Test Day Checklist Ireland — Documents, Car & What to Bring

Valid Learner Permit — in date on the day of your test Check the expiry on the back of your permit. DO NOT forget to bring it into the test centre office.

NEW 2026

Original or printed copy of your Motor Insurance Certificate ★ NEW RULE — March 2026 Must show you are insured to drive the vehicle. Digital phone copies are NOT accepted — bring paper.

NEW 2026

If NOT named on the insurance cert — also bring a letter or email (on headed paper) from your insurer confirming you are covered to drive this vehicle The tester will view and return all documents. Names of others can be redacted.

Road Tax disc — valid & in date, displayed on windscreen

NCT disc — valid & in date, displayed on windscreen Check the small print for the exact expiry date — not just the month.

Insurance disc — white background with green stripe, visible on windscreen Check small print for exact date of expiry.

L-Plates — clearly visible front and back (magnetic L-plates are fine) Red L on white background, min. 15 cm high with 2 cm border.

Number plates — front and back, clean and readable

No cracks in the windscreen that obstruct your view

No external damage protruding from the car Cosmetic dents are OK — nothing sharp or sticking out.

All tyres — check for damage, cuts or chunks of rubber missing (strict)

All tyres — good tread depth (not worn down)

All tyres — all wheel nuts / lock nuts present

No spare or temporary wheels fitted

All bulbs and lights working — dipped, full beam, DRL, fog

Brake lights working (not blown) Ask someone to check while you press the pedal.

Indicator lights working — all four corners

Front and rear wipers working properly

Car externally clean including all glass and windows

Engine oil — check dipstick, level between MIN and MAX

Coolant — check reservoir level (cold engine only)

Brake fluid — check reservoir level under bonnet

Windscreen washer fluid — mix solution with water, not just water

No warning lights on the dashboard when the engine is running "Service Due" notification is OK — all other warning lights should be off.

Mirrors — clean and clear, internal and both externals

Car internally clean — no rubbish or clutter

No smell of cigarette smoke or nicotine inside the car

No dash cam fitted Examiner may ask you to remove it.

Minimise wires — no chargers, GPS leads or aux cords visible

Primary controls working — pedals, steering, handbrake

Secondary controls working — wipers, lights, horn, windows

Enough fuel — at least ¼ tank minimum

No modifications that are illegal or not covered by insurance

KEY

Learner Permit — bring into the test centre office (DO NOT leave in the car) Must be valid and in date on the day — check the expiry date on the back.

NEW 2026

Motor Insurance Certificate — physical original or printed copy ★ NEW RULE 2026 Phone/digital screenshots NOT accepted. If not named on cert, also bring a headed letter or email from your insurer confirming cover for this vehicle.

Arrive early — park up and be in the waiting room 15 minutes before your test

Bring the car key — and confirm you are insured to drive that specific vehicle

Lock the car before entering the test centre — unlock when you come back out

Glasses — if you need them to drive, bring them

Phone — turn off or put on silent, do not connect via Bluetooth

State of mind — well rested, not tired, angry or emotional Tiredness and stress directly affect your driving — get a good night's sleep.

Revise your road signs and Rules of the Road before the test

Know your car registration number (not critical but helpful)

Test Day Checklist

Top 10 Reasons for Failing the Driving Test