Driving Test on Automatic Cars in Ireland
With the increased popularity of electric and hybrids cars, some learner drivers are now happy to take their driving test on automatic cars. At the same time, it’s important to keep in mind that if you pass your test in an automatic car, you can only apply for a full driving license to drive an automatic car. If you later want to apply for a full driving licence for a manual car, you will have to pass a test in a manual vehicle before applying for a full license to drive it.
When taking a driving test on an automatic car in Ireland, here is what to keep in mind:
Progress
Keeping up with the speed limit when able to do so.
Moving out from junctions and roundabouts when safe to do so and not delaying for too long when not deemed necessary.
Positioning
Maintaining position to left to centre of the lane you’re driving in where applicable when driving on a straight lad.
When taking a left turn avoiding swinging wide and maintaining a position reasonable close to the kerb when necessary.
When taking right turns avoid cutting the corner and maintain position left to the centre of the road when waiting to take a right turn.
Choosing the appropriate lane on approach to roundabouts and maintaining that position where necessary.
Mirrors
Checking mirrors before either signalling left or right or on approach to roundabouts when necessary.
Indicating when overtaking a hazard such as a cyclist, obstruction on the road or where you feel you are going to cross the line in the middle of the road.
Vehicle Control
Driving with adequate control of the accelerator and brake maintaining smoothness of both controls.
Applying the handbrake when necessary on hills and if a pause becomes a wait. For example in a queue of traffic.
Observation
Carrying out effective observation where necessary:
On approach to roundabouts looking to see if safe to go if clear.
Before emerging from a T junction, scanning in both directions that it’s safe to go.
Just before moving off from the kerb. For example, when moving off doing the hill start after you do the left reverse. Check mirrors, signal right, check blind spot over right shoulder.
Turnabout/3 point turn
Carrying out effective observation before and during the manoeuvre.
Doing the manoeuvre with adequate control of the brake and accelerator when necessary.
Left reverse
Reversing back with mostly looking back in the direction of travel looking forward every car length or so.
You can adjust your left mirror for this manoeuvre to see the kerb but don’t over rely on it doing the manoeuvre.
Reversing the car back at a slow walking pace. The examiner isn’t looking for speed. They are looking for control of the car and effective observation when necessary.
When you’ve finished the manoeuvre stopping within half a metre from the kerb.