RSA Tallaght Driving Test Routes
The Tallaght Driving Test Centre is located on Broomhill Road, just off Airton Road and Greenhills Road. It is one of the busiest test centres in Ireland. At peak times, up to 10 driving tests can take place at once.
The most recent figures released by the RSA show a pass rate of 48.33%. This figure is similar to other driving test centres across Dublin.
Entering the Car Park
As you enter the Tallaght Driving Test Centre car park (see photo above), slow right down. When you reach the hedge, be prepared to stop. Carefully check both directions before turning left.
Pedestrians and Tight Spaces
This area is narrow and busy. Many pedestrians walk between parked cars, so drive slowly and stay alert at all times.
Parking Before Your Test
Before your test, reverse into a parking space if possible. This makes it easier to move off when your test begins. If you can, leave the first five spaces free. These spaces are best kept for drivers returning from their test, as they allow you to drive straight in.
Parking at the End of the Test
At the end of your test, drive straight into a space — reversing is not required. If the car is not positioned correctly, reverse and adjust as needed. Remember to use clear and careful observation at all times.
Tallaght Driving Test Routes
Common Features on the Route
The Tallaght driving test route includes several features that often catch learners out. The main ones are speed bumps, schools, hatch markings, and roundabouts, so it’s important to be confident handling each of these.
How to Approach Speed Bumps
Speed bumps are treated as hazards during the test. Each time you approach one, check your mirrors, slow down early, and then smoothly build your speed back up afterwards. Depending on the size of the bump and how your car responds, 2nd or 3rd gear is usually best — never 4th.
Slow down gently as you approach the bump. Ease off the brake a few metres beforehand, let the car roll over smoothly, and begin accelerating again once you are clear. If the bumps are spaced far apart, you may briefly move into a higher gear before changing back when required. Hitting speed bumps too fast is one of the most common Grade 2 faults on the Tallaght test route.
School Traffic on the Tallaght Test Routes
Driving Near Schools
There are several schools along the route, so extra care is required, particularly during opening and closing times. Always be alert for children stepping out unexpectedly and be ready to reduce your speed.
Lane Changes and Observation
Lane changes are another area where learners often lose marks. Make sure you correctly follow the Mirror, Signal, Position, Speed, Look routine. Check your mirrors early, signal in good time, position the car correctly, and take a final glance at your blind spot just before moving.
Hatch Markings and Turning Right Near Tallaght Village
Right Turns Near Tallaght Village
Turning right near Tallaght Village, particularly onto Greenhills Road, frequently causes difficulties for learners. A right-turn lane is provided, but it often becomes congested.
Using Hatch Markings Correctly
Do not drive through hatch markings unless road markings clearly allow it. Entering them incorrectly can result in a Grade 2 fault.
Following the Rules of the Road
You will never receive a fault for following the Rules of the Road. Move into the right-hand lane only when permitted, usually after the directional arrow. Where possible, keep right to clearly show your intention. This also allows traffic travelling straight or turning left towards the N81 to pass safely.
Jump to -
The Test Routes App has 8 separate driving test routes for Tallaghat. The App can be downloaded for free from the Playstore or iOS.
How to use the Testroutes app ?
STEP 1 :
Download the App onto your mobile phone
STEP 4 :
At the Test Centre select a Route
STEP 2 :
Register your details and Driving Test Centre
STEP 5 :
Follow all directions to complete the route
STEP 3 :
Unlock the Routes
STEP 6 :
Repeat for all remaining routes
If you have any questions about using the App please email [email protected] and we will try and help as soon as possible.
Driving Test waiting times for RSA Tallaght Driving Test Centre
The current waiting time for the driving test at Tallaght Driving Test Centre is 22 Weeks. The average waiting time nationally for the driving test is 15 weeks. The waiting times for both Ballina and Tallaght are 9 weeks. This means if you log into your MyRoadSafety Account and change your Test Centre to Ballina or Tallaght you will receive the invitation to book the driving test much sooner. If you have already been waiting for over 10 weeks you will get an email from the RSA within the next few days.
Once you receive the invitation to book your driving test you can change the location back to your preferred location. In the example above they were able to select Naas from the drop down menu and get a date within 12 weeks as opposed to 9 months which is the standard waiting time at Naas.
To Pass your Driving test in Tallaght you need to complete 12 stages:
When is the best day or time to pass the driving test in Tallaght ?
- Apply for and pass your Theory Test
- Apply for your Learners permit with the NDLS
- Upon receipt of the Learners Permit book driving lessons with an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI)
- Complete 12 EDT Driving Lessons as a minimum
- After agreement from your ADI apply for the driving test
- Get familiar with the Driving Test Route by using The Test Routes App
- Take Pretest Driving Lessons
- Learn all the Road Signs, Questions and Technical Checks
- Watch Youtube videos for the driving in general and Tallaght Test Centre in particular.
- After receiving an email from the RSA choose a suitable day/time for your test
- On the day, turn up at least 15 minutes early and await a phone call from the tester.
- Driving normally on the day and don’t drive differently just because its a driving test.
There are times of the day when the traffic around Tallaght is lighter. Generally speaking, Mondays and Fridays are busier than Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays and morning times are quieter than afternoons. The busiest time for driving tests in Tallaght is Friday afternoon so it is best to avoid choosing this time if possible. If you have an option of between 9:15-11:55am Tuesday to Thursday or the very rare Saturday morning slots then snap it up while you can.
After you receive the email from the RSA and go to choose a Test time it will only give options for 3 days. If neither the times or dates or suitable simply come back the next day and the options will have moved on a day. If you log on early in the morning you will have the best choice available. But don’t worry – If you are good enough to pass the day or time won’t make any difference!
Where do testers bring you on the Tallaght test route?
Where is the Hill Start done on the Tallaght Driving Test Route?
The Tester can bring you anywhere within a 5km radius of the driving test centre. The best way to familiarise yourself with the test route area is to book Pre Test Driving Lessons or to download the Test Routes App.
These are most commonly done in Kilnamanagh, Redwood or Tymon North but there are other less well known places the tester can bring you. The Test Route App will have a complete updated list of the most common places used.
Where is the reverse around the corner done on the Tallaght Test Route?
How long is the driving test in Tallaght ?
These are most commonly done in Whitestown estate but there are other less well known places the tester can bring you. The Test Route App will have a complete updated list of the most common places used.
The driving test is a minimum of 7.5km and 25minutes long. Normally the driving part of the test will take 30-35 minutes.
Can I change the date/time of my driving test in Tallaght ?
What is the format of the driving test in Tallaght ?
If your test is more than 10 days away you can change the time and date of the test for free. If it is under 10 days you will lose your fee if you need to cancel unless you have covid, in which case you can cancel and reschedule for free.
1: Enter the waiting room 15 minutes before your test starts.
2: Inside the Test Centre answer some questions including 12 Road Signs and 12 questions on the Rules of the Road.
3: Go to the car and do the under bonnet checks
4: Tester will check the insurance disc, tax, NCT, brake lights and indicators.
5: Inside the car do the Technical checks and hand signals.
6: Drive for 30-35 Minutes which includes a reverse around the corner, hill start and turnabout.
7: Return to the Test Centre and after being seated receive the result.
