turns and that).
• All the time, the tester will be keeping a VERY close watch on you. It can be scary, but this is the only way to do the test properly and fairly, so keep calm, they’re only doing their job, not trying to freak you out!
• The whole thing lasts about 40 minutes and when you get back to centre, you’ll be told straightaway whether you’ve passed or not.
  If you fail, they’ll tell you exactly where you went wrong, so you can work on it for next time, don’t take it too badly, it’s upsetting (I failed first time!) but just concentrate on the faults.
• It’s worth it in the end! If you pass, you’ll get your certificate, and off you go to get your licence!

Check out the Department of Transport website for lots more info on getting your driving license.

By: Andrew Gibbons

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