Cavan Test Centre
C/O Cavan Crystal Hotel, Dublin Road, Cavan, H12 P6E5
Cavan test centre
Cavan test centre operates from the Cavan Crystal Hotel on the Dublin Road. Cavan town is hilly, which adds an extra challenge to the driving test.
On test day at Cavan
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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 Cavan 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 Cavan
Routes go through Cavan town centre, along the Dublin Road and Kilmore Road, and into surrounding estates. Hill starts are a common feature.
Approximate route based on known test roads. Actual routes vary by tester.
Key roads on Cavan test routes
Junctions to know
Main Street / Farnham Street junction, steep intersection
Dublin Road / hotel entrance, turning across traffic
Tricky spots at Cavan
Cavan town is built on hills with a compact centre. Roads rise and fall constantly. The approach roads from Dublin and Kilmore are typical national secondary roads.
Farnham Street hill
Steep gradient through the town centre. Hill starts at junctions are almost guaranteed.
Main Street Cavan
Narrow with on-street parking and heavy foot traffic.
Tips for passing at Cavan
- The Cavan Crystal Hotel is on the Dublin Road. Free parking in the hotel car park.
- Cavan is hilly. Practice hill starts on gradients, especially with a junction at the top.
- The town centre has changed with recent developments. Make sure you know the current road layout.
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 Cavan
Practice the actual test routes before your driving test. Our instructors know every road the examiners use at Cavan.
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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 Cavan?
Book a pretest lesson on the actual routes. Know the roads before test day.
Or call (01) 902 3100