Buncrana Test Centre
Dept of Social and Family Affairs, McCarter's Road, Ardaravan, Buncrana, F93 KVY6
Buncrana test centre
Buncrana test centre is in the Department of Social and Family Affairs building on McCarter's Road. This is Inishowen peninsula, where the roads have their own character.
On test day at Buncrana
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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 Buncrana 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 Buncrana
Routes go through Buncrana town and out along the coastal road towards Fahan. Some routes include the Derry road approach. Expect narrow roads with occasional tight bends.
Approximate route based on known test roads. Actual routes vary by tester.
Key roads on Buncrana test routes
Junctions to know
Main Street / Cockhill Road junction, busy town centre
Shore Front / Westbrook Road, tight bend near the coast
Tricky spots at Buncrana
Buncrana is a coastal town on the Inishowen peninsula in Donegal. Roads are hilly, winding, and can be exposed to Atlantic weather. Town centre streets are narrow.
Buncrana Main Street
Narrow street with angle parking and delivery trucks. Patience needed.
Cockhill Road bends
Tight bends on a hill with limited visibility. Gear selection matters.
Tips for passing at Buncrana
- The centre is in the government building on McCarter's Road. Parking available on site.
- Buncrana roads are hilly with tight bends. Get comfortable with hill starts.
- Weather off the Atlantic affects road conditions. Allow for wind and rain.
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 Buncrana
Practice the actual test routes before your driving test. Our instructors know every road the examiners use at Buncrana.
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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 Buncrana?
Book a pretest lesson on the actual routes. Know the roads before test day.
Or call (01) 902 3100