Learning to drive in Kildare - All you need to know!

From the theory test, to lessons, to instructors, here's all you'll need ahead of your journey to becoming a licenced driver
Learning to drive and passing your driving test is a vitally important personal achievement, but getting behind the wheel for the first time can be daunting!

Between passing your theory test, completing 12 mandatory lessons and getting that much-needed practice in, the process to get driving can seem like a lot. For those that don't know where to start, we've got you covered. Here's all you need to know about learning to drive in Ireland -

Where do I need to go?
For those learning to drive in Kildare, driving in Naas will be essential.
The theory test centre can be found in the Naas Test Centre on the Sallins Road in Naas (W91 E3CE), and this will be your first visit on the path to securing your full licence.
After you've completed your theory test and your twelve Essential Driving Training (EDT) lessons, you will be once again heading to Naas to take your test at the Conference Centre at the Osprey Hotel & Spa, Devoy Quarter, Naas, (W91 X40K).

How long are the waiting times for driving tests?
Currently, the waiting time for driving tests in Co Kildare is currently at around five months, with those looking to book a driving test not expected to receive a test date until early January. Fear not however, this gives you plenty of time to practice! Lots of driving around Naas will give you the confidence to pass when the test date arrives.

Do I need an instructor?
While you will need a driving instructor for your twelve EDT lessons, it is also recommended that you book a few more with an instructor to get comfortable behind the wheel. Instructors are trained drivers who will give you all the advice you need, and can turn anyone into a confident driver by building good habits.
Instructors will also be able to provide a vehicle, but it is always advised that you get comfortable driving in the vehicle that you intend to take the driving test in, and instructors can also join you as a passenger in your own car.

What do I need to know about the lessons?
The twelve EDT lessons will teach you the rules of the road, the details about your vehicle and most importantly, how to drive! While it can seem daunting booking your first lesson, don't worry, as each lesson will progressively build your assurance at the wheel and help to mold you into a driver.
Particular EDT lessons will focus on night driving, steering, movements and more, so all you need to know will be covered. You will receive a log book from the RSA, which will be filled in by your instructor as you complete your 12 lessons.

It is always recommended to book a pre-test lesson in Naas too, as instructors will be able to show you many of the routes that testers will take you on!

What about L and N plates?
L plates must be displayed by learner drivers at all times when driving, while N plates must be displayed by drivers who have had their driving licence for less than two years.

Those caught not displaying the right plates could get 2 penalty points and an initial fixed charge fine of €120, which increases to €180 if not paid within 28 days.

If you are convicted in court, you could be fined a higher amount and will get 4 penalty points.

Tips on how to pass your driving and theory tests first time

Learning to drive is one of life’s most exciting moments, providing the gateway to freedom and the ability to go anywhere you want.

Here are our top tips and guide into how to pass your driving and theory test for the first time.

Take multiple mock theory tests online
Before you apply for a first-time learner permit in any category, you must complete and pass the driver theory test for that category.

The theory test checks your knowledge of topics such as: Rules of the Road, Risk perception, Eco-driving, Hazard awareness and Safe driving behaviour.

The test is computer-based and has been designed to be simple and intuitive to use. You will have a chance to take a practice session on the day before the actual test.

The best method to pass your theory test first time is to just keep practising over and over again.

Choose your instructor
Your driving instructor is a key person in your quest to pass the driving test. They have the skills and the knowledge to take a novice driver all the way through learning to drive and passing their test.

The six month rule and EDT
It is important to note that first-time learner permit holders (in certain categories) must wait six months after the date of issue of the particular licence category before they can sit their driving test. In the past, some people took the test shortly after getting their first learner permit and research has shown that the more practice and experience a person gets, the better a driver they become.

This is particularly important if you have added a licence category to your permit as it is the date the category was added that is relevant not the date that your permit was issued.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have checked your permit details and that you are eligible to sit the test.
If you have made a booking for a driving test and you are not eligible to sit the test, your driving test will not go ahead and you will lose your fee.

Essential Driver Training (EDT) is a training programme that car learner drivers have to complete. It involves 12 one-hour sessions with an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI), or six sessions if you're eligible for reduced EDT. You must hold a first-time learner permit for at least six months and complete all EDT sessions before you can take the driving test.

Take the driving test in your instructor’s car
It’ll be a real help if you can take your driving test in the car you have been having lessons in. The more you drive a particular car, the more comfortable, confident and at ease you are with it – something you will want on the day of your driving test as sometimes nerves can cause lots of silly mistakes.

Learn the test routes
Before your driving test, it’s a good idea to drive around some of the routes which could crop up during your actual test. While your instructor won’t be able to pick out the exact route you could do, they’ll know where testers tend to ask those under examination to drive to.

Learning all the routes will stand you in better stead when the examiner tells you where to go. There will be less chance of you getting lost and even though this won’t cause you to fail, it can make things more stressful than driving somewhere familiar.
You’ll know what the speed limits are, what junctions you’ll come across and where they might ask you to conduct any manoeuvres like an emergency stop or parallel park.

Learn the basics
Sometimes the simple things get overlooked when you’re trying to pass your test, but it’s these aspects which make the difference. Mirror checks, for instance, are a must-do on a driving test and it’s always worth over-emphasising them to make sure your driving test examiner has spotted you doing them.

Learn in different driving conditions
When learning to drive, you must get practice in different weather conditions, such as rain, wind and during the night as doing so will make you a more confident and better driver. You’ll get to know how your car behaves in different driving conditions and it gives you greater experience out on the road with other road users.

Don’t be afraid to ask the examiner a question or to repeat their instructions
During your driving test it is better to be safe than sorry and asking the examiner a question or repeating what their last instructions were won’t do you any harm. In fact, it might be the make or break of you passing your driving test.
If you mishear the examiner and don’t ask them to repeat what they said, it may make you panic and cause an error in your test which would cause an instant failure.

Practice makes perfect
The simplest thing to do is just practice. If you are fortunate enough to have your own car before you pass your test, when you’re not having lessons with an instructor you can head out to practice more but not on your own!

It is against the law for you to drive unaccompanied on a learner permit, and penalties apply if you are convicted of driving unaccompanied or you allow your vehicle to be driven by an unaccompanied learner driver.

Make sure you get a good balance of your personal car and your instructor’s car to keep your options open, depending on which vehicle you’re planning to do your test in.

Every car has a different clutch and biting point, as well as different brakes, power and even size differences, which can all cause you to drive in a different manner.

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Learning to drive in Kildare -  in association with:

Ballymotoring Driving School
* Instructor: Rilwan Bello 
* Areas: Kildare/Dublin
* Socials: Facebook
* Website: ballymotoring.com
* Phone: 0894769187

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Albert's Driving School Kildare

*Instructor: Albert Mulligan
*Areas: Kildare
*Website:Click here
*Phone: 0872781514 
*Email: alimulligan@gmail.com