Birr Test Centre
The Courtyard Office Centre, Emmet Street, Birr, R42 K528
Birr test centre
Birr test centre operates from The Courtyard Office Centre on Emmet Street in the heart of this Offaly heritage town.
On test day at Birr
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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.
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Rules of the Road questions
The examiner asks you questions on the Rules of the Road before you go outside.
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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.
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The drive (about 40 minutes)
A route around Birr covering left and right turns, roundabouts, traffic lights, and two manoeuvres from: reverse around a corner, turnabout, or hill start.
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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.
Roads you will drive at Birr
Routes go through Birr town centre and out along the Roscrea Road and Banagher Road. Expect narrow Georgian streets and some open road driving.
Approximate route based on known test roads. Actual routes vary by tester.
Key roads on Birr test routes
Junctions to know
Emmet Street / Main Street junction, tight town centre crossroads
Roscrea Road approach, speed transitions
Tricky spots at Birr
Birr is a small heritage town with wide Georgian squares and narrow side streets. The approach roads are typical midlands two-lane roads with good surfaces.
Main Street Birr
Georgian street with on-street parking on both sides. Very narrow effective road width.
Emmet Square
The central square has multiple exits. Lane positioning matters.
Tips for passing at Birr
- The Courtyard Office Centre is on Emmet Street, easy to find in the town centre.
- Birr has beautiful but narrow Georgian streets. Practice driving through them.
- Market days increase traffic and reduce parking spaces in the centre.
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:
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.
Pretest lessons for Birr
Practice the actual test routes before your driving test. Our instructors know every road the examiners use at Birr.
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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.
View EDT lesson packagesTaking your test at Birr?
Book a pretest lesson on the actual routes. Know the roads before test day.
Or call (01) 902 3100