Carrick on Shannon Test Centre
Government Offices, Shannon Lodge, Carrick on Shannon, N41 Y1X4
Carrick on Shannon test centre
Carrick on Shannon test centre is in the Government Offices at Shannon Lodge. This Leitrim town sits on the Shannon and the roads reflect a typical small Irish town with bridge crossings and narrow streets.
On test day at Carrick on Shannon
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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 Carrick on Shannon 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 Carrick on Shannon
Routes go through the town centre, across the Shannon bridge, and along the Boyle Road and Dublin Road. Expect small town driving with some open road sections.
Approximate route based on known test roads. Actual routes vary by tester.
Key roads on Carrick on Shannon test routes
Junctions to know
Main Street / Bridge Street junction, the heart of the town
Dublin Road roundabout on the town approach
Tricky spots at Carrick on Shannon
Carrick on Shannon is a small town on the River Shannon. Roads are narrow in the centre with a key bridge crossing. Approach roads are typical rural two-lane roads.
Shannon bridge crossing
Narrow bridge with pedestrians, especially in summer tourist season.
Main Street parking area
Cars reversing out of angle parking. Keep scanning.
Tips for passing at Carrick on Shannon
- Government Offices are at Shannon Lodge. Follow the signs from the town centre.
- Summer months bring tourist traffic and river cruiser visitors. Town gets busier.
- The bridge is a pinch point. Practice the approach.
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 Carrick on Shannon
Practice the actual test routes before your driving test. Our instructors know every road the examiners use at Carrick on Shannon.
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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 Carrick on Shannon?
Book a pretest lesson on the actual routes. Know the roads before test day.
Or call (01) 902 3100