Kilkenny (Government Buildings) Test Centre
Government Offices, Hebron Road, Kilkenny, R95 WV59
Kilkenny (Government Buildings) test centre
Kilkenny test centre is at the Government Offices on Hebron Road. The medieval city has narrow streets, river crossings, and a busy commercial centre.
On test day at Kilkenny (Government Buildings)
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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 Kilkenny (Government Buildings) 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 Kilkenny (Government Buildings)
Routes go through Kilkenny city centre, along the ring road, and into residential areas. The Castlecomer Road, Dublin Road, and Hebron Road are common test roads.
Approximate route based on known test roads. Actual routes vary by tester.
Key roads on Kilkenny (Government Buildings) test routes
Junctions to know
Hebron Road / Ring Road roundabout
John Street / High Street junction in the city centre
Tricky spots at Kilkenny (Government Buildings)
Kilkenny is a compact medieval city with narrow streets, a ring road system, and river crossings. The city centre is busy with tourists and commercial traffic.
Kilkenny city centre
Medieval streets are narrow with heavy pedestrian traffic around the Castle area.
Ring road roundabouts
Busy with commuter traffic. Multiple exits close together.
Tips for passing at Kilkenny (Government Buildings)
- Government Offices on Hebron Road. Parking on site.
- Kilkenny's medieval streets are one-way in places. Know the flow.
- The Parade area near the Castle is very busy with tourists. Watch for jaywalkers.
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 Kilkenny (Government Buildings)
Practice the actual test routes before your driving test. Our instructors know every road the examiners use at Kilkenny (Government Buildings).
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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 Kilkenny (Government Buildings)?
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