What documents do I need for my driving test at Kilkenny (Government Buildings)?

You need your learner permit, theory test certificate, appointment confirmation, and from March 2026, a valid motor insurance certificate for the test vehicle. If your name is not on the certificate, bring a letter from your insurer.

How long is the driving test at Kilkenny (Government Buildings)?

The driving test takes about 40 minutes on the road, plus time for Rules of the Road questions and vehicle technical checks at the start. Allow about 1 hour total.

How much do pretest lessons at Kilkenny (Government Buildings) cost?

A manual pretest lesson at Kilkenny (Government Buildings) costs €183.63 and includes car hire for the test. Automatic pretest is €193.81.

Kilkenny (Government Buildings) Test Centre

Centre Details

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.

Address

Government Offices, Hebron Road, Kilkenny

R95 WV59

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday: 8:30am to 4:30pm

Closed weekends and bank holidays

Directions

Open in Google Maps →

Arrival

Government Offices are on Hebron Road. Free parking on site. Arrive 20 minutes early.

What to Expect

On test day at Kilkenny (Government Buildings)

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 Kilkenny (Government Buildings) 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.

Kilkenny (Government Buildings) Test Routes

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

Hebron Road Ring Road Castlecomer Road Dublin Road John Street High Street

Junctions to know

Hebron Road / Ring Road roundabout

John Street / High Street junction in the city centre

Watch Out

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.

Local Tips

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.

The Driving Test

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.

Kilkenny (Government Buildings) Pretest

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).

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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