Photo: Mike Bird / Pexels. Illustrative photograph.
In Ireland you bring your own car to the driving test, and if it is not right on the day, the test does not go ahead and you lose your €85 fee. This checklist covers everything the RSA requires of a category B test car as of November 2026. That includes the insurance certificate rule in force since 9 March 2026.
Key facts
- Since 9 March 2026 you must show a valid certificate of motor insurance proving you are insured to drive the test car. Digital versions are accepted.
- The car must display valid motor tax and insurance discs, plus an NCT disc where the car needs one.
- L plates go on the front and rear.
- Dashcams and any audio or video recording equipment must be removed, or switched off and not recording.
- A space saver spare fitted to the car is not accepted.
- A dashboard warning light showing a fault, before or during the test, may mean the test is not conducted or not completed. Get faults fixed before test day.
Does the car meet the category B standard?
The RSA sets minimum standards so you are tested in a vehicle that represents the whole licence category. For category B, the Rules of the Road describes it as a four-wheeled car or light van that:
- has a maximum authorised mass of no more than 3,500 kg
- carries no more than 8 passengers
- can reach at least 100 km/h
The RSA’s leaflet “Representative vehicles for your driving test” has the full detail. Check it if you are unsure whether your car qualifies.
Automatic cars: if you pass in an automatic, your licence is restricted to automatics (code 78 on the licence). The tester will record it and tell you before the test ends.
Paperwork and discs checklist
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Learner permit | Your current Irish learner permit for category B |
| Insurance certificate | Valid certificate showing you are insured to drive this car. If your name is not on it, also bring an email or letter on headed paper from the insurer confirming cover |
| Insurance disc | Valid displayed disc. The RSA tester procedures also accept an insurer-issued electronic disc printed in colour, in the required format, under the interim arrangements from 9 March 2026 |
| Motor tax disc | Valid and displayed |
| NCT disc | Valid, if the car is old enough to need an NCT |
| Roadworthiness statement | At the centre you read and sign a statement that the car is roadworthy and the insurance is in place and adequate |
For more on keeping a car legal, see tax, insurance and the NCT and learner driver insurance in Ireland.
A home-printed insurance disc must be in colour and meet the prescribed format, including a legible registration number (or fleet wording) and the white or green band. A certificate on a phone does not replace the displayed disc. The RSA’s tester procedures set out this interim acceptance; some public preparation pages still use the older “original disc” wording.
L plates: the exact rule
Front and rear, a rectangular plate showing a red letter L at least 15 cm high on a white background. See the six month rule and L plates.
Condition of the car
- Tyres: tread above the legal minimum of 1.6 mm, with no bulges, cuts or severe uneven wear. No space saver spare fitted.
- Lights: all working. Both rear brake lights must work or the test will not go ahead.
- Front passenger seat: securely mounted and adjustable, with a working seat belt and a head restraint to the manufacturer’s specification.
- Handbrake: in good working order.
- Wipers and washers: working, with washer fluid in the reservoir.
- Doors: in working order.
- Dashboard: no warning lights showing a malfunction.
- Recording devices: dashcam removed, or switched off and not recording.
Use vehicle safety checks in Ireland the week before.
The day before: 10 minute check
- Walk round with the lights, indicators and hazards on. Get someone to press the brake pedal.
- Check tyre tread and pressures.
- Top up the washer fluid.
- Check the tax, insurance and NCT discs are in date and on the windscreen.
- Pack the insurance certificate, plus the insurer’s letter if needed, and your learner permit. Even if you have a digital certificate, bring a printed copy as a precaution.
- Fit the L plates front and rear.
- Take down the dashcam.
- Arrange a qualified accompanying driver for the journey to the centre. See accompanying a learner driver.
Common questions
Can I use my parent’s car for the test?
Yes, if you are insured to drive it. If your name is not on the certificate, bring the certificate plus an email or headed letter from the insurer confirming you are covered.
Can I use my driving instructor’s car?
Yes, if it meets the same rules and you are insured to drive it on the test. Check this with your ADI.
Is a digital insurance certificate accepted?
Yes. The RSA’s current insurance help page accepts an original or copy of the certificate, including a digital version. If you are not named on it, bring the insurer’s email or headed letter confirming your cover as well. You can cover other people’s personal details while keeping the evidence of your own cover readable. A windscreen disc is still required and is a separate document. Keep a printed certificate backup if practical, so a flat battery or inaccessible file does not cause difficulty.
My car broke down before the test. Can I use another one?
Only if you are insured to drive the replacement. Get its insurance certificate, plus an insurer’s letter if you are not named, and check its discs, L plates and condition. Documents for your usual car do not carry over.
Can I do the test in an electric or automatic car?
Yes. Your full licence will be restricted to automatics (code 78).
What happens if a warning light comes on during the test?
The RSA says a warning light showing a malfunction or defect may mean the test is not completed, and the tester decides. Don’t gamble on it: have any fault fixed before your test, or use another car. If the test is stopped, get the repair done before you rebook.
Do I lose my fee if my car fails the checks?
Yes. A test cancelled because the car is not roadworthy, is missing the correct discs or L plates, or is not suitable means losing the fee.
Related: the Irish driving test explained, pre-test checks, booking the test. Back to learning to drive in Ireland.
Sources
- Road Safety Authority, “Prepare your car, light van and trailer for the driving test” (rsa.ie)
- Road Safety Authority, “Checklist for your practical driving test” (rsa.ie)
- Road Safety Authority, “New insurance rules for driving tests” (rsa.ie)
- Road Safety Authority, “Driving test terms and conditions”, insurance certificate wording as indexed (rsa.ie)
- RTÉ News, report on driving tests and insurance evidence, 26 March 2026 (rte.ie)
- Road Safety Authority, “Representative vehicles for your driving test” (rsa.ie)
- Road Safety Authority, “Standard procedures and requirements for conducting driving tests 2025” (rsa.ie)
- Road Safety Authority, “Rules of the Road”, Section 3 and Appendix 5 (Revision 5, hosted on garda.ie)
- RSA tester procedures, 20 February 2026, printed pages 8, 9 and 13 (rsa.ie)