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RSA Test Centre

Athlone Test Centre

McCormacks Shopping Centre, Dublin Road, Athlone, N37 Y0X8

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Centre Details

Athlone test centre

Athlone test centre is based in McCormacks Shopping Centre on the Dublin Road. The centre sits in the heart of the midlands, where traffic is generally calmer than Dublin but the town centre can surprise you.

Address
McCormacks Shopping Centre, Dublin Road, Athlone
N37 Y0X8
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday: 8:30am to 4:30pm
Closed weekends and bank holidays
Arrival
McCormacks Shopping Centre is on the Dublin Road. Plenty of free parking. The test centre is inside the shopping centre building. Arrive 20 minutes early.
What to Expect

On test day at Athlone

1
Arrive early with documents
Bring your learner permit, theory test certificate, appointment confirmation, and your motor insurance certificate. From March 2026, proof of insurance for the test vehicle is mandatory.
2
Rules of the Road questions
The examiner asks you questions on the Rules of the Road before you go outside.
3
Technical checks on your vehicle
You demonstrate checks on tyres, lights, reflectors, indicators, oil, coolant, steering, windscreen washer fluid, and brakes. You may need to open the bonnet.
4
The drive (about 40 minutes)
A route around Athlone covering left and right turns, roundabouts, traffic lights, and two manoeuvres from: reverse around a corner, turnabout, or hill start.
5
Results
Pass and you get a Certificate of Competency (valid 2 years) to apply for your full licence. Fail and you get a detailed fault breakdown. You can reapply after 10 weeks.
Athlone Test Routes

Roads you will drive at Athlone

Routes head through Athlone town centre, across the Shannon bridge, and into estates on the Dublin Road side. Some routes include the bypass approaches and the Roscommon Road.

Approximate route based on known test roads. Actual routes vary by tester.

Key roads on Athlone test routes

Dublin Road Church Street Roscommon Road Grace Road Retreat Road Coosan Road

Junctions to know

Dublin Road / Shopping Centre junction, busy with retail traffic
Shannon Bridge approach, narrow with traffic signals
Watch Out

Tricky spots at Athlone

Athlone is a midlands town bisected by the River Shannon. The roads include a busy town centre with a one-way system, quieter residential estates, and approach roads from the N6.

Shannon Bridge

Narrow bridge with pedestrians. Traffic signals can be confusing with the one-way system.

Town centre one-way system

Easy to end up in the wrong lane if you do not know the layout.

Local Tips

Tips for passing at Athlone

✓
Park in McCormacks Shopping Centre car park. Free and easy access.
✓
Practice the one-way system in the town centre before test day.
✓
The Shannon bridge crossing is almost guaranteed on your route. Know the approach.
✓
Athlone has a lot of school traffic. Mornings and early afternoon are busiest.
The Driving Test

What you need to know

New insurance rule (March 2026)

From 9 March 2026, you must show a valid motor insurance certificate for the vehicle you are using for the test. If your name is not on the certificate, bring an email or letter from your insurer confirming you are covered. No certificate, no test.

Test fee

The driving test costs €85 for cars, motorcycles, and work vehicles. Apply online at MyRoadSafety on rsa.ie. You need a debit or credit card and a valid email.

Before you can sit the test
  • Complete all 12 EDT lessons with an RSA Approved Driving Instructor
  • Hold your learner permit for at least 6 months
  • Have a vehicle with valid tax, insurance, NCT (if applicable), L plates, and an extra rear-view mirror for the examiner
Skills tested during the drive

You will be assessed on:

Road positioning Overtaking and passing Anticipation and observation Mirror use and signals Progress and speed Traffic light compliance Road signs and markings Vehicle controls (accelerator, clutch, gears, brakes, steering)
Technical checks

At your vehicle, the examiner will ask you to demonstrate checks on: tyres, lights, reflectors, indicators, oil level, coolant, steering, windscreen washer fluid, and brakes. You may need to open the bonnet and close it securely.

Cancellation

Give at least 10 days notice to cancel and get a refund of your €85 fee. Cancel online through rsa.ie.

Athlone Pretest

Pretest lessons for Athlone

Practice the actual test routes before your driving test. Our instructors know every road the examiners use at Athlone.

Manual Pretest
€183.63
1 hour lesson + car hire for test
Automatic Pretest
€193.81
1 hour lesson + car hire for test
EDT Package
€587.95
12 lessons (€49/lesson)

Just starting out?

Not ready for the test yet? Our 12-lesson EDT package covers everything from scratch. Manual lessons from €49/lesson, automatic from €54.94/lesson.

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Taking your test at Athlone?

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