If you fail the test

By the end of this topic you can

• You can use your result sheet to plan the practice you need
• You can reapply for a test through the MyRoadSafety portal
• You can explain how the new learner permit rules affect retakes
• You can explain the difference between a complaint and an appeal

What you need to know and understand

• If you fail, you do not have to repeat EDT, unless you have to restart the learning to drive process.
• You must still drive accompanied by someone who has held a full licence in the same category for at least two years.
• You can retake the test as many times as needed while you hold a valid learner permit.
• To get a third or fourth learner permit, you must have taken a driving test within the previous two years. A test that did not go ahead does not count.
• There is no fifth learner permit. After four permits or seven years, you restart: theory test, new first permit, all 12 EDT lessons, six-month wait and a driving test.
• Formal complaints about how a test was conducted must be made within three months of the test date.
• You can appeal a test result to the District Court under section 33 of the Road Traffic Act 1961; if the court finds the test was not properly conducted, it can direct a free retest.

The RSA's most common reasons for failing

• Not enough observation when moving off, at junctions, at roundabouts and changing lanes
• Failing to anticipate what other drivers will do
• Wrong road position on the straight, on bends, when turning and at roundabouts
• Not making enough progress at junctions, roundabouts and on the straight
• Poor use of mirrors and signals
• Not obeying signs, road markings and traffic lights
• Poor use of controls, excessive speed, not yielding, and weak reverse or turnabout

Getting back on track

1. Take a little time, then read the faults on your result with your ADI.
2. Agree which skills need work and book extra lessons if needed.
3. Practise those situations with your sponsor, including at night and in poor weather.
4. Reapply on the MyRoadSafety portal and wait for your booking invitation.
5. Check your learner permit expiry date so you sit the test before it runs out.

Complaints and appeals

If you are unhappy with how the test was conducted, you can make a formal complaint to the RSA using its online form. The RSA aims to reply within 20 working days. A test that did not go ahead because your documents or car did not meet the requirements is not grounds for complaint.

An appeal is a separate legal route through the District Court. The court looks at whether the test was conducted properly; it does not re-mark your driving.

Common mistakes

• Rebooking immediately without fixing the faults. Practise the weak areas first, but do not leave it so long that your permit expires.
• Driving alone after failing. You are still a learner and must be accompanied.
• Assuming a cancelled test counts towards renewing your permit. Only a test you actually took counts.
• Arguing with the tester on the day. Use the complaint or appeal routes instead.

Test yourself: If you fail the test

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Common Reasons for Failing the Irish Driving Test