Donegal Test Centre
Donegal Public Service Centre, Drumlonagher, Dongeal, F94 DK6C
Donegal test centre
Donegal town test centre is at the Public Service Centre in Drumlonagher. The town sits at the head of Donegal Bay with a compact centre and winding approach roads.
On test day at Donegal
-
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.
-
Rules of the Road questions
The examiner asks you questions on the Rules of the Road before you go outside.
-
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.
-
The drive (about 40 minutes)
A route around Donegal covering left and right turns, roundabouts, traffic lights, and two manoeuvres from: reverse around a corner, turnabout, or hill start.
-
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 Donegal
Routes cover the town centre, the Diamond area, and approach roads towards Killybegs and Ballyshannon. Expect narrow streets and some hill work.
Approximate route based on known test roads. Actual routes vary by tester.
Key roads on Donegal test routes
Junctions to know
The Diamond, Donegal's central crossroads, busy with through traffic
Killybegs Road junction on the town approach
Tricky spots at Donegal
Donegal town has a compact centre around The Diamond and narrow streets. Approach roads are winding and can be narrow. The bay and hills shape the road layout.
The Diamond
Central crossroads with traffic from four directions. Timing your entry is key.
Narrow approach roads
Regional roads approaching Donegal are narrow with tight bends.
Tips for passing at Donegal
- The Public Service Centre is in Drumlonagher. Signposted from the town centre.
- The Diamond is the centre of town. Know the traffic flow through it.
- Tourist season brings campervans and slow traffic on approach roads.
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 Donegal
Practice the actual test routes before your driving test. Our instructors know every road the examiners use at Donegal.
4.7 stars from 814+ reviews
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 Donegal?
Book a pretest lesson on the actual routes. Know the roads before test day.
Or call (01) 902 3100