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RSA Test Centre

Carlow Test Centre

Church Street, Graiguecullen, R93 T3H1

Carlow test centre

Carlow test centre is on Church Street in Graiguecullen, just across the River Barrow from Carlow town centre. It is a busy market town with a mix of old streets and newer ring road sections.

Address
Church Street, Graiguecullen
R93 T3H1
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday: 8:30am to 4:30pm
Closed weekends and bank holidays
Arrival
The centre is on Church Street in Graiguecullen. Street parking available. Arrive 20 minutes early.

On test day at Carlow

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 Carlow 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.

Roads you will drive at Carlow

Routes cross the Barrow into Carlow town, head along the Dublin Road and Tullow Road, and into residential estates. The Graiguecullen side has its own set of residential streets.

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

Key roads on Carlow test routes

Church Street Tullow Street Dublin Road Athy Road Green Lane Strawhall

Junctions to know

Graiguecullen Bridge junction, narrow bridge with heavy traffic
Tullow Street / Dublin Road junction in the town centre

Tricky spots at Carlow

Carlow is a compact town straddling the River Barrow. The centre has narrow streets, and the approach roads are typical regional town two-lane roads.

Graiguecullen Bridge

Narrow bridge with traffic lights. Stopping and starting on the bridge slope catches people.

Carlow town centre

One-way streets and busy pedestrian crossings. Know the layout.

Tips for passing at Carlow

Church Street is on the Graiguecullen (Laois) side of the River Barrow.
The bridge crossing is on most routes. Practice the approach from both sides.
Carlow IT campus means lots of student pedestrians. Stay alert around college times.

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.

Pretest lessons for Carlow

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

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 Carlow?

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